(Health-NewsWire.Net, December 12, 2015 ) People at Headway Cambridgeshire, UK seem to be smitten with horticultural therapy. In fact it has become part of many rehab services especially those who have sustained a brain injury.
This therapy is specially addressed to those challenges faced by people who are struggling everyday with cognition and memory recovery. There is evidence to suggest that even severe conditions such as Alzheimer's, depression etc. can be cut down by horticulture therapy and physical effects which includes physical benefits as well such as improving the immunity level, cutting down heart rates etc.
Even doctors (or GP's) are encouraged to issue 'green prescriptions', thus motivating people to implement gardening as part of their healthy regime that will help them to fight stress, maintain a proportionate weight and cut down the blood pressure levels.
Around 79% of people believe that garden plays a crucial role in human being's life, says a research carried out by the National Garden Scheme. However, horticultural therapy goes beyond enhancing the life of a person and provides many health benefits as well.
Headway Horticulture Therapist Simon Lacey says that its necessary for people who have brain injury to become responsible of the space that a garden provides. The sensory elements that you feel such as smell or touch can be very much soothing and rejuvenates, stimulates the memories for people who have trouble in that area.
There are many benefits of gardening that helps a person to refresh their strength, stamina thus increase the confidence level and enhance their problem solving skills. It also helps us to connect with nature and respect other living beings promoting a deeper sense of emotion. This can be beneficial for everyone irrespective of the challenges in life.
A REAL AND INSPIRING STORY
Colin Wadham who is currently in his 60's suffered with a motor bike accident in 2008. He sustained severe brain injuries after the bike tyre blew and his head hit a rock at 60mph.
Straight from what he quoted:
“When I first arrived at headway Cambridgeshire I barely had the motivation to make a cup of tea. Even walking was quite an effort. I started with gardening therapy and slowly it helped me to find myself again. Now I volunteer at the centre in Fulbourn where we have a lovely garden and on our allotment.
I work two days a week and I am now able to help some of the clients who are just starting out on their rehab journey”.
He says that there is something very helpful and healing about planting and watching them grow. Knowing that the next moment you will be having something to eat knowing that its all your hardwork that you are putting to your table.
This is not just the story of Mr. Wadham. There are many others who have felt a difference after implementing horticultural therapy as part of their lives.
To conclude, do not think that horticulture or gardening is limited only for those who are brain patients. They work for general population as well and deliver many benefits such as a healthy regime apart from dietary benefits. If you do not have the necessary space for outdoor gardening, indoor gardening works well too. There are many indoor grow box that will help you to grow good.
