Nature has its own way of easing our aches and pains, whether they are physical or emotional. Though it isn't commonly known, plants can help ease pain.
A study at Washington State University by Virginia Lohr and Caroline Pearson-Mims. found this was true. For this research, almost 200 adults took part. The researchers concluded, "Having plants around makes people feel better and increases their ability to tolerate pain."
This particular study was the very first to show that indoor foliage plants had a positive effect. When participants were tested in a room where foliage plants were present, 49% could tolerate more pain and discomfort. The researchers don't understand how viewing indoor plants could have such an effect. Pearson-Mims said, "I think we have an innate reaction to plants that we may or may not be aware of."
A study at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that patients undergoing one particularly uncomfortable diagnostic procedure were twice as comfortable when they were provided with the sights and sounds of nature.
One study found that when hospital patients were provided with a view of the outdoors they didn't require as much pain medication and recovered from surgery quicker when compared with patients who didn't have views with plants.
Other research has found that hospital patients recovered more quickly from surgery when their hospital rooms provided a view of trees.
Hospitals are taking note of these research results. Northwestern Women's Hospital is in the process of adding new facilities, which they expect to complete in 2004. They have gone to great efforts to see that every patient's room will feature ceilings and walls decorated with painted landscapes.
Alice Domar is director of the Center for Women's Health at the Mind Body Medical Institute at Harvard University. In a New York Times article, she was quoted as saying, "Research has shown that patients who look at boats and beaches in pre-op do better in surgery."
Painkillers may reduce the discomfort of pain, but they do nothing for the constant stress posed by chronic pain. What can be more natural than plants and scenes of nature-whether it be relaxing views of the seashore, mountains, or gardens? These can reduce stress in a number of ways.
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