#30 Suzanne Bartlett-Hackenmiller, MD, discusses the power of nature as medicine including the research, resources and activity focus to remind you to go outside for healing
Dr Suzanne Bartlett-Hackenmiller, MD, started out as an OB/GYN but found she consistently wanted to ‘take it outside’- not common for a women’s health doctor doing pelvic exams. The outdoors continued to call to her as she raised her autistic spectrum son and was solace during and after losing her husband to cancer. It wasn’t until she found Shinrin Yoku, the Japanese Art of Forest Bathing, however, that her understanding of the true power of nature became clear. Her book, The Outdoor Adventurer’s Guide to Forest Bathing, exemplifies her unique approach to nature as medicine, be it a wilderness adventure, a plantain growing through a crack in the sidewalk, or a house plant. It includes resources (see below!) and invitations for Forest Bathing exercises like Pleasures of Presence, Sit Spot & Tea Ceremony with explanations and pictures of common, safe and local herbs. Dr Bartlett-Hackenmiller also insightfully recognizes that while outdoor adventure like hiking, biking and skiing have been for white people as of late, it's critical to decolonize our collective experience of wilderness in all directions, meaning recognizing the indigenous presence (historical, current and future) as well as being intentionally welcoming to People of Color and those with disabilities out into nature (or just getting out of their way). Throughout, Dr Bartlett-Hackenmiller weaves through the research that reflects nature as a true fourth pillar of health (diet, sleep, exercise, nature), pulling kernels out of her new one-hour open-access webinar on nature as medicine. Listen in; even better- go outside & listen as you move!
Resources:
Dr Suzanne Bartlett-Hackenmiller's website: https://integrativeinitiative.com/
Book link: Outdoor Adventurer's Guide to Forest Bathing: https://www.elliottbaybook.com/book/9781493042029
Blog 1hr CME on nature: https://parkrxamerica.org/continuing-education/
Association of Nature & Forest Therapy: https://www.natureandforesttherapy.org/
AllTrails App to find trails locally: https://www.alltrails.com/
ParksRx.com: https://parkrxamerica.org/
NativeLands app for finding your local names for places: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/native-land/id1194356597
Forest Bathing international: http://www.forestbathinginternational.org/
SHIFT: Shaping How we Invest For Tomorrow: https://shiftjh.org/