Forest Bathing - Just Being in the Presence of Trees
Forest bathing is a concept that comes from Japan, where nature appreciation is a national pastime. The practice is proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress hormone production, boost the immune system and improve feelings of well-being. Forest bathing has been incorporated into national public health programs and has been quickly accepted.
Exposure to phytoncides appears to have a beneficial effect on the human immune system. Phytoncides are volatile organic compounds with antimicrobial properties given off by trees, some plants and vegetables to protect themselves from harmful bacteria or insects. Exposure to phytoncides appears to increase the activity of human natural killer (NK) cells in the immune system. The increased NK activity appears to last for a week after a forest visit.
University studies in Japan have shown that 30 minutes in a forest environment promote lower concentrations of salivary cortisol (which increases with stress), lower blood pressure and heart rate compared to subjects in a city environment.
As well as physiological benefits, there are psychological benefits too. The same subjects in a forest environment show reduced hostility and depression and increased liveliness compared with a control environment.
Just about everyone who comes to the Pinetum whether just to walk though it or for an event enjoys the experience. And there appears to be real scientific evidence that forests can be viewed as therapeutic landscapes.
Exposure to phytoncides appears to have a beneficial effect on the human immune system. Phytoncides are volatile organic compounds with antimicrobial properties given off by trees, some plants and vegetables to protect themselves from harmful bacteria or insects. Exposure to phytoncides appears to increase the activity of human natural killer (NK) cells in the immune system. The increased NK activity appears to last for a week after a forest visit.
University studies in Japan have shown that 30 minutes in a forest environment promote lower concentrations of salivary cortisol (which increases with stress), lower blood pressure and heart rate compared to subjects in a city environment.
As well as physiological benefits, there are psychological benefits too. The same subjects in a forest environment show reduced hostility and depression and increased liveliness compared with a control environment.
Just about everyone who comes to the Pinetum whether just to walk though it or for an event enjoys the experience. And there appears to be real scientific evidence that forests can be viewed as therapeutic landscapes.