Dynamic Nature Health Theory – how can we reach the maximum of nature health benefits?

We already know a lot about the effects of nature on human health. Nature helps people to calm down and strengthens the positive mood. Natural environment enables physical activation and supports the functioning of immune system. 

However, the adoption of nature- and animal-assisted methods in social and health care has been slow. There is a wealth of research knowledge and results, while the problem might be with lacking theory for nature-assisted activities. 

At the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), we have examined nature effects from the perspective of the autonomic nervous system. This has been most interesting, as the autonomic nervous system is a mechanism that is adjusting the state of arousal with prevailing environmental conditions. Through this subconscious regulation, a person can find tranquility in a safe setting and, conversely, will be able to boost activity level while facing physical or psychosocial tasks and challenges. 

American professor of psychiatry, Stephen Porges, has examined the functions of autonomic nervous system particularly from the perspective of a stressed individual (Porges 2025). According to his Polyvagal Theory, the nervous system supports individuals via three types of reactions. When sympathetic nerves get activated (1), a person will get more physical resources and can find solutions through an increased level of activation. Parasympathetic nervous system, in turn, allows calming, resting and recovering. This occurs via the dorsal and ventral branches of the vagus nerve. Dorsal vagus nerve (2) results muscle relaxation and initiated digestion. The ventral vagus nerve (3), interestingly, is linked to social interaction; and calming processes occur through body language, facial expressions and physical proximity.

In this project, we studied how nature effects are related to the Polyvagal theory. And indeed, they were closely related to the nervous system regulation. Nature offers wide range of alternatives to manage stress and mental strain. 

There is already plenty of research to show the calming and restoring effects of nature. In nature, there are numerous smooth sensory experiences to invite people into the present moment. Along with calm state of mind, people will be able to shift from the stressful reactivity mode towards the state of restful observation, reflection, and consideration. Attention shifts from internal chattering to the physical messages conveyed by the body.

However, the phenomena of human stress and recovering is multifaceted. In the context of trauma, autonomic nervous system gets often dysregulated with a narrowed "window of tolerance". Excessive state of hyperarousal manifests as impulsive and reactive behavior, whereas hypoarousal involves signs of paralysis and exhaustion. These are conditions that require plenty of time for healing. Natural setting helps to shift attention away from symptoms and everyday concerns towards shared experiences, meaningful activities and interaction with others. Especially, corrective emotional experiences, where individuals will be able to psychological safety, are important.

Social engaging. The calming effects can be derived also by safe social connections. This is associated with human origin as "herd animals." Humans, too, are a species that find calm in the company of safe peers. This kind of social support enables us to face challenges with a mental state of composure. There is no need to reactively rush into solutions, but instead, solutions can be contemplated and worked through together. In the long term, socially good and engaging relationships results in an increased sense of psychological safety. This, in turn, allows individuals to thrive personally and reach their own potential.

In nature, social roles and tensions are often fading away along with the joint activities and experiences. Through body language, it is easier to reach understanding between the peoples.

Also, animals can play an important role while people are facing difficult life situations. Encountering a pet and establishing a trusting bond may be possible even when human relationships are fraught with past disappointments. 

Physical activities, supported by the activation of sympathetic nerve system, are also providing solutions while person is trying to cope with challenging situations.

Engaging in even a small activity encourages the brain to generate new thoughts. The joint coordination with eyes and hands sends signals to the brain. The tangible result of the activity brings a sense of pleasure and inspires one to keep going. This can create a positive cycle of physical and mental activation, which strengthens a person's self-esteem and sense of agency. However, a stressed individual should start with light physical exercise, as prolonged stress impairs the body's production of cortisol, a hormone that enables increased physical performance. 

Gradually, physical fitness, sleep quality, and overall functional ability improve—and this, in turn, enhances the individual's other capacities to cope with the challenges.

During the Interactive Gardens -project we were able to test Dynamic Nature Health -model with several visiting groups and their guiding. 

Our most significant insight here might be the systemic nature of nature effects. Maximum health effects of nature cannot be achieved by any single sub-process; rather on, there needs to be an overall understanding about the interaction between humans and their environment. 

Human mind and body are constantly connected to their environment, drawing all the time psychological and physical impulses from nature. Also, other people constitute important aspects of social environment which is well addressed by the Polyvagal theory.

Medical care tends often to focus on standardized procedures. Alongside this, however, also client-centered approaches are needed. People have various pathways to their own recovering, and nature supports this kind of flexibility. 

Stephen Porges’s theory continues to face certain criticism, particularly regarding its biological sub-processes. Their description will surely to be refined during the coming years. However, polyvagal theory is also guiding us to better understand the major potentials of embodied experiencing and learning.

A human is, in many respects, a product of their own living environment.

This blog was written as part of the Interactive Gardens project, funded by Interreg Baltic Sea Region.

Porges, S. W. 2025. Polyvagal theory: a journey from physiological observation to neural innervation and clinical insight. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience 19. 

Yli-Viikari, A. & Honkasalo, M. 2026. Luonnon terveysvaikutukset. Kohti yhtenäistä teoriaa ihmisen hyvinvoinnista ja selviytymisestä. Sosiaalilääketieteellinen Aikakauslehti 63.