Abstract
Method: This narrative review summarizes research on ecotherapy or experiences in green and blue spaces that have been considered therapeutic. Results: This recent literature includes several reviews and meta-analyses of research conducted during the last two decades as well as more recent empirical studies. Some of the reviews and studies have explored the effects of walking through forests versus walking through urban areas. Others have involved the participants walking through parks or viewing green scenes from videos or windows and engaging in blue water activities and walking on the beach. The therapeutic effects have included decreased depression, anxiety, blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol and increased serotonin as well as a reduction in cardiopulmonary and hypertensive conditions. Discussion: The studies in this review highlight the therapeutic effects of being in nature. However, the research is limited by small samples and by the lack of active comparison groups, and the experience in nature is confounded by other therapeutic activities in the research protocols including walking, yoga, tai chi and massage.
Published Version
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