Nature's Way of Healing
Forest Bathing Therapy:
Immerse Yourself in a Forest for Better Health
What is Forest Bathing?
Interesting research is showing us that visiting a forest has real, quantifiable health benefits, impacting us on all levels, spiritual, mental, emotional and physical. Coined as 'forest bathing therapy' in Japan, called “Shinrin yoku” in Japanese, is a short, leisurely visit to a forest; it is regarded as being similar to natural aromatherapy. Many scientific studies have confirmed that 'forest bathing therapy' enhances cardiovascular and metabolic systems function. Even five minutes around trees or in green spaces may improve health. One can think of it as a Free natural prescription with no negative side effects.
Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function
This study review focuses on the effects of forest bathing trips on human immune function.
Beginning in 2005, adult Japanese individuals, both male and female, participated in a series of studies aimed at investigating the effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function.
Forest air doesn’t just feel fresher and better, it actually is. Inhaling various 'essential oils', generally called 'phytoncides', found in wood, plants, some fruit and vegetables improves immune system function.
Interesting research is showing us that visiting a forest has real, quantifiable health benefits, impacting us on all levels, spiritual, mental, emotional and physical. Coined as 'forest bathing therapy' in Japan, called “Shinrin yoku” in Japanese, is a short, leisurely visit to a forest; it is regarded as being similar to natural aromatherapy. Many scientific studies have confirmed that 'forest bathing therapy' enhances cardiovascular and metabolic systems function. Even five minutes around trees or in green spaces may improve health. One can think of it as a Free natural prescription with no negative side effects.
Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function
This study review focuses on the effects of forest bathing trips on human immune function.
Beginning in 2005, adult Japanese individuals, both male and female, participated in a series of studies aimed at investigating the effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function.
Forest air doesn’t just feel fresher and better, it actually is. Inhaling various 'essential oils', generally called 'phytoncides', found in wood, plants, some fruit and vegetables improves immune system function.
Scientific studies are confirming the many benefits of 'forest bathing therapy'. Many of us have known this intuitively but now research is showing us how 'forest bathing' enhances cardiovascular and metabolic systems function. Spending just a little time in the forest can lower blood pressure and anxiety and at the same time, enhance feelings of calmness, happiness and cognitive function. It's not necessary to walk that far either - just be in the forest surrounded by the trees. Allow the trees to commune with you as you listen, and meditate. This is another way to lower your stress hormone cortisol, which can even help you sleep better.
Why this happens is due to the 'essential oils' given off by the trees, called 'phytoncides'.
Why this happens is due to the 'essential oils' given off by the trees, called 'phytoncides'.
ENJOY The Benefits of forest bathing as well while visiting AmoreVita GetAway Spa!
We're located on a 33 acre forested property with well maintained trails.
We're located on a 33 acre forested property with well maintained trails.
What are phytoncides?
Phytoncides are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or “essential oils” given off by trees. These chemicals have natural antimicrobial and insecticidal qualities that protect the tree from germs and parasites.
So, a tree emits these active substances to create a field of protection around itself against harmful bugs, bacteria, and disease. Other green plants, like vegetables, do this too.
There are thousands of phytoncides, but the most common forest-related compounds are listed here.
Types of phytoncides
Benefits of Phytoncides
When humans breathe phytoncides in, they can produce many fabulous benefits inside the body. Some of the responses discovered by science include:
Department of Environment Conservation - states the benefits below
"Exposure to forests boosts our immune system. While we breathe in the fresh air, we breathe in phytoncides, airborne chemicals that plants give off to protect themselves from insects. Phytoncides have antibacterial and antifungal qualities which help plants fight disease. When people breathe in these chemicals, our bodies respond by increasing the number and activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells or NK. These cells kill tumor- and virus-infected cells in our bodies. In one study, increased NK activity from a 3-day, 2-night forest bathing trip lasted for more than 30 days. Japanese researchers are currently exploring whether exposure to forests can help prevent certain kinds of cancer.
Spending time around trees and looking at trees reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and improves mood. Numerous studies show that both exercising in forests and simply sitting looking at trees reduce blood pressure as well as the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Looking at pictures of trees has a similar, but less dramatic, effect. Studies examining the same activities in urban, unplanted areas showed no reduction of stress-related effects. Using the Profile of Mood States test, researchers found that forest bathing trips significantly decreased the scores for anxiety, depression, anger, confusion and fatigue. And because stress inhibits the immune system, the stress-reduction benefits of forests are further magnified.
Spending time in nature helps you focus. Our lives are busier than ever with jobs, school, and family life. Trying to focus on many activities or even a single thing for long periods of time can mentally drain us, a phenomenon called Directed Attention Fatigue. Spending time in nature, looking at plants, water, birds and other aspects of nature gives the cognitive portion of our brain a break, allowing us to focus better and renew our ability to be patient.
In children, attention fatigue causes an inability to pay attention and control impulses. The part of the brain affected by attention fatigue (right prefrontal cortex) is also involved in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Studies show that children who spend time in natural outdoor environments have a reduction in attention fatigue and children diagnosed with ADHD show a reduction in related symptoms. Researchers are investigating the use of natural outdoor environments to supplement current approaches to managing ADHD. Such an approach has the advantages of being widely accessible, inexpensive and free of side effects.
Patients recover from surgery faster and better when they have a "green" view. Hospital patients may be stressed from a variety of factors, including pain, fear, and disruption of normal routine. Research found that patients with "green" views had shorter postoperative stays, took fewer painkillers, and had slightly fewer postsurgical complications compared to those who had no view or a view of a cement wall."
So, a tree emits these active substances to create a field of protection around itself against harmful bugs, bacteria, and disease. Other green plants, like vegetables, do this too.
There are thousands of phytoncides, but the most common forest-related compounds are listed here.
Types of phytoncides
- α-pinene
- d-limonene
- β-pinene
- sabinene
- myrcene
- camphene
Benefits of Phytoncides
When humans breathe phytoncides in, they can produce many fabulous benefits inside the body. Some of the responses discovered by science include:
- Immune response: a 2-hour walk in the forest increases NK cell activity that can last for days
- Anti-inflammatory: common forest terpenes temper inflammation and reduce oxidative stress
- Nervous system: forest air creates a relaxation response and lowers nervous system activity
- Mood enhancing: exposure to forest air reduces cortisol levels and β-pinene has antidepressive properties
- Sleep: phytoncides like α-pinene enhance sleep
- Blood glucose: exposure to VOCs can reduce blood glucose levels
Department of Environment Conservation - states the benefits below
"Exposure to forests boosts our immune system. While we breathe in the fresh air, we breathe in phytoncides, airborne chemicals that plants give off to protect themselves from insects. Phytoncides have antibacterial and antifungal qualities which help plants fight disease. When people breathe in these chemicals, our bodies respond by increasing the number and activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells or NK. These cells kill tumor- and virus-infected cells in our bodies. In one study, increased NK activity from a 3-day, 2-night forest bathing trip lasted for more than 30 days. Japanese researchers are currently exploring whether exposure to forests can help prevent certain kinds of cancer.
Spending time around trees and looking at trees reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and improves mood. Numerous studies show that both exercising in forests and simply sitting looking at trees reduce blood pressure as well as the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Looking at pictures of trees has a similar, but less dramatic, effect. Studies examining the same activities in urban, unplanted areas showed no reduction of stress-related effects. Using the Profile of Mood States test, researchers found that forest bathing trips significantly decreased the scores for anxiety, depression, anger, confusion and fatigue. And because stress inhibits the immune system, the stress-reduction benefits of forests are further magnified.
Spending time in nature helps you focus. Our lives are busier than ever with jobs, school, and family life. Trying to focus on many activities or even a single thing for long periods of time can mentally drain us, a phenomenon called Directed Attention Fatigue. Spending time in nature, looking at plants, water, birds and other aspects of nature gives the cognitive portion of our brain a break, allowing us to focus better and renew our ability to be patient.
In children, attention fatigue causes an inability to pay attention and control impulses. The part of the brain affected by attention fatigue (right prefrontal cortex) is also involved in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Studies show that children who spend time in natural outdoor environments have a reduction in attention fatigue and children diagnosed with ADHD show a reduction in related symptoms. Researchers are investigating the use of natural outdoor environments to supplement current approaches to managing ADHD. Such an approach has the advantages of being widely accessible, inexpensive and free of side effects.
Patients recover from surgery faster and better when they have a "green" view. Hospital patients may be stressed from a variety of factors, including pain, fear, and disruption of normal routine. Research found that patients with "green" views had shorter postoperative stays, took fewer painkillers, and had slightly fewer postsurgical complications compared to those who had no view or a view of a cement wall."
Forest Life gives life to humans.
References:
Li Q, Kobayashi M, Inagaki H, Hirata Y, Li YJ, Hirata K, Shimizu T, Suzuki H, Katsumata M, Wakayama Y, Kawada T, Ohira T, Matsui N, Kagawa T. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2010 Apr-Jun;24(2):157-65. PMID: 20487629 Li Q, Morimoto K, Kobayashi M, Inagaki H, Katsumata M, Hirata Y, Hirata K, Suzuki H, Li YJ, Wakayama Y, Kawada T, Park BJ, Ohira T, Matsui N, Kagawa T, Miyazaki Y, Krensky AM. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2008 Jan-Mar;21(1):117-27. doi: 10.1177/039463200802100113. PMID: 18336737 Li Q, Morimoto K, Kobayashi M, Inagaki H, Katsumata M, Hirata Y, Hirata K, Shimizu T, Li YJ, Wakayama Y, Kawada T, Ohira T, Takayama N, Kagawa T, Miyazaki Y. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2008 Jan-Mar;22(1):45-55. PMID: 18394317
Li Q, Kobayashi M, Inagaki H, Hirata Y, Li YJ, Hirata K, Shimizu T, Suzuki H, Katsumata M, Wakayama Y, Kawada T, Ohira T, Matsui N, Kagawa T. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2010 Apr-Jun;24(2):157-65. PMID: 20487629 Li Q, Morimoto K, Kobayashi M, Inagaki H, Katsumata M, Hirata Y, Hirata K, Suzuki H, Li YJ, Wakayama Y, Kawada T, Park BJ, Ohira T, Matsui N, Kagawa T, Miyazaki Y, Krensky AM. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2008 Jan-Mar;21(1):117-27. doi: 10.1177/039463200802100113. PMID: 18336737 Li Q, Morimoto K, Kobayashi M, Inagaki H, Katsumata M, Hirata Y, Hirata K, Shimizu T, Li YJ, Wakayama Y, Kawada T, Ohira T, Takayama N, Kagawa T, Miyazaki Y. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2008 Jan-Mar;22(1):45-55. PMID: 18394317
- Lee, J., Park, B.-J., Tsunetsugu, Y., Ohra, T., Kagawa, T., Miyazaki, Y. (2011). Effect of Forest Bathing on Physiological and Psychological Responses in Young Japanese Male Subjects. Public Health. 125(2): 93-100.
- Li, Q. (2010). Effect of Forest Bathing Trips on Human Immune Function. Environmental Health and Preventative Medicine. 15(1): 9-17.
- Li Q, Kobayashi M, Wakayama Y,Inagaki H, Katsumata M, Hirata Y, Hirata K, Shimizu T, Kawada T, Park BJ, Ohira T, Kagawa T, Miyazaki Y. (2009).Effect of Phytoncide from Trees on Human Natural Killer Cell Function. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology. 22(4):951-959.
- Li, Q., Morimoto, K., Nakadai, A., Inagaki, H., Katsumata, M., Shimizu, T., Hirata, Y., Hirata, K., Suzuki, H., Miyazaki, Y., Kagawa, T., Koyama, Y., Ohira, T., Takayama, N., Krensky, A.M., Kawada, T., (2007). Forest Bathing Enhances Human Natural Killer Activity and Expression of Anti-Cancer Proteins. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology. 20(2 Suppl 2):3-8.
- Li, Q., Nakadai, A., Matsushima, H., Miyazaki, Y., Krensky, A., Kawada, T., Morimoto, K. (2006) Phytoncides (Wood Essential Oils) Induce Human Natural Killer Cell Activity. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology, 28:319-333.
- Maller, C., Henderson-Wilson, C., Pryor, A., Prosser, L., Moore, M. (2008) Healthy Parks, Healthy People: The Health Benefits of Contact with Nature in a Park Context. A review of relevant literature. 2nd edition. Parks Victoria.
- Ohtsuka, Y., Yabunaka, N., Takayama, S. (1998). Shinrin-Yoku (Forest-Air Bathing and Walking) Effectively Decreases Blood Glucose Levels in Diabetic Patients. International Journal of Biometeorology. 41(3):125-7.
- Park, B.-J., Furuya, K., Kasetani, T., Takayama, N., Kagawa, T., Miyazaki, Y. (2011). Relationship Between Psychological Responses and Physical Environments in Forest Settings. Landscape and Urban Planning. 102(1): 24-32.
- Park, B.-J., Tsunetsugu, Y., Kasetani, T., Kagawa, T., Miyazaki, Y. (2010). The Physiological Effects of Shinrin-Yoku (Taking in the Forest Atmosphere or Forest Bathing): Evidence from Field Experiments in 24 Forests Across Japan. Environmental Health and Preventative Medicine. 15(1):18-26.
- Tsunetsugu, Y., Park, B., Miyazaki, Y. (2010). Trends in Research Related to "Shinrin-Yoku" (Taking in the Forest Atmosphere or Forest Bathing) in Japan. Environmental Health and Preventative Medicine. 15(1): 27-37.