Evidence for therapeutic effects

Traditional practices have long recognised the interconnectedness of body, mind and spirit, considered health an internal expression of environmental factors and acknowledged that our terrestrial existence is shaped by celestial and universal forces.

Our ancestors followed the rhythm of the land, the cycles of day and night, movement of the sun, the moon and the stars; they celebrated the seasons and the harvest and cured ailments with prescriptions from nature. But where once we lived in intuitive alignment with the natural laws, modern living has us in disconnect. Work, not the sun, governs when we rise and retire. Concrete, not nature, surrounds us. Synthetic substances replace folk medicine and a textureless 2-D world of blue-light glare substitutes for ink, pen and human interaction.

Poor mental health is the precipitator of one in five cases of absenteeism. A 2024 YouGov survey showed that one in three adults experienced high or extreme levels of pressure or stress ‘always’ or ‘often’. Contributory factors of employment and money worries, poor physical health and isolation were cited. Access to childcare and NHS waiting times were also significant.

Two thirds of participants reported symptoms of sleep disturbance while nearly half said that stress had negative impacts on their diet and self esteem. Four in ten found that stress interfered with family and friend relationships. Less than half could switch off from work.