The term ‘tree-hugger’ used to be an insult from the 1960s thrown at hippies and eco-warriors. It was meant to demean those who cared about nature and our human connection with the natural world. But it looks like not only were the hippies correct in their defence of nature, there is now also evidence to show how humans benefit from hugging a tree.
According to a new book by Matthew Silverstone ‘Blinded by Science’, there is empirical evidence that being in close contact with nature and even hugging-a-tree, greatly assists mental health. Ιn particular, it has been shown that tree-hugging can alleviate Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and depression. He also states that children function cognitively and emotionally better when they have spent time in nature and close to trees.
An article in Natural News even goes on to suggest that vibrational properties given off by all natural things, but very strongly by trees, can affect the blood. The article is also citing evidence that shows that ingesting water treated at a vibration level of 10HZ affects blood coagulation.
Our need for a connection with nature has become even stronger since the current crisis has forced many of us to become more and more isolated. Realising this, the forest rangers at the Hallormsstaður National Forest, have begun to encourage tree-hugging as a therapy and have even been clearing roads and passes so that citizens can easily access the wide open spaces and get in touch with nature!
Forest ranger Pór Porfinnsson said:
“When you hug [a tree], you feel it first in your toes and then up your legs and into your chest and then up into your head … It’s such a wonderful feeling of relaxation and then you’re ready for a new day and new challenges.”
According to Porfinnsson, it doesn’t matter the size of tree you hug and that even a quick couple of minutes of hugging will be enough to leave you feeling invigorated, he went on to say:
“You can also do it many times a day – that wouldn’t hurt. But once a day will definitely do the trick, even for just a few days … I lean my cheek up against the trunk and feel the warmth and the currents flowing from the tree and into me. You can really feel it.”
It is not a well known fact that it wasn’t actually hippies that were the first to embrace tree-hugging. A Hindu group known as the Bishnois in India were well known for their devotion to tree-hugging, leading to a tragic event. In 1730, foresters demanded trees the Bishnois had been protecting in order to build a palace out of wood, in the resulting conflict over the rights to the trees 363 of the Bishnois were killed in what became known as the Khejarli massacre.
So next time you are in a forest, or you have a tree nearby, go and give it a hug and see how you feel!
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