A groundbreaking study recently published in Nature Communications delivers fascinating evidence that simply watching natural environments—virtually—can significantly reduce how we perceive pain.
The findings suggest that the soothing power of nature, long praised for its mental health benefits, also plays a measurable role in altering brain activity related to physical discomfort.
Led by researchers from the University of Vienna and the University of Exeter, the study used cutting-edge neuroimaging techniques to uncover how even virtual exposure to natural settings reduces the brain’s response to pain. And in a society where chronic pain and opioid reliance are mounting concerns, this discovery opens new doors to drug-free treatment possibilities.
“This study highlights how virtual encounters can bring the healing potential of nature to people when they can’t get outside,” said Dr. Alex Smalley, a coauthor from the University of Exeter.
“But we hope our results also serve as renewed evidence for the importance of protecting healthy and functioning natural environments, encouraging people to spend time in nature for the benefit of both the planet and people.”
Measuring Pain in Real-Time With Nature on the Screen
The study involved 49 participants in Austria, who were subjected to a mild but consistent pain stimulus—small electric shocks—while their brain activity was monitored using an fMRI scanner. The aim was to understand how the brain processes pain under different visual conditions.
During the brain scans, participants were shown three different five-minute video scenes designed to evoke varying sensory and emotional responses. One featured a virtual nature landscape with trees, rolling hills, and a body of water gently rippled by the wind. Another depicted an urban environment that also included water but was framed by man-made elements such as walls, benches, and pathways. The third was a meticulously organized indoor office setting, characterized by its symmetry and accompanied by ambient sounds like the hum of a fan and distant traffic noise.
After each exposure, the participants reported their pain levels. Interestingly, while the urban scene was also rated as beautiful, only the nature video triggered a meaningful drop in both reported pain levels and neurological activity associated with pain processing.
Not Just Pretty—Nature Changes How the Brain Feels Pain
The real innovation in this study was in how the researchers interpreted the data. Using advanced machine-learning algorithms, they analyzed how specific brain networks responded to the pain stimuli across different environments. They found that when participants watched the nature video, the brain actually received fewer pain signals. The areas responsible for determining the intensity and location of pain were less active.
“Numerous studies have shown that people consistently report feeling less pain when exposed to nature,” said lead author and University of Vienna PhD student Max Steininger.
“Yet until now, the underlying reasons for this effect were unclear,” he adds. “Our study is the first to provide evidence from brain scans that this isn’t just a placebo effect—driven by people’s beliefs and expectations that nature is good for them—instead, the brain is reacting less to information about where the pain is coming from and how intense it feels.”
Steininger continues, “Our findings suggest that the pain-relieving effect of nature is genuine.”
What sets this study apart is its ability to isolate the mechanism behind the phenomenon. The fact that the urban scene was rated equally beautiful—but did not reduce pain—suggests that beauty or symmetry alone aren’t enough. It’s not just about enjoying a nice view—it’s about how natural environments uniquely interact with our nervous system.
A Legacy of Healing: Revisiting Roger Ulrich’s Landmark Study
These new insights provide a compelling answer to a question that has puzzled researchers for decades. In the 1980s, a pioneering study by Roger Ulrich, a trailblazer in environmental psychology, found that hospital patients recovered faster and used fewer pain medications when their windows looked out on green spaces rather than brick walls. Yet, the biological mechanisms behind this phenomenon remained elusive—until now.
This new study offers a “robust” explanation for why nature has this healing effect. The visual stimuli provided by natural settings seem to intercept or downregulate pain signals in the brain, creating a kind of mental buffer against discomfort.
More Than Just a Walk in the Park: Real-World Applications
These findings come at a critical time, particularly in the United States, where millions struggle with chronic pain and mental health conditions. Overmedication and reliance on opioids have become major public health issues. While outdoor access may not be possible for everyone—due to mobility issues, illness, or living in urban environments—this research suggests that virtual nature can serve as a powerful alternative.
“The fact that this pain-relieving effect can be achieved through a virtual nature exposure which is easy to administer has important practical implications for non-drug treatments, and opens new avenues for research to better understand how nature impacts our minds.”
The implications go beyond hospitals and chronic illness management. Virtual reality (VR) and immersive environments could one day be integrated into pain clinics, dental offices, rehabilitation centers, or even in-home care routines.
Nature’s Gift to Mind and Body
This study further underscores the holistic benefits of nature—not just for the mind, but for the body as well. From reducing stress and anxiety to now providing clear relief from physical pain, the natural world continues to prove its essential role in human health and well-being.
And while technology may provide a window into this healing power, Dr. Smalley and the research team remind us of the importance of preserving the real thing.
“We hope our results also serve as renewed evidence for the importance of protecting healthy and functioning natural environments, encouraging people to spend time in nature for the benefit of both the planet and people.”
In a world increasingly dominated by screens and synthetic environments, the message is clear: whether you can step outside or just press play, let nature in. Your brain—and your body—will thank you.