All over the world, throughout history, gardens have been used to aid in the healing process.  For a period of time, while 20th century medical technology flourished, the use of healing gardens had diminished.  But now, with the increased interested in alternative therapies and integrative medicine, which emphasizes healing the whole person – body, mind and spirit – the idea of the garden as a healing element has been revived.    Research has shows that viewing vegetation, as opposed to urban scenes, lowers alpha brain waves, meaning that it creates a state of wakeful relaxation.  Here are some ideas for making your own healing garden:  Add a water element, either a fountain or a pond.  Make sure the garden is visually pleasing.  Use soft, cool, mellow colors like pastels, violets, and white.  Make sure the ground is even, and not too sloped, so that it is safe to walk around.  Incorporate elements that will attract wildlife, like bird feeders and birdbaths and berry-producing shrubs.  You may also want to include some medicinal plants in your garden, like lavender for its aromatherapy benefits, and aloe vera, which is good for sunburn.  Create some spaces where you can sit and meditate, or just enjoy the view.
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Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)