Description
Ecotherapy: Evidence-Based Clinical Benefits of Time in Nature, Speaker: Dr. Kurt Beil
Time in nature is more than just a walk in the park. Multiple meta-analyses have demonstrated the positive impact that “Green Time” has on physical and mental health outcomes, including heart disease, depression, blood pressure, cortisol, HRV, and more. Organizations around the wolrld are utilizing nature-based approaches for health and healing, including the Japanese Ministry of Health and the United States Veterans Administration. This session will explore the evidence and practice of nature-based “ecotherapy” through paradigms of stress-reduction and salutogenesis (i.e. holistic health promotion). Emphasis will be placed on case studies and relevant clinical techniques. The session will conclude with a description of local and national clinical programs and health policy initiatives that are incorporating this approach. 1 CE