BENGALURU: Being in open green spaces improves a person’s mood and self esteem, and relaxes the body. This was proved by a study by the University of Essex, a decade ago. Bangalore Environment Trust’s relies on this philosophy, of Nature for emotional well-being, to heal the mentally challenged children.
Dr A N Yellappa Reddy, former Secretary with Department of Ecology and Environment, Government of Karnataka, and Chief Advisor to the Bangalore University Biodiversity Park, zeroed in on the concept of ecotherapy. He says, “We started with this programme in June 2013. Under this, we take children from various NGOs in the city to Charakavana, Jnanabharathi Campus, Bangalore University. We allow them to do whatever they like there. It can be singing, dancing or playing games, and we ourselves join in,” he says.
Dr Prof Lalitha BR, Head of Department, Govt Ayurveda Medical College, says initiatives like ecotherapy helps children relax. They feel less agitated or anxious. “They are happier when they attend such sessions,” she says.
Dr Reddy says that he has observed a change in the way the children behave. “They are also doing well academically now,” he says. “It takes two to three years for results to show.”
But how does our environment help in brain development? His explanation is simple. “ Our brain consumes 20-30 per cent of the oxygen we inhale,” he says. “The quality of air in open spaces is good and when it travells to the brain cells, we feel relaxed. They also get the freedom to do whatever they want to here. That helps too.”
At Charakavana, children with many kinds of disabilities come together and learn various things. Gaining a new skill helps increase their self-esteem.
Dr Reddy gives us an example: “We teach them how to sow seeds. Many parents got back to us and said that their children now feel connected to the plant. They make sure that it has been watered and taken care of. This exercise helps improve their concentration and self-worth.”
Out of about 150 children who are part of the programme currently, he says, 10-15 per cent have “improved a lot”, another 10-15 per cent are “better” and rest “will take a little more time”. “The time they take to improve depends on the their condition when they join the therapy. No two children are similar,” he says.
Children also narrate stories and get awarded for that. “I tell them that anyone who narrates a good story will get Rs 50. That motivates them. They become more self confident,” he says. “They are also able to recognise us, which was difficult earlier. They come us and ask us to talk to them.”
The therapy is free of cost. Bangalore Environment Trust also organises transport and food for them.
The children come to Charakavana every third Saturday. The family also get to meet doctors and councellors who guide them and give them required medicines.
