OUTDOOR TRENDS
SIX THERAPIES THAT HARNESS THE POWER OF NATURE 1
Equine therapy, US Animal-asisted therapy is incorporated into
more traditional approaches to harness the power of the human-animal bond and make patients feel comfortable. The most popular four-legged therapy friends are dogs, but horses come in at a close second. With their acute perception of non-verbal cues, horses are adept at reflecting clients’ emotional states. In California’s breathtaking Carmel Valley Ranch, equine therapy has been seen to improve emotional and cognitive function. Book into an equine connection session to spend time with the ranch’s horses and enjoy equestrian mindfulness, learning techniques for greater presence. One session costs £140.
carmelvalleyranch.com/activities/equine
2
Float therapy, Iceland Floating in highly buoyant water containing
magnesium sulphate dramatically reduces stress chemicals and blood pressure, sending the body into a relaxed and often euphoric state. As a result, creativity and mental clarity are said to be heightened, the immune system strengthened and sleep quality can be improved. To meditate at a UNESCO World Heritage Site, head to the Retreat at Blue Lagoon in Iceland, where guests can float on the mineral-rich waters, wearing a specially designed buoyancy suit and accompanied by a float therapist. From £50 per person.
bluelagoon.com
3
Ocean therapy, UK Research carried out on veterans with post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) saw numerous health benefits of being by the sea. The sound was shown to calm the mind, as did watching waves lapping against the shore, with symptoms reduced by up to 36%. Kalm Horizons founder Mark Smith runs mindfulness sessions on the beach in Worthing, West Sussex, combining the ocean with visualisations and sound therapy using singing bowls to help clients with stress, anxiety and sleep. A single class costs £50.
kalmhorizons.com
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NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC.COM/TRAVEL 4
Forest bathing, Hong Kong Shinrin-yoku is the Japanese practice of
forest bathing, now popular in woodlands around the world. Wandering mindfully through trees and immersing yourself in nature has a calming and restorative effect on both the mind and body and has been proven to have a positive impact on the immune system, helping with stress and anxiety. In the heart of Lung Fu Shan Country Park on Hong Kong island, forest therapy guide and transformational coach Amanda Yik guides people in discovering the holistic healing effects of the forest, using breathwork, meditation, and the energy emitted by trees. From £125 per person.
shinrinyokuhk.com
5
Art therapy, Crete Integrating psychotherapeutic techniques with
the creative process, art is used as as a medium to address distressing emotional issues. There’s something highly soothing about focusing on nothing but brush strokes. Combine this with the great outdoors and it has the potential to be transformative. Artful Retreats hosts experiences in Crete, and welcomes anyone regardless of their artistic ability to be creative and find new ways to look at their daily challenges, set amid the beauty of the Mediterranean landscape. A six-day restreat costs £1,600 per person.
artfulretreats.com/retreats
6
Labyrinth walking, US Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has no dead ends,
wrong turns or blind passages. Walking its single winding path is a soothing experience, designed to encourage self-reflection and seizing the moment. The labyrinth at Serenbe in Georgia is a walking meditation device aimed at helping participants manage stress and jumpstart personal growth. The path is mapped using meaningful Celtic symbols such as the circle meaning life without beginning or end and the spiral for rebirth. One session costs £22.
serenbeyoga.com
Previous pages: Blue Lagoon, Iceland Clockwise from top: a group meditate together on the beach in Scotland; equine therapy is increasing in popularity worldwide; singing bowls used in sound therapy
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