A recent study conducted by academics from the University of Exeter and the University of Vienna revealed that watching nature documentaries and natural landscapes could have pain-relieving effects. Brain scans of 49 participants in the study showed that those who watched nature videos experienced less pain compared to those who watched city or office scenes. Participants were given mild electric shocks to test the impact of nature on pain. The results indicated that the reduction in pain experienced by those viewing nature scenes was approximately half as effective as standard painkillers.

Max Steininger, a doctoral student from the University of Vienna and lead author of the study, highlighted that previous research already demonstrated that exposure to nature reduces pain, but the reasons were previously unclear. Steininger stated, “Our study shows that the brain processes pain differently. This is not just a placebo effect; nature reduces the brain’s response to where and how intense the pain is coming from.” Emphasizing that individuals experiencing pain should continue taking their prescribed medications, Steininger expressed hope that alternative pain management methods like interacting with nature could contribute to future treatments.

Dr. Alex Smalley, a co-author of the study from the University of Exeter, mentioned, “This study shows that exposure to nature in a virtual environment also offers healing effects. It also emphasizes the importance of preserving natural settings and aims to encourage society to spend more time in nature.”