WATCHING David Attenborough documentaries soothes away pain, a study suggests.
MRI scans show that looking at nature videos reduces activity in parts of the brain that manage how people feel discomfort.
2
Volunteers sensed less pain from small electric shocks when looking at images of the natural world compared with when shown those of a city or office.
Researchers said nature’s pain-relieving effects were half as powerful as paracetamol — adding that more research could help develop treatments.
PhD student Max Steininger, of Vienna University, said people had previously reported feeling less pain when watching nature but the reason was unclear.
He said: “Our study is the first to provide evidence from brain scans that this isn’t just a placebo effect — driven by people’s beliefs and expectations that nature is good for them.
“Instead, the brain is reacting less to information about where the pain is coming from and how intense it feels.”
Co-author Dr Alex Smalley, of the University of Exeter, said the study showed that “virtual encounters” with nature might help pain sufferers who could not get outside.
Sir David has previously linked being in nature to feeling happier and healthier.
In 2018, he said: “Spending time with nature offers us all precious breathing space away from the stresses and strains of modern life.”
2
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.
