Written by Maggie Garrity, RD, Director of Nutritional Services, Timberline Knolls
Eating disorders (EDs) are complex and diverse diseases. Whether it be extreme restriction, bingeing, binge/ purge cycling or a combination of all, eating disorders always serve a function. Despite how they manifest, EDs all develop from or to an unhealthy relationship with food.
Comprehensive treatment must deal with every aspect of how this unhealthy relationship developed, what purpose it serves for the individual, and what steps must be taken to heal the problem.
Regardless of level of care, a therapeutic vegetable garden can prove an excellent tool.
PHYSICAL
The human body was created to move. While most direct therapy occurs in an office setting, a garden allows the opportunity to create a natural place for healing. Sunshine, in tandem with fresh air, offers great benefits, whether it be the vitamin D absorbed, or just the warmth of sun on skin. Simple movement is also valuable. Digging in the ground, cultivating the soil and planting and maintaining soil requires movement.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
A garden requires intentionality. Serious thought must be given to which vegetables will thrive in a certain environment and what they require to flourish. But, the extraordinary beauty is that once decisions are made, those working on the garden no longer have to think–they just need to do. While a resident with disordered eating is focused on pulling weeds or appropriately watering their plants, they are able to create a space away from the difficulties of daily treatment. The mind is given a much needed time out. They are momentarily set free from the past or future – -they are just living in the moment, thinking about the plants that need them.
SOCIAL
An ED rarely presents alone; it is often accompanied by conditions such as anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Working as a group gives those with social anxiety an opportunity to practice new-found skills in a safe environment. Similarly, a person with OCD can expect challenges. Perhaps fear is centered on the concept of being clean and germ-free. Therefore, touching dirt could prove difficult. Repeated exposure without negative consequences may help mitigate this fear.
SPIRITUAL
People consist of mind, body and a spirit. Many feel closer to God, their higher power, or the universe while in nature. Watching a desolate patch of earth transform into a thriving, colorful garden full of vegetables cannot help but nourish the spirit.
RECOVERY
Perhaps the most important aspect of a therapeutic garden is the destigmatizing of food that takes place. Planting, growing and ultimately consuming the crop goes a long way in negating the fear, anger or hatred that those with EDs often have toward food. The hope is that this appreciation for food will go on to heal challenging relationships with a variety of foods.
The post Therapeutic Gardens: A Natural Place for Healing appeared first on MEDA - Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association.