Dec 19th, 2017, 10:52 AM

Hugging Trees is Good for Your Health

By Eileen Akbaraly
Photo Credit: Johnnielawson Youtube
Image Credit: YouTube/ Johnnielawson
If you're looking to reduce the stress of city life, escape to the forest and talk to the trees.

Modern society creates a lot of stress in our lives, which is why more and more people are turning to the gifts of nature for therapy — like tree hugging. Though many still associate tree-hugging with a hippy lifestyle, hugging a tree can be good for your health.

According to the book Blinded by Science by Matthew Silverstone, there is evidence that trees provide health benefits for mental illnesses such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and depression. Children function better cognitively and emotionally when they interact with plants. Although many believe it’s the green open spaces that contribute to the effect, Silverstone demonstrates that the vibrational properties of trees and plants offer health benefits. An article in Natural News indicates that if you drink a glass of water that has been treated with a 10HZ vibration, your blood coagulation rates will change immediately on ingesting the treated water.

Hugging a tree increases levels of hormone oxytocin. This hormone is responsible for feeling calm and emotional bonding. When hugging a tree, the hormones serotonin and dopamine make you feel happier. It is important to use this “free” space of a forest we were given by nature to holistically heal ourselves.

Image Credit: Flickr/Forest Holidays

Aletheia Luna, an influential spiritual writer, is a mystic and spiritual mentor whose mission is to help others become conscious and find joy in their lives. She has recommendations on how to get the best out of our ecosystem. Here are a few:

Go Forest Bathing

This practice is believed by many Japanese to enhance the immune system. The Japanese call it “Shinrin-yoku” and have been using it in companies to promote a healthier lifestyle for employees. By taking a stroll through the forest, it can make you stronger and healthier. The reason for this is that essential wood oils in the air that are emitted by the trees, called phytoncides, increase the number of killer cells in the body. These cells can help fight sickness and disease. The five senses are strengthened with forest bathing, and the more one forest bathes, the stronger these senses become.

Talk to Trees

Trees are the best counselors because they’re good at listening, quiet, trustworthy and entirely at your service for free. Talking to a tree helps you feel not judged, creates mental clarity and emotional cleansing, causing you to feel lighter and happier.

Talk to Yourself

Today, society looks down and portrays people as crazy if they talk to themselves. However, there are many benefits to this crazy practice. The forest can be a place where you can completely feel in touch with yourself and speak as freely as you want. A study at Nottingham Trent and George Mason University indicates that self-talk decreases stress levels as well as increases self-confidence. Self-talk also allows us to freely express our most inner feelings and thoughts.

So next time you want to take a stroll in the forest, don’t forget to shout, cry, laugh, and feel all at the same time!