Mental healing is always important for our lives, but little is known about physiological mechanisms of healing. In Awaji Island there is an institute for research of healing. This is Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Landscape Planning and Horticulture Academy. The campus is very impressive. Beautiful school architectures are surrounded by gardens and an agricultural gardening area that help lead to mental healing.

Dr. Toyoda, Associate Professor of this school, found that activation of a specific area of the frontal lobe in the cerebral cortex is involved in metal healing.　When we see beautiful green scenery, we can feel relaxed and mentally healed. According to the study of Dr. Toyoda and his colleague, the healing is related to an increase of blood flow in the specific area of the frontal lobe. Based on these findings they seek cure the causes of mental healing by gardening. Repeated practices of gardening increase local blood flow in the specific area of the frontal lobe and lead to activation of the specific area of front lobe. When the healing mechanism becomes clearer, more and more improved methods will be invented by people studying in this institute. Those might contribute to renewal of the Japanese community where aging is going on so fast. Mental effects and healing in Awaji Island may be clarified scientifically by their efforts as well.