Horticultural Therapy: How Gardens and plants improve well-being in India

Gardening has become a daily practice for many households and a beloved hobby for those seeking a connection to nature. Horticultural therapy is a time-tested practice. The therapeutic benefits of landscaped environments have been documented since ancient times.

The enchanting sight of daffodils and sunflowers bathed in the soft glow of evening light, with leaves gently swaying in the breeze, surely brings a sense of calm and vitality.

In India, horticultural therapy has gained recognition and is being implemented in various settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, mental health centers, community gardens, and educational institutions. The goal is to support people facing physical, mental, and emotional challenges through therapeutic engagement with plants and gardens.

Through horticultural therapy, people participate in activities such as planting, nurturing plants, and caring for gardens. These activities can be tailored to meet specific therapeutic goals and accommodate different abilities and needs. By interacting with plants, people experience a variety of benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood, increased physical activity, improved cognitive abilities, and a sense of accomplishment and connection to nature.

The practice of horticultural therapy in India involves the creation of specially designed garden spaces that meet the needs of the participants. These gardens are equipped with features to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, providing a safe and nurturing environment for therapeutic engagement with plants.

What is Horticultural Therapy

Horticultural therapy is a form of therapy that uses activities related to gardening and plants to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Harness the therapeutic benefits of engaging with plants, nature, and the act of gardening to improve a person's overall health.

Through horticulture therapy, people participate in various gardening activities, such as planting, nurturing plants, and tending to gardens. These activities can be tailored to meet specific therapeutic goals and meet different abilities and needs. By interacting with plants, people can experience a variety of benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood, increased physical activity, improved cognitive abilities, and a sense of accomplishment and connection to nature.

History and Practice of horticultural therapy

Horticultural therapy (HT) has a rich history dating back to antiquity, where the therapeutic benefits of gardens were recognized. In the 19th century, Dr. Benjamin Rush, a leading figure in American psychiatry, documented the positive impact of gardening on people with mental illness, earning him the title "Father of American Psychiatry."

In the 1800s, horticulture was increasingly used as a treatment for mental health purposes. Dr. Benjamin Rush's findings led to the implementation of horticultural therapy in many hospitals in the Western world, specifically for patients with mental health problems and developmental disabilities.

Dr. Benjamin Rush, a leading figure in American psychiatry, documented the positive impact of gardening on people with mental illness, earning him the title "Father of American Psychiatry."

Over time, horticultural therapy has evolved and gained importance in the treatment of mental health problems and developmental disabilities. Hospitals and institutions began to incorporate horticultural therapy as a therapeutic approach, and its effectiveness was further highlighted during World War I and World War II, when gardening played a vital role in the rehabilitation of the military.

As early as 1817, the Asylum for Persons Deprived of Reason, now known as Hospital de los Amigos, created a therapeutic environment with landscapes, trails, and a park-like setting to aid in the recovery of patients. In 1879, Friends Hospital even built the first greenhouse dedicated to therapy.

Who benefits from Horticultural Therapy?

Horticultural therapy has numerous benefits that can positively impact various aspects of a person's life. According to the American Horticultural Therapy Association, it can help improve memory, cognitive skills, task initiation, language skills, and socialization.

In physical rehabilitation, horticultural therapy is effective in strengthening muscles, improving coordination, balance, and stamina.

• Mental illness
• Dementia
• Behavioural issues
• Intellectual disabilities
• Physical limitations and injuries
• Developmental issues
• Sensory issues

Horticultural Treatment Assists Whom?

The practice of gardening helps in physical therapy by building muscles and increasing mobility, coordination, and endurance. In occupational gardening instances, individuals acquire to work on their resolve issues, and comply with instructions." Horticulture benefits individuals with concerns such as mental illnesses, Alzheimer's, behaviour disorders, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities and illnesses, developmental issues, and sensorial deviations.

Horticulture is a growing area with numerous types and advantages. Moreover, the benefits are now established but it is also useful as a form of treatment that may be continued by those looking for it even after their time with a qualified therapist is done.

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