Shinrin Yoku

While in Brazil forests are being destroyed, a new study confirms the health benefits of “forest medicine.”  Quiet meditation, or just sitting, in the forest can have a real, measurable impact on a person’s health.  

Japanese “forest medicine” is the science of using nature to heal oneself of all that ails. In the 1980s, researchers in Japan started extolling the science behind the benefits of being outdoors. And in 1982, the Japanese government introduced the concept of shinrin yoku, or “forest bathing,” urging people to make use of the country’s generous wooded areas for therapy.

But, sensei, what do the scientists say?

“We found that spending time in, or living close to, natural green spaces is associated with diverse and significant health benefits. It reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, and preterm birth, and increases sleep duration.

“People living closer to nature also had reduced diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and stress. In fact, one of the really interesting things we found is that exposure to greenspace significantly reduces people’s levels of salivary cortisol – a physiological marker of stress.

And, it might not be just the psychological impact, greater socialization or physical exercise associated with spending time in the forest, there may actually be a benefit of just breathing in the forest air.

“Much of the research from Japan suggests that phytoncides – organic compounds with antibacterial properties – released by trees could explain the health-boosting properties of forest bathing.”

Apparently, forests aren't just good for the trees and creatures that live in them, but can be pretty healthy for the folks that just visit them.