{{redirect|Forest bathing|the Japanese practice|Shinrin-yoku}} {{Short description|Health practice}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}} {{Multiple issues|{{npov|date=March 2024}} {{advert|date=March 2024}}}} '''Nature therapy''', sometimes referred to as '''ecotherapy''', '''grounding''', or '''earthing''', is a practice that describes a broad group of techniques or treatments using nature to improve mental or physical health. Various types of nature therapy include '''forest therapy''', '''forest bathing''', '''shinrin-yoku''', and '''Sami Lok'''. Spending time in nature has various physiological benefits such as relaxation and stress reduction.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kotera |first1=Yasuhiro |last2=Richardson |first2=Miles |last3=Sheffield |first3=David |date=2022 |title=Effects of Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy on Mental Health: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis |journal=International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction |volume=20 |pages=337–361 |doi=10.1007/s11469-020-00363-4 |doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Siah |first1=Chiew Jiat Rosalind |last2=Goh |first2=Yong Shian |last3=Lee |first3=Jungup |last4=Poon |first4=Sum Nok |last5=Ow Yong |first5=Jenna Qing Yun |last6=Tam |first6=Wai-San Wilson |date=2023 |title=The effects of forest bathing on psychological well-being: A systematic review and meta-analysis |journal=International Journal of Mental Health Nursing |volume=32 |issue=4 |pages=1038–1054 |doi=10.1111/inm.13131 |pmid=36864583 |doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Satyawan |first1=V E |last2=Rusdiana |first2=O |last3=Latifah |first3=M |date=2022 |title=The role of forest therapy in promoting physical and mental health: a systematic review |journal=IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science |volume=959 |issue=1 |bibcode=2022E&ES..959a2027S |doi=10.1088/1755-1315/959/1/012027 |doi-access=free |article-number=012027}}</ref> Additionally, it can enhance cardiovascular health and reduce risks of high blood pressure.<ref name="researchgate.net">{{cite book |last=Schantz |first=Peter |chapter-url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340713995 |title=Why Cities Need Large Parks |date=2021 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-032-07293-7 |publication-place=New York |pages=122–133 |chapter=(PDF) Can nature really affect our health? A short review of studies}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last=Song |first=Chorong |date=August 2016 |title=Physiological Effects of Nature Therapy: A Review of the Research in Japan |journal=International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health |volume=13 |issue=8 |page=781 |doi=10.3390/ijerph13080781 |pmc=4997467 |pmid=27527193 |bibcode=2016IJERP..13..781S |via=EBSCO |doi-access=free}}</ref>
Recent studies also emphasized its role in supporting mental well-being by improving attention, emotional balance, and overall mood stability.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last1=Wood |first1=Carly J. |last2=Barton |first2=Jo |last3=Wicks |first3=Claire L. |date=2025-01-16 |title=Effectiveness of social and therapeutic horticulture for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis |journal=Frontiers in Psychiatry |volume=15 |article-number=1507354 |doi=10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1507354 |doi-access=free |issn=1664-0640 |pmc=11799672 |pmid=39917376}}</ref>{{Unreliable medical source|date=December 2025}}
These effects are usually linked to the body's natural stress recovery process, in which contact with nature decreases cortisol levels and heart rate.<ref name=":24">{{Cite journal |last1=Bai |first1=Zhengkang |last2=Zhang |first2=Shuangquan |date=2024-07-29 |title=Effects of different natural soundscapes on human psychophysiology in national forest park |journal=Scientific Reports |language=en |volume=14 |issue=1 |article-number=17462 |doi=10.1038/s41598-024-67812-1 |issn=2045-2322 |pmc=11286786 |pmid=39075109 |bibcode=2024NatSR..1417462B }}</ref>
== History == Scientists in the 1950s looked into the reasons humans chose to spend time in nature.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=MacKinnon |first=J. B. |date=21 January 2016 |title=The Problem with Nature Therapy |url=https://nautil.us/the-problem-with-nature-therapy-235759 |access-date=5 April 2019 |website=Nautilus Quarterly}}</ref> There is relatively recent history of the term ''Shinrin-yoku'' ({{lang|ja|森林浴}}) or 'forest bathing' gaining momentum as a term and concept within American culture; the term 'forest bathing' and Shrinrin-yoku was first popularized in Japan by the former head of the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Tomohide Akiyama, in 1982 to encourage more people to visit the forests.<ref name="Hansen2017">{{cite journal |vauthors=Hansen MM, Jones R, Tocchini K |date=July 2017 |title=Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review |journal=International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health |language=en |volume=14 |issue=8 |page=851 |doi=10.3390/ijerph14080851 |pmc=5580555 |pmid=28788101 |bibcode=2017IJERP..14..851H |doi-access=free}}</ref><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite web |last=O'Donoghue |first=J. J. |date=2 May 2018 |title=Stressed out? Bathing in the woods is just what the doctor ordered |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2018/05/02/our-lives/stressed-bathing-woods-just-doctor-ordered/ |website=The Japan Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Onken |first1=Lisa Simon |date=1998 |title=Behavioral therapy development and psychological science: If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it... |journal=Behavior Therapy |volume=29 |issue=4 |pages=539–543 |doi=10.1016/S0005-7894(98)80049-X}}</ref><ref name="haiku">{{cite journal |last1=Plevin |first1=Julia |date=2018 |title=From haiku to shinrin-yoku |url=https://foresthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/3-Plevin_Forest_Bathing.pdf |journal=Forest History Today |pages=17, 18 |access-date=7 August 2021}}</ref>
This initiative was created to promote relaxation and reduce stress among Japan's urban population during the time of a rapid industrialization.<ref name=":07">{{Cite journal |last1=Paletto |first1=Alessandro |last2=Baldessari |first2=Sofia |last3=Barbierato |first3=Elena |last4=Bernetti |first4=Iacopo |last5=Cerutti |first5=Arianna |last6=Righi |first6=Stefania |last7=Ruggieri |first7=Beatrice |last8=Landi |first8=Alessandra |last9=Notaro |first9=Sandra |last10=Sacchelli |first10=Sandro |date=2025-07-30 |title=A Quantitative Literature Review on Forest-Based Practices for Human Well-Being |journal=Forests (journal) |language=en |volume=16 |issue=8 |pages=1246 |doi=10.3390/f16081246 |bibcode=2025Fore...16.1246P |doi-access=free |issn=1999-4907|hdl=11572/461751 |hdl-access=free }}</ref>{{Unreliable medical source|date=December 2025}}
Several countries, including Finland and South Korea, later created national programs highlighting preventative and therapeutic health benefits tied to regular time in nature.<ref name=":1"/>
Today, nature therapy continues to develop as an interdisciplinary field, connecting insights from public health, environmental science, as well as psychology.<ref name=":35">{{Cite journal |last1=Fan |first1=Myrian Sze Nga |last2=Li |first2=William Ho Cheung |last3=Ho |first3=Laurie Long Kwan |last4=Choi |first4=Kai Chow |last5=Phiri |first5=Lophina |last6=Pacchiani |first6=Sara |last7=Antal |first7=Brigitta |last8=Cheung |first8=Clement Shek Kei |last9=Khaleel |first9=Daoud Kamal Abu |date=2025-07-23 |title=Nature-based interventions for enhancing resilience in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis |journal=Discover Mental Health |language=en |volume=5 |issue=1 |article-number=109 |doi=10.1007/s44192-025-00258-7 |issn=2731-4383 |pmc=12287494 |pmid=40699470}}</ref>
== Health effects ==
=== Mood === Nature therapy has a is associated with reducing stress and improving a person's mood.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bratman |first1=Gregory N. |last2=Hamilton |first2=J. Paul |last3=Daily |first3=Gretchen C. |date=February 2012 |title=The impacts of nature experience on human cognitive function and mental health |journal=Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences |volume=1249 |issue=1 |pages=118–136 |bibcode=2012NYASA1249..118B |doi=10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.06400.x |pmid=22320203 |s2cid=10902404}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite journal |last1=Cutillo |first1=A. |last2=Rathore |first2=N. |last3=Reynolds |first3=N. |last4=Hilliard |first4=L. |last5=Haines |first5=H. |last6=Whelan |first6=K. |last7=Madan-Swain |first7=A. |date=2015 |title=A Literature Review of Nature-Based Therapy and its Application in Cancer Care |journal=Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture |volume=25 |issue=1 |pages=3–15 |jstor=24865255}}</ref> Even a small amount of interaction with nature, such as having a tree outside one's home in urban communities, is linked to human wellbeing and promote mental health.<ref name=":02">{{Cite journal |last1=Ordóñez |first1=Camilo |last2=Kendal |first2=Dave |last3=Davern |first3=Melanie |last4=Conway |first4=Tenley |date=June 2024 |title=Having a tree in front of one's home is associated with GREATER subjective wellbeing in adult residents in Melbourne, Australia, and Toronto, Canada |journal=Environmental Research |language=en |volume=250 |bibcode=2024ER....25018445O |doi=10.1016/j.envres.2024.118445 |doi-access=free |article-number=118445 |pmid=38360163 }}</ref> This may be due to aesthetic reasons, encouragement of physical activity, or general feelings of connection to nature, where the increased proximity to nature creates higher feelings of connectivity.<ref name=":02" />
Newer research additionally implies that children are becoming persistent, expanding their stress management, and retaining efficient coping skills every day by participating in nature-based programs.<ref name=":35"/>
Studies also show that sounds considered natural, like flowing water, birdsongs etc, have been linked to reduced blood pressure, a calmer heart rate, and a better mood.<ref name=":24"/>
Forest therapy has been linked to some physiological benefits as indicated by neuroimaging and the profile of mood states psychological test.<ref>Copeland CS. The Forest As Physician: Shinrin Yoku. [http://claudiacopeland.com/uploads/3/5/5/6/35560346/_hjbr_shinrin-yoku.pdf ''Healthcare Journal of Baton Rouge.'' Nov-Dec 2017]</ref>
=== Stress and depression === Interaction with nature is associated with lower stress and depressive symptoms.<ref name="researchgate.net"/><ref name=":0" /><ref name="Hansen2017" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Tester-Jones |first1=Michelle |last2=White |first2=Mathew P. |last3=Elliott |first3=Lewis R. |last4=Weinstein |first4=Netta |last5=Grellier |first5=James |last6=Economou |first6=Theo |last7=Bratman |first7=Gregory N. |last8=Cleary |first8=Anne |last9=Gascon |first9=Mireia |last10=Korpela |first10=Kalevi M. |last11=Nieuwenhuijsen |first11=Mark |date=2020-11-06 |title=Results from an 18 country cross-sectional study examining experiences of nature for people with common mental health disorders |journal=Scientific Reports |volume=10 |issue=1 |page=19408 |bibcode=2020NatSR..1019408T |doi=10.1038/s41598-020-75825-9 |issn=2045-2322 |pmc=7648621 |pmid=33159132}}</ref> Forest therapy might help stress management for all age groups.<ref name=":10">{{cite journal |last1=Rajoo |first1=Keeren Sundara |date=June 2020 |title=The physiological and psychosocial effects of forest therapy: A systematic review |journal=Urban For Urban Green |volume=1 |issue=2 |pages=64–74 |article-number=126744 |bibcode=2020UFUG...5426744R |doi=10.1016/j.ufug.2020.126744 |s2cid=219966519}}</ref>
A quantitative literature review discovered that forest bathing, outdoor learning, and other forest-based practices are related to decreased stress levels and overall improvement in emotional satisfaction in several different demographic groups.<ref name=":07"/>
Social horticulture could help with depression and other mental health problems of PTSD, abuse, lonely elderly people,<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Piva |first1=Giovanni |last2=Caruso |first2=Lorenzo |last3=Gómez |first3=Alberto Cruz |last4=Calzolari |first4=Marta |last5=Visintin |first5=Emilio Paolo |last6=Davoli |first6=Pietromaria |last7=Manfredini |first7=Fabio |last8=Storari |first8=Alda |last9=Spinozzi |first9=Paola |last10=Lamberti |first10=Nicola |date=2024 |title=Effects of forest walking on physical and mental health in elderly populations: a systematic review |journal=Reviews on Environmental Health |volume=39 |issue=1 |pages=121–136 |doi=10.1515/reveh-2022-0093 |pmid=36239186 |bibcode=2024RvEH...39..121P }}</ref> drug or alcohol addicts, blind people, and other people with special needs.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Chalquist |first1=Craig |date=June 2009 |title=A Look at the Ecotherapy Research Evidence |journal=Ecopsychology |volume=1 |issue=2 |pages=64–74 |doi=10.1089/eco.2009.0003}}</ref> Nature therapy could also improve self-management, self-esteem, social relations and skills, socio-political awareness and employability.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Pedretti-Burls |first1=Ambra |year=2007 |title=Ecotherapy: a therapeutic and educative model |url=http://www.jmecology.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/19-25-Pedretti-Burls.pdf |journal=Journal of Mediterranean Ecology |volume=8 |pages=19–25}}</ref> Nature therapy could reduce aggression and improve relationship skills.<ref name=":3">{{cite journal |last1=Phillips |first1=Lindsey |date=May 2018 |title=Using Nature as a Therapeutic Partner |url=https://ct.counseling.org/2018/04/using-nature-as-a-therapeutic-partner |journal=Counseling Today |volume=60 |issue=11 |pages=26–33 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001161513/https://ct.counseling.org/2018/04/using-nature-as-a-therapeutic-partner/ |archive-date=1 October 2023 |access-date=27 June 2019}}</ref>
Sounds of nature alone can be enough to affect relaxation and enhance positive emotions while reducing negative emotions, including depression and anger.<ref name=":24"/> Perceiving nature can lower stress levels and aid in recovery for diastolic and systolic blood pressures.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Sun |first1=Xiaogang |last2=Li |first2=Qinglan |last3=Zhang |first3=Xin |last4=Sun |first4=Miao |last5=Yin |first5=Jiahui |last6=He |first6=Jingyi |last7=Zhong |first7=Yige |last8=Ning |first8=Wei |date=2024-04-23 |title=Physiological and psychological recovery in two pure forests: interaction between perception methods and perception durations |journal=Frontiers in Public Health |volume=12 |article-number=1296714 |doi=10.3389/fpubh.2024.1296714 |issn=2296-2565 |pmc=11074455 |pmid=38716251 |bibcode=2024FrPH...1296714S |doi-access=free}}</ref>{{Unreliable medical source|date=December 2025}}
There is also evidence that implies if participation in nature-based activities is practiced consistently, it can lead to better and more persistent psychological benefits in comparison to brief exposure.<ref name=":07"/>
=== Other possible benefits === Nature therapy could help with general medical recovery, pain reduction, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, dementia, obesity, and vitamin D deficiency.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Summers |first1=James K. |last2=Vivian |first2=Deborah N. |date=3 August 2018 |title=Ecotherapy – A Forgotten Ecosystem Service: A Review |journal=Frontiers in Psychology |volume=9 |article-number=1389 |doi=10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01389 |pmc=6085576 |pmid=30123175 |doi-access=free}}</ref>{{Unreliable medical source|date=December 2025}} Interactions with nature environments enhance social connections, stewardship, sense of place, and increase environmental participation.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Biedenweg |first1=Kelly |last2=Scott |first2=Ryan P. |last3=Scott |first3=Tyler A. |date=2017-06-01 |title=How does engaging with nature relate to life satisfaction? Demonstrating the link between environment-specific social experiences and life satisfaction |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S027249441730018X |journal=Journal of Environmental Psychology |language=en |volume=50 |pages=112–124 |doi=10.1016/j.jenvp.2017.02.002 |bibcode=2017JEPsy..50..112B |issn=0272-4944 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Connecting with nature also addresses needs such as intellectual capacity, emotional bonding, creativity, and imagination.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Humberstone |first1=Barbara |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oJj4CgAAQBAJ&dq=how+do&pg=PA59 |title=Routledge International Handbook of Outdoor Studies |last2=Prince |first2=Heather |last3=Henderson |first3=Karla A. |date=2015-11-19 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-317-66652-3 |language=en}}</ref> Overall, there seems to be benefits to time spent in nature including memory, cognitive flexibility, and attention control.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Schertz |first1=Kathryn E. |last2=Berman |first2=Marc G. |date=October 2019 |title=Understanding Nature and Its Cognitive Benefits |journal=Current Directions in Psychological Science |language=en |volume=28 |issue=5 |pages=496–502 |doi=10.1177/0963721419854100 |issn=0963-7214 |s2cid=197722990 |doi-access=free}}</ref>
Research also suggests that childhood experience in nature are crucial for children in their daily lives as it contributes to several developmental outcomes and various domains of their well-being. Essentially, these experiences also foster an intrinsic care for nature.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Adams |first1=Sabirah |last2=Savahl |first2=Shazly |date=2017-10-20 |title=Nature as children's space: A systematic review |journal=The Journal of Environmental Education |volume=48 |issue=5 |pages=291–321 |bibcode=2017JEnEd..48..291A |doi=10.1080/00958964.2017.1366160 |issn=0095-8964 |s2cid=148964100}}</ref> Studies suggest that the mental health benefits of nature may depend on how different cultures understand and value the human relationship with nature, meaning the effects can vary across communities.<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal |last1=Wijaya Mulya |first1=Teguh |last2=Tjahjono |first2=Harijanto |last3=Prijonggo |first3=C. W. |last4=Sutanto |first4=Nadia |date=2025-01-02 |title=Ecotherapy through a discursive lens: nature-based activities, mental health, and local constructions of human-nature relationship |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14729679.2024.2384729 |journal=Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning |language=en |volume=25 |issue=1 |pages=9–25 |doi=10.1080/14729679.2024.2384729 |issn=1472-9679|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
Spending time outdoors can also help people feel more connected to their community, especially when activities are done in shared public spaces or group programs.<ref name=":4"/>
Nature therapy is also considered accessible and low-cost, since it can be practiced in nearby parks, community gardens, or other public outdoor spaces without requiring specialized equipment.<ref name=":07"/>
Nature-based programs can strengthen cooperation and social interaction, as shared outdoor activities often involve communication, teamwork, and mutual trust.<ref name=":4" />
Additionally, social and therapeutic horticulture programs have been found to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, implying that regular, guided interaction with plants may support emotional well-being.<ref name=":1"/>
== Criticism == Recent reviews have noted that results often vary depending on study design and population, which makes it difficult to measure long-term effects of nature-based therapies with consistency.<ref name=":07"/>
A 2012 systematic review study showed inconclusive results related to the methodology used in studies.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kamioka |first1=Hiroharu |last2=Tsutani |first2=Kiichiro |last3=Mutoh |first3=Yoshiteru |last4=Honda |first4=Takuya |last5=Shiozawa |first5=Nobuyoshi |last6=Okada |first6=Shinpei |last7=Park |first7=Sang-Jun |last8=Kitayuguchi |first8=Jun |last9=Kamada |first9=Masamitsu |last10=Okuizumi |first10=Hiroyasu |last11=Handa |first11=Shuichi |date=26 July 2012 |title=A systematic review of randomized controlled trials on curative and health enhancement effects of forest therapy |journal=Psychology Research and Behavior Management |volume=5 |pages=85–95 |doi=10.2147/PRBM.S32402 |pmc=3414249 |pmid=22888281 |doi-access=free}}</ref> Spending time in forests demonstrated positive health effects, but not enough to generate clinical practice guidelines or demonstrate causality.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Oh |first1=Byeongsang |last2=Lee |first2=Kyung Ju |last3=Zaslawski |first3=Chris |last4=Yeung |first4=Albert |last5=Rosenthal |first5=David |last6=Larkey |first6=Linda |last7=Back |first7=Michael |date=18 October 2017 |title=Health and well-being benefits of spending time in forests: systematic review |journal=Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine |volume=22 |issue=1 |page=71 |bibcode=2017EHPM...22...71O |doi=10.1186/s12199-017-0677-9 |pmc=5664422 |pmid=29165173 |doi-access=free}}</ref>
Other scholars have noted that the growing popularity of nature-based therapies sometimes leads to overgeneralized claims, where emotional or cultural meanings of nature are emphasized more than scientific evidence.<ref name=":4"/>
Additionally, there are concerns from researchers expressing that time spent in nature as a form of regenerative therapy is highly personal and entirely unpredictable.<ref name=":5" /> Nature can be harmed in the process of human interaction.<ref name=":5" />
While there is growing interest in using nature for mental health treatment, experts warn that more randomized and controlled studies are needed to confirm these effects scientifically.<ref name=":1"/>
Some reviews also highlight that many studies rely on self-reported feelings instead of objective measurements, which can make the results less reliable.<ref name=":24"/>
Researchers have also noted that some nature-based studies use very small sample sizes, which limits how confidently the results can be applied to larger populations.<ref name=":35"/>
== Governmental support and professionalization == {{See also|Biophilic design}} In Finland, researchers recommend spending about five hours a month in nature as a preventative health measure, based on studies suggesting that regular outdoor time can lower risks of depression and other stress-related issues.<ref name=":1" /> South Korea's approach is more therapeutic, focusing on structured nature-based programs designed to support firefighters with post-traumatic stress disorder.<ref name="call-to-wild">{{cite journal |last1=Williams |first1=Florence |date=1 January 2016 |title=This Is Your Brain On Nature |journal=National Geographic |volume=229 |issue=1 |pages=49, 54–58, 62–63, 66–67}}</ref> Canada uses a medical-prescription model, where physicians can formally "prescribe nature" to encourage patients to spend more time outdoors for both physical and mental health reasons.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Forster |first=Victoria |title=Canadian Physicians Can Now Prescribe Nature To Patients |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/victoriaforster/2022/02/08/canadian-physicians-can-now-prescribe-nature-to-patients/ |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> Starting in 2019, general practitioners in the United Kingdom are referring patients to a program called Dose of Nature, which has been funded by the National Health Service, local governments and foundations.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Carrington |first=Damian |date=2026-03-13 |title='Massive boost of serotonin!': How a dose of nature is treating mental illness |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/mar/13/it-has-changed-my-life-how-a-dose-of-nature-is-treating-mental-illness |access-date=2026-04-03 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077|quote=There are many specific benefits. As well as the serotonin-boosting sun and the phytoncides that can decrease stress hormones, studies have shown that natural sounds such as water, wind and birdsong improve mood. The fractal patterns of nature have been shown to aid recovery from stress and boost alpha waves in the brain, which bring a pleasant relaxed wakefulness, while exposure to soil microorganisms can also boost moods.}}</ref> It boasts a recovery rate of 64% for its first 1500 patients, compared to a 50% rate for talk therapy as well as a higher reliable improvement rate.<ref name=":6" />
Several national health agencies have also begun funding research to test how structured nature-based programs can support public health, especially for stress related conditions.<ref name=":07"/>
Some governments have partnered with environmental organizations to create certified training for nature-therapy practitioners, aiming to standardized skills and ensure safer program delivery.<ref name=":4"/>
Government have expanded training programs for teachers and youth workers to integrate nature-based practices into educational and community settings, reflecting growing recognition of their developmental benefits.<ref name=":35"/>
== References == {{reflist}}
Category:Therapy Category:Natural environment based therapies Category:Forestry Category:Fringe science Category:Pseudoscience