The forest, forest bathing and its health potential - People have always enjoyed the forest, regardless of age, because of its peaceful atmosphere, mild climate, beautiful scenery, clean air, pleasant smells of flowers and plants. In the forest we feel free, disconnected from our problems, we can be closer to ourselves. In the forest we listen to ourselves differently, express ourselves, dream and enjoy the true beauty of nature, which in turn beautifies us. How many times have you experienced a walk in the woods as a form of therapy spa? Yes, because that's exactly what it is: nature therapy!

Forest, forest bathing - Studies and effects of forest environments

In Japan, since 2004, many studies have been carried out to investigate the effects of forest environments on human health. Even a new medical science called Forest Medicine, an inter-disciplinary science, belonging to the categories of alternative medicine, environmental medicine and preventive medicine, has been developed, which encompasses the effects of forest environments on human health.

In Germany, for the first time in Europe, healing forests are being developed and cultivated on a scientific basis in the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern area. Also in the Heringsdorf area of the Baltic Sea, Germany has gone beyond a pioneering role and has already established a first spa resort based on forest bathing indications.

Research carried out in Japan and transcontinental China has revealed a multitude of physiological and psychological benefits associated with practicing Shinrin-Yoku (SY), also known as forest bathing. SY is a traditional Japanese practice of immersion in nature through all five senses. In the 1980s, SY emerged in Japan as an essential component of preventive and curative medicine.

Forest, forest bathing can be considered a form of nature therapy

Song, Ikei and Miyazaki's model: the concept of nature therapy clearly defines nature therapy as "a set of practices intended to achieve by exposure to natural stimuli that confer a state of relaxation physiologic and improves weakened immune functions to prevent disease".

The conceptual model of nature-based therapy starts with a "state of stress" and then emphasizes the "restorative effects" of nature (forests, flowers, etc.) in which there is an hypothesized improvement of "physiological relaxation" and "recovery of immune function" (with individual differences). These responses to nature are then incorporated into the model of evidence-based medicine (EBM), leading to the 'preventive medical effect'.

Data reported in the literature on the curative components of forest bathing refer to the following effects:

1) immune system function (natural killer cell growth/prevention cancer);

2) cardiovascular system (hypertension/coronary artery disease);

3) respiratory system (allergies and respiratory diseases);

4) depression and anxiety (mood disorders and stress);

5) mental relaxation (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder);

6) the feeling of "awe" (increased feelings of gratitude and altruism);

7) Ulrich's stress reduction hypothesis;

6) the biophilia hypothesis of Kellert and Wilson.

Climatotherapy, applied as:

Heliotherapy - by exposing the body to solar radiation (infrared and ultraviolet radiation) for prophylactic and/or therapeutic purposes;

Aeroterapie - by partial or total exposure in the open air, without solar radiation (in the shade or during sun-free hours/days);

Land clearing - which is a form of movement therapy, associated with aerotherapy. Standardized trails are established for the land cure in terms of length, difference in level, slopes included, walking pace, depending on the condition. The trails for field cure are marked, located in wooded areas with attractive landscape elements.

Of course the human health benefits associated with immersion in nature continue to be studied. Global longitudinal studies are needed to come up with new evidence of Shinrin-Yoku associated relationships and clinical therapeutic effects. Western researchers are invited to conduct empirical studies on the therapeutic benefits associated with forest bathing and encourage health care providers/students to consider practicing it to reduce stress and potential disconnection.

However, many consider nature therapy as a health-promoting method and universal health model that is involved in reducing today's "stress" and "techno-stress".

The popularization of forest bathing in Japan through easy access to the forest environment and governmental recommendations has had the effect of reducing acute psychological distress due to time spent in green spaces.

Dr. Gabriela Dogaru

Primary Doctor Recovery, Physical Medicine and Balneology - Clinical Hospital for Recovery Cluj-Napoca

First Vice-President of the Romanian Association of Balneology

References

Margaret M. Hansen, Reo Jones and Kirsten Tocchini. Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2017 Aug; 14(8): 851. doi: 10.3390/ijerph14080851

Kobayashi H., Song C., Ikei H., Kagawa T., Miyazaki Y. Analysis of Individual Variations in Autonomic Responses to Urban and Forest Environments. Evid. Based Complement. Altern. Med. 2015;2015:671094. doi: 10.1155/2015/671094

Kardan O., Gozdyra P., Misic B., Moola F., Palmer L.J., Paus T., Berman M.G. Neighborhood greenspace and health in a large urban center. Sci. Rep. 2015;5:1-14. doi: 10.1038/srep11610.