Walking in the woods has been shown to reduce stress, increase immunity, lower blood pressure, and heal from disease or trauma. Just imagine the benefits of tree-hugging! This practice involves immersing oneself in nature while deliberately engaging all five senses. By doing this, you will gain many health advantages to the human physiological and psychological systems.
So, should we practice hugging trees more often? In this article, you’ll learn more about the benefits of tree-hugging. You will also discover what occurs when you hug a tree, as well as additional tree-related activities, resources, and studies.
Trees Hugging as a Nature Therapy
According to the definition, nature therapy is a combination of behaviors. They aim at obtaining “preventive medicinal benefits” by exposure to natural stimuli. These stimuli render a state of physiological relaxation and strengthen immune functions. This method has been proven to prevent many modern illnesses.
Mental relaxation can have therapeutic benefits for those having cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The main benefits of tree-hugging include coronary artery disease, mood disorders, and stress. Nature also elicits awe in humans, encouraging them to be more grateful and selfless. Isn’t that what most modern humans want?
Trees Enhance Happiness And the Human Brain
People who live in green areas are more energized, have better health, and experience a greater sense of purpose in life. Current scientific results are highlighting what we already know: nature enhances the human brain. Increased happiness, health, well-being, and cognition are evidence of this.
Cyrus the Great, 2,500 years ago, built beautiful green gardens in Persia’s capital. They are said to improve human health and generate a sense of “calm” in this busy metropolis. If you have a memorial tree in your backyard, give it a hug now and receive the wonderful benefits.
The Connection Between Humans and Trees
In Western societies, healthcare experts may soon dig deeper into this natural treatment approach. This can boost illness prevention and heal some current ailments. Researchers and practitioners are eager to look at how humans developed. This is thanks to the advancement and development of modern medicine
Energy affects all beings. Try to consider how much time our species has spent in nature vs in urban settings. It’s no surprise that some people wish to return to where human functions started and were organically maintained. Humans have an innate biological affinity to nature, which is critical to our growth.
We believe that being labeled as a “tree hugger” is not an insult but a sign that we are in touch with the natural world.
We live in a world where many try to categorize us, separate us, and preach to us about the need of protecting the earth. Despite this, they continue to profit from the exploitation of our natural resources.
“You are a living energy field. Every human being is made of energy-producing particles. And all of these particles move constantly. Because of this, you are moving, changing, and making new energy every moment, like everything else in the universe.”
Source: Healthline
We have a greater grasp of our role in the world when we realize that everything is energy.
This means that the same energy that passes through humans also travels through all living things, including plants and trees. So, when you hug a tree, you are connecting with it through its energy frequency. The same frequency that pervades your body.
The Effect of Tree Hugging
When you hug a tree, oxytocin is released, which is known as the hormone of love, trust, and all the warm and fuzzy feelings. This is one of the most effective benefits of tree-hugging known to date.
Consider how it feels to embrace another person… Isn’t it wonderful?! And we’re not saying you can substitute human hugs with tree hugs. We are implying that trees are living beings as well. And who knows, it can be a lovely experience.
The Practice Of Shinrin Yoku (森林浴) ‘Forest Bathing’
Forest bathing is a Japanese tradition beneficial to both physical and emotional health
The term Shinrin Yoku translates to “Forest Bathing.” It refers to the act of soaking in nature for therapeutic purposes. Forest bathing is a Japanese tradition that dates back to the 1980s and is now practiced all over the world.
Shinrin Yoku is a Japanese ritual that benefits both physical and emotional health. The method can lower blood pressure and heart rate, speed up recovery and increase the immune system. Besides, it reduces stress hormone production, promotes positive emotions, and frees up creativity.
Source: Forest Holidays
Hugging Meditation
Thich Nhat Hanh, a prominent Zen Buddhist teacher, created a hugging meditation practice in the late 1960s. It incorporates the essential Zen ideas of interconnection and inter-being. Hugging with mindfulness, he discovered, may offer reconciliation, healing, understanding, and enjoyment.
“Every time you hug, you remove every ounce of fear, worry, and negativity out of your spirit. It leaves you with nothing but warmth, inner peace, and a sense of connection,” says Dr. Stone Kraushaar, Ph.D.
According to Dr. Stone, we should hug a tree for at least 21 seconds. Why? That is when oxytocin (the feel-good hormone) is produced in our bodies. This compound helps enhance the immune system, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and more.
But it’s not just about the number; it’s also about the flow and losing yourself in the moment. Hugging a loved one, a pet, or even a tree in a meditative manner may make us feel happier, calmer, and more connected.
Summary
Don’t hesitate to hug a tree! We hope our advice has given you a better understanding of the advantages of doing so. It’s an effective way to reconnect with nature and the roots that many of us humans seem to have lost.
As you can see, the benefits of tree-hugging are immense. It is considered a part of the excellent health and healing process too. If I were writing your prescription, I’d tell you to go outside and hug a tree right at this moment. I bet it’ll hug you back!
