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

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

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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Health, Psychology, Science, Philosophy, Environment

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

Clemens Georg Arvay ist ein österreichischer Sachbuchautor. Der Schwerpunkt seiner Publikationen liegt auf der Darstellung von Zusammenhängen zwischen Ökologie und Gesundheit. Ab 2020 trat Arvay mit ablehnenden Äußerungen zu den Maßnahmen gegen die COVID-19-Pandemie an die Öffentlichkeit und wurde zu einem der bekanntesten Impfskeptiker im deutschsprachigen Raum. Er fiel besonders durch irreführende Schlussfolgerungen über das Verhältnis zwischen Nutzen und Risiko der Corona-Impfstoffe auf.

Reviews

[Bam cooks the books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Through his new book, German biologist Clemens Arvay scientifically verifies what I think most of us know instinctively--that spending time in nature is good for us, mentally, spiritually and physically. Biophilia or 'love of nature' is a relatively new term that expresses this need, desire, longing, to interact with nature.

After stating proofs to his thesis, Arvay then gives the reader some concrete suggestions and practical tips to establish this connection; such as taking a two-hour walk in a forest, camping out, gardening. We breathe in beneficial elements from trees, plants and earth that can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, boost concentration and strengthen our immune system.

Nature has healing power; Arvay's data suggests that surgery patients heal more quickly if they have a view of greenery and trees from their window. It can help alleviate pain and help patients recuperate more quickly. Sex can even be improved by finding a secluded area in nature. (grin)

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read an arc of Arvay's interesting book.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to read this book while suffering from seasonal allergies and a bug bite that made a large raised lump on my leg. It feels more like nature is trying to kill me rather than heal me at this juncture.

While in the woods a couple of days ago thinking about the book it became apparent that as soul feeding as it can be, it's not really a completely relaxing experience. There is, unfortunately, a level of vigilance required from any woman who is out in an isolated place alone.

These concerns aside, the book makes some excellent points about the important role nature plays in our wellbeing, as well as how we suffer from lack of connection to the natural world. Having sex out in nature seems a bit over the top to me, especially when I consider the logistics (bugs, pokey sticks, etc) but love the idea of including access to the outdoors for people who are in hospice.

Other than being disappointed with the fact that he did not include much information about how being out in nature can be challenging, I found it to be a very enlightening book. Being outdoors, hiking, camping are all things that I've loved for years. It's nice to know that it is good for my body as well as my soul.

[Stephen Kramar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: Terpenes interact with our immune systems and actually bolster our immune response. Trees (predominantly conifers) release lots of terpenes, so hanging out in forests and around trees can help strengthen our immune systems.
The rest of the book discusses ideas for wilderness outings and home garden design options. And, I should add, gets pretty strange about hugging trees, having sex while in contact with plants and dirt, mystical plant-based healing of mind and body, etc.

[Josef Kreitmayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book about the powerful force that plants, especially forests are to our health.

4 hours in a forest, no matter at which activity is incredibly beneficial to our health. The author is an Austrian botanist and health ecologist, that knows very well to balance technical expertise and literary artistry. The book is full of insights about the valour and importance of plants and wildlife to our human existance, gives insights in some plant-chemical details, as well as sociocultural perceptions of the benefits of nature all over the world.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, and think of it every time I spend some time breathing the enriched air of the trees in the woods.

[Franklin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book starts strong exploring the different cultural and scientific ways in which humans are connected to nature. Unfortunately as the book goes on it seems to lose focus.

[Nadia Roscoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you son forever love you. Your recommendation are always appreciated ❤

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiring and uplifting book ... inspiring because it will make you want to take a walk in the woods and uplifting because the writing is so engaging and positive. The author is a biologist, and he provides research evidence to document the many benefits of that walk in the woods. And while you're at it, why not create a forest garden in your backyard or an anti-cancer garden, because certain plants have anti-cancer properties, both for preventing and healing.

I enjoyed the stories Arvay shared about individuals who have reshaped their lives through forging a closer connection to nature ... from improving their sexual relationship to healing anxiety and panic attacks.

It comes with the imprimatur of Richard Louv, author of the the ground-breaking book Last Child in the Woods. And it has already led me to other authors I want to read, including Marc Bekoff, author of Rewilding Our Hearts.

A thoroughly delightful reading experience.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do confirm that this book was a very interesting pageturner to me. With German logics and precision the author consistently proves the healing potential of forests, gardens, plants and trees and the impact they have on our life, health, feelings etc. I had to read the book with numerous interruptions due to the fact I am on maternity leave with two small kids. But it was no problem - wherever I stopped, I could read on and even if I read two pages only, I had plenty of "food for thought".... trully amazing book. There is a small number of books I ever read where I can say they shaped my thinking in a different direction and this is one of them. I was never this eco-bio-sort-of-freak, but this author showed me the unknown POWER of nature and how we can use it to improve our well-being. I have already recommended it to at least 5 friends and family members and I am grateful for the author for popularizing the nature, above all, the forest, in this kind of way.

[Dylan]

I'm reading through Lithub's 365 Books to Start Your Climate Change Library, a reading list in four sections (Classics, Science, Fiction & Poetry, and Ideas). This book is #18 of Part 2: The Science and #70 overall.

There's some science in here about the effect of trees on the human immune system via terpenes. But there's also extended sections about the author's experience of meeting this kindly old man who represented nature during a psychotherapy trance, as well as instructions for how to lead a wilderness retreat. The book's a bit unfocused, and the writing (or translation, at least) is very dry, even within the largely artless world of pop-psychology prose.

[Talia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arvay makes a very clear, concise, evidence-based argument for spending time in nature, and most specifically, in forests. I didn't need science to tell me that interacting with the natural world is good for me--my personal experience taught me that--but it has been really cool learning about the science behind why humans are so drawn to the natural world and why we need it to live well.

I also appreciated all of the practical advice, exercises and gardening tips included--even just reading about doing these activities had a calming effect on me. This book offers a wealth of interesting facts and nuggets of wisdom that I know I will carry with me and probably share with anyone who will listen.

*borrowed from Mackenzie L.

[Stuart Champion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some interesting thoughts on the power of nature and forest-bathing. Quite spiritual in places but I can relate to a lot of the points made here. I particularly liked the suggestions for recreating a forest garden towards the end. I know where to look when I design my own garden some day.
Good evidence provided for the benefits of connecting better with trees and the natural world. Very timely.

[Christy Floriani · Rating 3 out of 5]

The message is great, citations are there but I didn’t check them further. I hope the message is true, I found it a fascinating topic. Unfortunately, the delivery felt sometimes patronizing, other times just too flowery...lacking substance. I’m recommending friends read the topic, but not necessarily this book.

[Christine Sopko · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a person who agrees without proof of the biophilia effect I could nod along and follow the conversation. It is not scientifically sited at every turn but referred to in notes and therefore open to debates. It seemed like two books in the one the why and the how to. (Rereadable)

[Bonnie Truax]

I read about half and decided not to finish it. The first half was interesting. Instructions on how to lead a group in absorbing nature was not part of my current goals so I abandoned the rest of the book.

[Lisa Remington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting. Well written

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about how we can reconnect with nature and how nature can heal us

[John Stockton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful and informative read!

[shreya · Rating 2 out of 5]

wanted to like this much more than i actually did

[GONZA · Rating 2 out of 5]

I actually have mixed feelings about this book, because I don't believe everything that it is written here, but maybe that is due to the difference between a botanist/biologist and a psychotherapist.

Non é che questo libro mi abbia proprio convinto, ma credo sia dovuto al fatto che l'autore é un biologo/botanico mentre io sono una psicoterapeuta.

THANKS TO NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!

[Rosemarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing is easy to read, and the author's conviction comes through in the writing, and I'm sure some of the exercises provided will be of use to some readers. The author's gardening recommendations, for a forest garden, aren't to be sniffed at either, as they encourage diversity and home-growing some food, although his referring to it as a  'cancer-curing' garden is rather far-fetched.