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When A Tree Falls In The Forest…

Durable European Oak hardwood flooring by Garrison

Gather some wood and bring it home because it is proven to help you relax. In a research paper titled: “Physiological Effects of Touching Wood,” by 3 scientists at Chiba University in Japan, it is shown that touching wood has a significant relaxing effect on people compared to marble, tile, and stainless steel. The researchers painstakingly prove what most of us know by intuition, wood is comfortable to be around. The researchers sought to gather scientific evidence that touching wood has a beneficial effect on mood states and can cause physiological relaxation that has a preventative medical effect. Could it be that hardwood floors don’t just add value to your home, but also contribute to your good health? Knock on wood. It’s not just about luck anymore.

Physiological Effects of Touching Wood Measured

Study subjects were blindfolded and were unable to tell what material they were touching. Their brain activity was measured by monitoring oxyhemoglobin concentrations in the prefrontal cortex using near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy. The oxy-Hb concentrations immediately decreased after touching wood. Lower oxy-Hb has been proven to correspond with lower stress level. Heart rate was measured as an indication of autonomic nervous system activity. The high frequency component of heart rate variability immediately increased when touching wood. This result is associated with physiological relaxation. Advances in non-invasive monitoring of physical activity has enabled this type of research to be much more comfortable for the study participants. As a result, many things were easily tested, and the details of the study are interesting but let’s move from empirical data to the conclusions.

Hardwood installation in kitchen
From the Garrison Collection European Oak with a 3mm top layer. Residential warranty Limited Lifetime Structure, Limited 25 Year Finish

Why Does Getting Back to Nature Have Health Benefits?

“To explain this phenomenon, Miyazaki has advocated a “back to nature” theory. In this theory, they claim human physiological functions are best adapted to a natural environment because over 99.99% of the course of human evolution since our ancestors started evolving from a subset of primates into our current form around 6–7 million years ago has been spent in a natural environment. Conversely, we have spent less than 0.01% of our species’ history in a modern environment, which only started with the beginning of urbanization in the Industrial Revolution. The highly urbanized and artificial environments that we currently inhabit are the root cause of the “stress state” in modern people. We therefore enter a relaxed state when exposed to the natural environment or to a nature-derived stimulation, which brings us closer to our original natural state as human beings. Tactile stimulation by touching wood with the palm is considered to bring about physiological relaxation effects because wood is a familiar and representative natural material for humans.” Explains one of the study authors, Yoshifumi Miyazaki.

Why Choose Real Wood Over Other Types of Flooring?

While the research we are talking about is not specifically about wood flooring. We think it is important to consider that the types of materials used in your home could have an impact on your health. Most of us cannot live in a forest but we can install beautiful hardwood flooring and perhaps feel the calming effect through our feet. At Saddleback Carpet & Flooring we want to help you make the best decision for your new flooring. We measure your floor for free and show you the best options for your new flooring based on your budget and the room that is being covered. Get started today, please click the button below to schedule your appointment.

Flooring Installed Your Way!

Our expert staff will guide you through the process and you will be amazed at how quickly we install hardwood flooring!
Durable European oak hardwood installed in kitchen
These exceptionally beautiful European Oak colors will find a place in the heart of every art admirer with their elegant, natural tones, and superior construction. With a thick 4 mm wear layer and micro-beveled edges, each plank is constructed to look and perform, fitting a wide range of applications where style is paramount. From the Garrison Collection.
Judy Toone
1/8/2022
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Excellent job and service. They go out of their way to make sure you are happy with purchase. The installers Jose and his son Erwin are the best and tidiest. They did a fantastic job and I am so pleased. Do not hesitate to use their services!!
Jesus A.
11/5/2021
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Jerry was very helpful when coming to measure and give me an estimate on my new home that desperately needed new carpet. His quote was fair and they estimated it would take two days to complete the job. His team was done in under a full day. Very pleased with the carpet and his crew. Thank you!
Deena A.
3/23/2021
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This is the second time we have used Saddleback Carpet & Flooring and we are very happy with our new flooring. Jerry, the owner, is amazing! Very accommodating and easy to work with. Benjamin and his crew are Masters of their craft. Their work is awesome, done in a timely matter and they cleaned up when they were finished. Overall, just a great experience. I would highly recommend Saddleback Carpet & Flooring.
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