Immersing yourself in the greenery of a forest is considered a therapy for reducing stress, anxiety and improving physical and mental health, also strengthening the immune system. We understand why
In Japan, immerse yourself in the greenery of a forest it’s not just a relaxation practice, but one therapy prescribed by doctors.
The “shinrin-yoku”better known outside Japanese borders as “forest bathing“, has become an integral part of the treatment protocols to deal with anxiety, stress and other problems related to our lifestyles. But how can a simple walk among the trees compete with medicine? The most recent studies confirm that direct contact with nature It has tangible beneficial effects on physical and mental healthto the point that Japanese medicine has integrated it into clinical treatments.
The origin of shinrin-yoku
The term shinrin-yoku literally means “forest bathing” and refers to the act of immersing oneself in the woods not only with the body, but also with the mind and senses. This practice was officially introduced by the Japanese government in the 1980sin response to the increase in stress-related disorders in large urban centres. The idea was simple: return to nature to regenerateletting the atmosphere of the forest help us live, in a different way, with tensions and worries.
The scientifically proven benefits
Numerous studies have shown that spending time in a natural environment has profound effects on our psychological and physical well-being. Research published last August in ScienceDirect highlighted that forest bathing significantly reduces cortisol levelsthe stress hormone, while improving the function of the immune system. Furthermore, a improvement in blood pressure and heart ratesigns of deep relaxation of the body.
Another study, reported on PubMed, confirmed that forest bathing stimulates the production of NK (natural killer) cellsfundamental for our immune system in the fight against viruses and cells tumors.
Therapy for anxiety and depression
The effects of forest bathing are not limited to the physical sphere. Research conducted and published on Wiley Online Library has shown that contact with nature can be a valid ally in dealing with anxiety and depression. In this study, participants who experienced shinrin-yoku sessions showed a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms and improved quality of life.
The reason behind these beneficial effects is to be found in the synergy between various factors: the reduction of city noise, healthy air, natural beauty and volatile compounds released by plantssuch as phytoncides, which have a calming effect and stimulate the immune system.
In many cases, Japanese doctors recommend it to patients suffering from stress-related illnesses, such as high blood pressure, heart problems, and even mental disorders. Japan’s holistic approach to health sees forest bathing as a way to balance body and mindaddressing the causes of stress in a profound way.
With the growing attention to psychological well-being, even in the West we are starting to look with interest at forest bathing as a therapeutic tool. Some countries are experimenting with integrating this practice into medical treatments, but Japan remains at the forefront, with hundreds of official shinrin-yoku courses certified by the Ministry of Agriculture.
