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. Doing this will give you 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.
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. 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, separate, and preach to us about the need to protect the earth. Despite this, they continue to profit from exploiting 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 everything is energy.
That means the same energy that passes through humans also travels through all living things, including plants and trees. So, when you hug a tree, you connect with it through its energy frequency. The same frequency that pervades your body.
The Incredible Benefits of Tree-Hugging
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 highlight what we already know: nature enhances the human brain. Increased happiness, health, well-being, and cognition are evidence of this.
Spending time around trees reduces stress, enhances immunity, reduces blood pressure, and faster recovery from illness or injury. Also, when you hug a tree, your body releases oxytocin – the “love and trust hormone,” giving you a comforting and loving feel.
2,500 years ago, Cyrus the Great 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.
Scientific Health Benefit of Hugging Trees
There is various scientific evidence suggesting that hugging trees can have positive effects on our well-being.
Tree bark contains a rich supply of terpenes, a specific type of phytoncides found in trees, like the monoterpene limonene in citrus peel. Some terpenes attract pollinators, while others help protect trees and plants from diseases and being consumed by pests.
These compounds are responsible for the unique scents of trees like Pines and Spruces and plants like lavender, often making up the primary components of essential oils. Exposure to phytoncides and terpenes has been found to enhance immune system function, reduce inflammation, lower stress and anxiety levels, and boost mood.
When you hug a tree, you come into close contact with the tree bark, allowing you to inhale these beneficial molecules most effectively.
The Practice Of Shinrin Yoku (森林浴) ‘Forest Bathing’
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 worldwide.
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 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 from 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 meditatively may make us feel happier, calmer, and more connected.
How To Do A Tree Hugging Meditation?
Now it’s time to enjoy some tree-hugging meditation with your kids. You can do this in your backyard or at a nearby park. Follow these steps:
- Find a tree: Choose a tree you like. You can either all hug the same tree or each pick your own. You can even hug the tree together as a group while holding hands or hugging each other – it will make the experience even more enjoyable.
- Observe the tree: Before approaching it, take a moment to look at it closely. Ask your kids to describe the tree and try to figure out what type of tree it is. Notice any special features, like fruits, blossoms, or leaf colors.
- Hug the tree: Wrap your arms around the tree trunk and feel its bark with your hands. Pay attention to how it makes you feel.
- Take deep breaths: Inhale through your nose, hold it for about five seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Do this at least three times to relax and be present.
- Use your senses: Close your eyes and explore the tree with your other senses. How does it smell? What sounds do you hear around the tree? Try opening your mouth to see if you can taste anything in the air. Touch the bark and leaves if you can reach them.
- Step back: When you feel like you’ve spent enough time with the tree, step away from it. You can bow to the tree or say namaste to conclude your tree-hugging meditation. Encourage your children to express gratitude to the tree for the time you shared and its benefits.
- Discuss the experience: Talk to your kids about how hugging the tree made them feel and what they sensed through their senses.
- Create a memory: Turn this experience into a special memory with a creative project. For example, ask your kids to write a poem or story, draw or paint a picture, or even act out their tree-hugging adventure. It’s a great way to cherish this unique moment together.
Enjoy The Benefits of Tree-Hugging!
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!
