Published: May 2017
Wealthy individuals often travel abroad for vacations, while people from southern India frequently visit the north, and vice versa. Tamilians commonly travel to temple towns within Tamil Nadu, as well as Kerala, Karnataka, Tirupati, and Goa for their trips.
Tourism involves expenses, but the joy and happiness it brings are immeasurable. That is why tourism is considered a pleasure expense.
Health Benefits of Forest Tourism
Despite the joy and excitement of tourism, it’s essential to consider its impact on health. Forest tourism is the best for maintaining good health. We’ve started tree-planting initiatives because trees provide the vital air we breathe, nourish the soil, and bring rain. They absorb sunlight to produce greens, leafy vegetables, and fruits, which serve as food for us. We’ve educated people about these benefits.
Trees, though considered single-sense beings, have intelligence and different characteristics. For instance, some mango trees in an orchard yield well in rainy years, while others produce abundantly during droughts. These trees are from drought-resistant lineages.
Trees have ears and eyes. Just like deaf and blind people manage to live, trees perceive everything through touch and live accordingly. Standing under a barren tree and talking to it, asking why it doesn’t bear fruit despite receiving water and care, can sometimes result in it bearing fruit. This was often mentioned by agriculturalist Nammazhvar.
Each tree has its unique fragrance. By smelling the bark, leaves, and roots, one can notice the differences. Forests with diverse trees release vapors, fragrances, and various medicinal properties. Standing, sitting, or lying under these trees can rejuvenate health, as the body absorbs these beneficial elements.
Forest Healing
Taking a dip in herbal water at places like Courtallam is believed to cure various ailments. Similarly, the medicinal vapors from forest trees can be beneficial. We’ve known to bathe in the sea for rejuvenation and health benefits, but we haven’t fully realized the medicinal properties of forest air.
In the past, people would sleep on cots under trees, and many animals still live on or under trees. Not all birds build nests in every tree; they select specific trees for their nests, indicating that birds understand which trees provide the best benefits. Only humans have lost this natural wisdom.
Traditional Wisdom
Old Tamil sayings encourage sleeping under jackfruit trees during the day. Feeding jackfruit leaves to cattle can cure diseases. Eating jackfruit enhances body strength and longevity.
Government’s Role
While nature hospitals have proliferated, there are no such facilities in Tamil Nadu’s forested areas. The government should establish forest resorts to promote health and wellness, creating environments where people can stay and rejuvenate, preventing diseases. Just like setting up rejuvenation centers for elephants, the government should create opportunities for people to live in forest settings.
Planting Trees at Home
Growing trees like custard apple, bael, and mahilam at home, and planting jasmine, pavalamalli, iluppai, paneer tree, manjakkathi, punnai, neem, and bamboo along fences can showcase the greatness of tree fragrances. These practices can prevent heart disease, regulate blood pressure, and prevent respiratory ailments.
Living among trees, even for a short time, can lead to a healthier lifestyle. The government should facilitate forest tourism destinations to allow people to experience the benefits of living in harmony with nature.
Dr. Kasi Pichai, President, Natural Lifestyle Movement, Thirumanur, Ariyalur District.
