The Biophilia Effect: A Scientific and Spiritual Exploration of the Healing Bond Between Humans and Nature

by Clemens G. Arvay, Victoria Goodrich Graham (Translator), Marc Bekoff Ph.D. (Foreword by)

Overview

Did you know that spending time in a forest activates the vagus nerve, which is responsible for inducing calm and regeneration? Or that spending just one single day in a wooded area increases the number of natural killer cells in the blood by almost 40 percent on average?

We’ve all had an intuitive sense of the healing power of nature. Clemens G. Arvay’s new book brings us the science to verify this power, sharing fascinating research along with teachings and tools for accessing the therapeutic properties of the forest and natural world. Already a bestseller in Germany, The Biophilia Effect is a book that transforms our understanding of our interconnection with nature—and shows us how to engage the natural world wherever we live for greater health, inspiration, rejuvenation, and spiritual sustenance.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781683640424
Publisher:	Sounds True
Publication date:	02/01/2018
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Clemens G. Arvay (1980–2023) was an Austrian biologist who studied landscape ecology at Graz University and applied plant sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna. Arvay examined the relationship between humans and nature, focusing on the health-promoting effects of contact with plants, animals, and landscapes. The author also addressed a second range of topics that included ecologically produced food along with the economics of large food conglomerates. Clemens G. Arvay wrote numerous books including The Biophilia Effect. More at clemensarvay.com.

Table of Contents

Foreword to the English Edition Marc Bekoff, Phd ix

Foreword Ruediger Dahlke xiii

Introduction: The Biophilia Effect: "We have roots, and they definitely did not grow in cement." 1

Chapter 1 What Hildegard von Bingen Could Not Have Known: How Plants Keep Us Healthy by Communicating with Our Immune System 5

Whispering Leaves: Can Plants Communicate? 6

Plants' Impact on the Immune System: More Killer Cells and Anticancer Protection 10

Practical Tips: How to Strengthen Your Immune System in a Forest 17

The Wild Card: Fantasy Meets Forest Atmosphere 20

Chapter 2 Nature and the Human Unconscious Mind: How Plants and Landscapes Communicate with Our Unconscious, Reduce Stress, and Boost Concentration 29

From Archaic Brain Structures 34

The Evolution Wild Card: Relieving Stress in the Reptilian Brain 37

The Savanna Effect 43

The Forest as a Space for Souls 48

Holistic Relaxation in the Lap of Nature 50

Fascination with Nature: Switching the Brain into a New Mode 54

Nature Meditation: Concentration and Attention 61

Chapter 3 Nature as a Doctor and Psychotherapist: The Rediscovery of the Healing Power of Nature 69

Ecopsychosomatics 70

How Woods Help Against Diabetes 72

How Nature Alleviates Pain and Helps Us Recuperate Faster 73

Stress Reduction Through Experiencing Nature 75

Trees, Hearts, and Blood Pressure: Nature as a Cardiologist 78

The Lessons of Wilderness: About Therapeutic Nature 79

Nature as a Time-Out from Society: Healing by "Being Away" 82

When the Mountains and the Moon Taught Me a Lesson 86

Experiencing the Healing Wilderness with Others 90

Sex and Earth: Nature as a Sex Therapist 105

A "Green Couch" 118

Spontaneous Cure at a River 120

The Biophilia Effect in Your Own Home 124

Chapter 4 Your Garden, Your Healer: The Healing Power of Yards and Gardens 129

Gardens: Sources of Inspiration, Happiness, and Health 130

Trading a Career for a Garden: How One Woman Changed Her Life 134

Humans and Garden Plants: A Ten-Thousand-Year-Old Relationship 136

Gardens as Homes and Playgrounds for Children 143

Methuselah's Oasis: A Garden for the Elderly 150

The Anticancer Garden: A Healing Forest at Home 153

The Garden as a Bridge to Another World: Passing Away in a Garden 167

Acknowledgments 173

Notes 175

About the Author 183

Editorial Reviews

Rarely have I been as amazed, learned so much, and thoroughly enjoyed reading as with this wonderful book.” —Ruediger Dahlke, physician and author of Peace Food

“Clemens G. Arvay reconnects us modern humans—who have been damaged by our civilization—with the power of nature, conveying scientific knowledge in a refreshing tone.” —Dr. Wolf-Dieter Storl, ethnologist and author

“I am extremely impressed by the clear depiction of the great connections in nature. This book makes it possible for everyone to experience science.” —Dr. Thomas Haase, President of the University College for Agrarian and Environmental Pedagogy, Vienna, Austria

“"In The Biophilia Effect, Clemens Arvay extends the growing body of literature supporting E.O. Wilson’s biophilia hypothesis. Arvay goes an additional step, offering a multitude of suggestions for how to gain the physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits of biophilia—whether in the far wilderness, nearby nature, or our own homes.” —Richard Louv, author of The Nature Principle, Vitamin N, and Last Child in the Woods

“I recommend this book. We know that spending time in nature is good for both mental and physical health. Here is a practical guide to help you do that.” —Andrew Weil, MD, author of Mind Over Meds

“The Biophilia Effect by Clemens Arvay is stimulating and original.” —Michael Harner, author of The Way of the Shaman and Cave and Cosmos: Shamanic Encounters with Another Reality

“In this groundbreaking book, Clemens Arvay illustrates how we can easily rewild our hearts and our psyches by reconnecting with all of nature. And, as our bodies, psyches, and souls heal, the world will become a better place for all because our deep evolutionary roots of wildness allow us to accept who we truly are and lead us into forming and maintaining caring and loving relationships with all of our kin. Healing for one will lead to healing for all.” —Marc Bekoff, PhD, professor emeritus, University of Colorado, author of Rewilding Our Hearts: Building Pathways of Compassion and Coexistence

From the Publisher