Drawing natural healing energy from jungles
Wellness experts say experience improves blood pressure, heart rate and stimulate production of happy hormones
There is nothing more calming than escaping the hustle and bustle of city life and immersing oneself in the soothing embrace of lush green surroundings.
Wellness experts expound the benefits of jungle therapy, also known as jungle bathing or shinrin-yoku in Japanese, a practice of connecting with nature to promote physical, mental and emotional well-being.
People living in urban areas of the Klang Valley need not venture far to indulge in this activity as there are tracts of jungles just beyond the city limits.
Amid the tranquil jungles and green hills of Hulu Langat, a Buddhist non-profit organisation at the Viriyachan International Centre provides a welcome respite from the city’s hot weather and traffic congestion, Bernama reported.
Centre founder Ng Kian Huat has organised programmes for meditation and jungle therapy at the centre since 2018. He said based on his own experience and observations, a natural environment and its sounds, such as chirping birds and flowing water, could help one become more alert and serene.
“It has a positive effect on the brain. Natural environments may stimulate the production of happy hormones. Even children who are active and have difficulty sitting still feel calmer and more focused when surrounded by nature.”
He also said adults and senior citizens find jungle bathing therapeutic, especially those constantly stressed from work.
The former building contractor said the rapid pace of development has led to environmental degradation and the reduction of jungles, so the importance of conserving the environment must be instilled in younger generations.
“Children learn from the actions of their parents, so if parents are aware of environmental conservation, children will also develop a sense of care for nature.”
Ecological Association of Malaysia president Prof Dr Ahmad Ismail said jungle therapy and appreciating the sights, sounds and smells of nature could aid physical and mental health.
“Jungle trekking, recreational activities and ecotourism are becoming popular among people seeking happiness and health, but there are many things we still don’t know about how jungles help in improving human health through physiological and biochemical reactions.”
Ahmad said there have been studies on urban office workers comparing the physiological and psychological effects of going for walks in urban areas versus jungles. The workers who walked in jungles reported low stress levels and an improvement in blood pressure and heart rate readings.
“That’s why innovations in jungle conservation are important, especially in urban locations. Areas such as Bukit Persekutuan in Kuala Lumpur need to be preserved to benefit future generations and to address climate, environmental and health issues.”
He said healthy jungles give rise to healthy people while balanced ecosystems protect against natural disasters and climate change.
“Jungles could lower the temperature (of their surroundings) by as much as 10°F. Cooling factors vary depending on location and other ecological parameters, such as altitude, humidity and air pressure and movement,” he said.
An article titled Environment as Alternative Therapy for Mental Health by Assoc Prof Dr Haliza Abdul Rahman from Universiti Putra Malaysia mentioned that the latest trend in treating mental health problems includes exposing patients to natural environments.