Friday, March 9, 2012

Advantages of therapeutic gardening

Share on :
By Ben Forman


The American Horticulture Therapy Association describes horticulture therapy as a process working with plants and gardening activities to enhance social, psychological and physical adjustment of individuals thus improving their body, mind and soul.

Therapeutic Horticulture Programs are designed to provide innovative and revitalizing activities to further improve the physical, emotional and social lives of the participants. The mission is to improve the lives of elderly citizens and special needs populations, especially those with minimal resources and limited capabilities, by sharing knowledge and connecting with the diverseness of life in our natural world.

Therapeutic Horticulture is a method in which plants and gardening activities are used to strengthen the body, brain and soul, through active participation. Therapeutic Horticulture is useful and beneficial for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and capabilities.

Gardening is one of the most well-known therapeutic methods; people are dependent on crops for food and electricity. We evolved with plants in our surroundings. Through gardens, we enjoy our interdependence with the organic world as a context for healing ourselves. The satisfactions obtained from gardening can offer mental pleasure, increase physical operating and supply relieve from melancholy, tension and panic.

Some Positive aspects of Gardening are: improvement of motor abilities, improvement of muscle control, exposure to clean air and weather conditions. Improved self-confidence and self-esteem reduce intense drives; enhance interest and passion and Achievement of new capabilities.

The practice of therapeutic horticulture has the prospective to postpone the onset of dementia among older people. Horticultural activities like plant arrangement, terrarium making and dish gardening motivate mental control. These activities, same as solving crossword puzzle, may prevent the destruction of the brain. Gardens designed for older people and the physically handicapped use light equipment and lightweight tools to make gardening actions less intense.

Community gardening, from the viewpoint of therapeutic horticulture, is a platform for social development. Dr. Gusman said that a study shows that community gardening makes introvert individuals open and communicative. The community garden becomes a major site for active participation, social connections, and increases compromise in decision-making.

There are many things to concern when planning a therapeutic garden. The idea that by just viewing or sensing a plant will make an ill patient physically better is inaccurate. The theory behind therapeutic gardening is to create a surroundings that stimulate an emotion or cause a patient to make a connection with the space. Depending on the intended target audience, a therapeutic garden should cater to the customer.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment

 
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...