Park, B., Tsunetsuga, 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 Preventive Medicine, 15(1), 18-26.
Abstract: The results of studies performed on the physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku show that forest environments could lower concentrations of cortisol, lower pulse rate, lower blood pressure, increase parasympathetic nerve activity, and lower sympathetic nerve activity compared with city settings. The results of the physiological measurements suggest that Shinrin-yoku can aid in effectively relaxing the human body, and the psychological effects of forest areas have been correlated with the various physical environmental factors of forest. The studies of Shinrin-yoku provide valuable insights into the relationship between forests and human health.
Access the entire manuscript at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2793346/?tool=pubmed
Comments by Mark Ellison:
The health promoting and stress reducing benefits of Shinrin Yoku that have been found through scientific research in Japan offer many possibilities for improved public health in other countries, including the United States. Research on this topic has been occurring for several years in Japan, but not as extensively elsewhere. More emphasis needs to be placed globally on research exploring how nature impacts physical and mental health, as well as on the development of programs that help people connect to nature. This can have a tremendous impact on public health and have positive financial implications for individuals, governments and organizations as a result of having healthier, more effective employees, and lower healthcare costs.
