Clemens G. Arvay: We are Eco-Psychosomatic Beings

    —
March 27, 2018

Clemens G. Arvay: We are Eco-Psychosomatic Beings

Clemens G. Arvay — March 27, 2018

Clemens Arvay is a biologist and nonfiction author who specializes in landscape ecology, applied plant science, and the emerging field of eco-psychosomatic studies. With Sounds True, he has released The Biophilia Effect: A Scientific and Spiritual Exploration of the Healing Bond Between Humans and Nature. In this episode of Insights at the Edge, Tami Simon speaks with Clemens about the term “biophilia” and what it implies for human health and wellness in relationship to nature. Clemens explains the role of terpenes—complex biochemicals emitted by plants—and how they interact with the human body. Branching from this concept, Tami and Clemens discuss the idea that humans are much more tightly connected to the rest of nature than we realize, as well as what this might mean for the future of medicine. Finally, Clemens describes the practice of forest bathing and how we can maximize the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of spending time in nature. (69 minutes)

Clemens G. Arvay (1980–2023) was an Austrian biologist who studied landscape ecology at Graz University and applied plant sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna. Arvay examined the relationship between humans and nature, focusing on the health-promoting effects of contact with plants, animals, and landscapes. The author also addressed a second range of topics that included ecologically produced food along with the economics of large food conglomerates. Clemens G. Arvay wrote numerous books including The Biophilia Effect. More at clemensarvay.com.

Author photo © Lukas Beck

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Clemens G. Arvay: We are Eco-Psychosomatic Beings

Clemens Arvay is a biologist and nonfiction author who specializes in landscape ecology, applied plant science, and the emerging field of eco-psychosomatic studies. With Sounds True, he has released The Biophilia Effect: A Scientific and Spiritual Exploration of the Healing Bond Between Humans and Nature. In this episode of Insights at the Edge, Tami Simon speaks with Clemens about the term “biophilia” and what it implies for human health and wellness in relationship to nature. Clemens explains the role of terpenes—complex biochemicals emitted by plants—and how they interact with the human body. Branching from this concept, Tami and Clemens discuss the idea that humans are much more tightly connected to the rest of nature than we realize, as well as what this might mean for the future of medicine. Finally, Clemens describes the practice of forest bathing and how we can maximize the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of spending time in nature. (69 minutes)

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