Looking at nature—whether in real life or through digital images—can reduce pain, according to a new study using brain scans.
Researchers at the University of Vienna found that nature exposure alters brain activity in ways that lower pain perception. The study, published in Nature Communications, builds on decades of research linking nature to health benefits.
More than 40 years ago, a landmark study found that hospital patients recovered faster and needed fewer painkillers when they had a window view of green spaces rather than a brick wall. Yet, the neurological reasons behind this effect remained unclear—until now.
BRAIN SCANS REVEAL NATURE’S IMPACT ON PAIN PERCEPTION
Scientists often struggle to measure pain and nature’s influence on it since both experiences are subjective. Is nature truly pain-relieving, or does urban life intensify discomfort? To answer this, researchers recorded the brain activity of 49 volunteers using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
Participants received mild to moderate electric shocks on the back of their left hand while viewing different images:
- A serene lake with trees, rustling leaves, and birdsong.
- A semi-urban scene with buildings and city noise.
- A dull office with work-related sounds.
Findings revealed that those observing the natural scene felt less pain compared to those viewing city or office environments.
NATURE ALTERS PAIN-PROCESSING IN THE BRAIN
The fMRI scans confirmed nature’s effect was not just a placebo. Brain activity in nociception, the region involved in pain perception, decreased significantly when participants viewed natural landscapes.
Nonetheless, other brain areas regulating pain remained largely unchanged. This suggests that environment primarily distracts the brain from pain, aligning with the attention restoration theory in psychology.
A SIMPLE, PRACTICAL WAY TO REDUCE PAIN
The study highlights how even virtual nature exposure can provide pain relief. Unlike medication, nature therapy is safe, accessible, and easy to implement in hospitals, clinics, and workplaces.
“This has important practical implications,” said Alex Smalley, study co-author from Exeter University. He believes this research opens new doors in understanding how environment affects the human mind.
With nature proving to be a powerful, drug-free tool for pain management, the findings encourage healthcare providers to explore its use in therapy and recovery settings.
