Keywords: Environmental Chemistry, Riparian Vegetation Metabolites, River Sound, Mind Therapy, Forest Bathing,
Affiliations: *** IBB - CNR ***
Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy.,
Faculty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Georgian State Teaching University of Physical Education and Sport, 49, Chavchavadze avenue, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia.,
IBB-CNR Mezzocannone Site and Headquarters, Istituto Di Biostrutture E Bioimmagini, 80145 Naples, Italy.
Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, INRA, CEREGE, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France.
Corresponding author: GN Roviello, giroviel@unina.it
References: Not available.
River therapy
Humans benefit enormously from the positive effects of clean rivers on human health. Good quality river waters together with good biodiversity and a riparian habitat structure all concur to create such a positive practice. There is quantitative evidence for the relaxing effect of the sounds made by rivers. Moreover, riparian vegetation can boost human immunity after inhalation of plant-emitted volatile organic compounds. River waters carry plant metabolites that are known ingredients of traditional medicines which induce, among other beneficial effects, antipsoriatic healing. Protecting river ecosystems and improving water quality are therefore challenges worth facing to improve psychological and physical wellness. Here, we present scientific insights on river therapy, aimed at healing both psychological stress and physical disease.