Retreating to nature : rethinking 'therapeutic landscapes'

Lea, J. (2008) Retreating to nature : rethinking 'therapeutic landscapes'. Area, 40(10), pp. 90-98. (doi: 10.1111/j.1475-4762.2008.00789.x)

Abstract

There is a long history of removing oneself from ‘society’ in order to recuperate or repair. This paper considers a yoga and massage retreat in Southern Spain, and what opportunities this retreat experience might offer for recuperation and the creation of healthy bodies. The paper positions ‘nature’ as an active participant, and as ‘enrolled’ in the experiences of the retreat as a ‘therapeutic landscape’, and questions how and what particular aspects of yoga practice (in intimate relation with place) give rise to therapeutic experiences.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: retreats, yoga, therapeutic landscape, body, nature
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Lea, Dr Jennifer
• Authors: Lea, J.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RZ Other systems of medicine; Q Science > QH Natural history
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
• Journal Name: Area
• Publisher: Blackwell Publishing
• ISSN: 0004-0894
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2008 Blackwell Publishing
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with the permission of the editor of 'Area'