Research on Horticultural Therapy in Health and Wellness Tourism

Horticultural therapy is defined as: using gardening to heal.

Foreigners are very interested in this "green" therapeutic approach. In addition, studies show that nature has a great effect on human health. For example, many studies have confirmed that ornamental plants or nature can help patients reduce stress, relieve pain and improve mood. More recent studies further show that gardening activities have a significant effect on patients' health recovery.

Similar therapies also include phytotherapy, aromatherapy, flower therapy, herbal therapy, art therapy and so on.

The mental benefits of horticultural therapy. When patients wander among plants, their mindset becomes relatively calm and peaceful, and the brain is regulated and relaxed. After devoting themselves to planting flowers and plants, patients concentrate and temporarily forget their worries. Gardening can also restrain impulses and cultivate patience. The flourishing and withering of flowers and plants is closely tied to patients, so having patients engage in gardening activities can enhance their sense of responsibility. When the flowers and plants they have cultivated bloom and bear fruit and are praised by others, patients' self-confidence is also boosted.

The social benefits of horticultural therapy. Using flowers and gardening as a topic, patients can resonate with one another and promote communication, thereby improving their social skills. Planting flowers and plants can beautify the environment and contribute something beneficial to others, which is very helpful for cultivating patients' awareness of environmental beautification and strengthening their sense of public morality.

The health benefits of horticultural therapy. Patients confined to bed or people who stay indoors for long periods can be well stimulated in all their senses by going outdoors to bathe in natural air and sunlight. Patients engaged in gardening activities rise with the sun and rest at sunset, and can gradually develop normal living habits. Activities such as sowing, cuttings, potting, planting, soil preparation, watering and fertilizing use the eyes, head, hands and feet at every moment; these whole-body comprehensive movements can fill the human body with vitality.

The main target groups of horticultural therapy are people with disabilities, the elderly, the mentally ill, the intellectually disabled, drug abusers, criminals and the vulnerable in society, as well as others who need improvement in physical and mental aspects.

Tang Jun, current Executive Director of Beijing Chuangxing Heyi Planning and Design Institute

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Beijing Chuangxing Heyi Planning and Design Institute focuses on tourism planning and design for leisure agriculture and beautiful villages, tourist attractions, farms, homestays, farmhouse restaurants and more, achieving effective connection of resources and creating a comprehensive interactive platform for the ecological chain.