A new study conducted by academics from the University of Exeter and the University of Vienna has found that watching nature videos can physically reduce pain. The research discovered that exposure to nature can change how the brain processes pain.

A recent study revealed that watching nature documentaries and natural landscapes may have a pain-relieving effect.

During the study, brain scans of 49 participants showed that those who watched nature videos felt less pain compared to those who watched city or office scenes.

According to The Independent, participants were given mild electric shocks to test the impact of nature on pain. The results showed that experiencing natural scenes led to a reduction in pain similar to about half the effectiveness of standard painkillers. Max Steininger, a doctoral student from the University of Vienna and lead author of the study, stated:

“Previous studies have shown that people report feeling less pain when exposed to nature, but the reasons have remained unclear. Our study shows that the brain changes the way it processes pain. This is not just a ‘placebo’ effect; nature reduces brain responses to the source and intensity of pain.” The research revealed that the pain-alleviating effect of nature is real, although it is only about half as potent as painkillers. Steininger emphasized that people suffering from pain should continue taking their prescribed medication. However, he hoped that alternative pain management methods like interacting with nature could contribute to treatment in the future. The study was published in the journal Nature Communications under the title “Nature exposure induces analgesic effects by acting on nociception-related neural processing.” Dr. Alex Smalley from the University of Exeter, a co-author of the study, stated:

“This study demonstrates that exposure to nature in a virtual setting also offers healing effects. It also emphasizes the importance of preserving natural environments and hopes to encourage society to spend more time in nature.” The results indicate the potential of nature-based virtual interactions in alleviating pain and suggest that future research could help us better understand the effects of nature on our minds.