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Harnessing the Four Elements for Mental Health
- Source :
- Frontiers in Psychiatry, Vol 10 (2019), Frontiers in Psychiatry
- Publication Year :
- 2018
-
Abstract
- Humans are intimately connected to nature, and our physical and mental health is influenced strongly by our environment. The “elements,” classically described in humoral theory as Fire, Water, Earth, and Air, all may impact our mental health. In a contemporary sense, these elements reflect a range of modifiable factors: UV light or heat therapy (Fire); sauna, hydrotherapy, and balneotherapy (Water); nature-based exposure therapy and horticulture (Earth); oxygen-rich/clean air exposure; and breathing techniques (Air). This theoretical scoping review paper details the emerging evidence for a range of these elements, covering epidemiological and interventional data, and provides information on how we can engage in “biophilic” activities to harness their potential benefits. Interventional examples with emerging evidentiary support include “forest-bathing,” heat therapy, sauna, light therapy, “greenspace” and “bluespace” exercise, horticulture, clay art therapy activities, and pranayamic yoga breathing exercises. Further robust research is however required to firmly validate many of these interventions, and to establish their therapeutic applications for the benefit of specific mental health disorders.
- Subjects :
- lifestyle
lcsh:RC435-571
medicine.medical_treatment
Art therapy
mood
Exposure therapy
Applied psychology
Psychological intervention
Review
03 medical and health sciences
0302 clinical medicine
Quality of life (healthcare)
well-being
lcsh:Psychiatry
medicine
Lifestyle medicine
Psychiatry
lifestyle medicine
nature
architecture.style
anxiety
Mental health
030227 psychiatry
Psychiatry and Mental health
architecture
Finnish Sauna
Well-being
psychological
Psychology
030217 neurology & neurosurgery
mental health
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 16640640
- Volume :
- 10
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Frontiers in psychiatry
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....5b05e6bf546b4a8f7e66239470c161cb