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RESEARCH

The reported research findings associated with the human healing components of forest bathing specifically focuses on the therapeutic effects on the human immune system function (increase in natural killer cells/cancer prevention), cardiovascular system (lower blood pressure/coronary artery disease), the respiratory system (allergies and respiratory disease), depression and anxiety (mood disorders and stress), mental relaxation (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder/Stress reduction), decreased cortisol levels, and an increase in human feelings of “awe”  and “wonder” (increase in gratitude and selflessness).

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Forest bathing (also known as “Shinrin-yoku”) is a traditional Japanese practice of slowly walking through a nature-based setting, such as a forest or park, while being aware of your five senses.

 

Articles

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09/22/2025
Randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of forest walking compared to urban walking in enhancing mucosal immunity
Scientific research on forest therapy's preventive medical and mental health effects has advanced, but the need for clear evidence for practical applications remains.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39863686/
09/22/2025
The Interrelationship of Shinrin-Yoku and Spirituality: A Scoping Review
Shinrin-yoku (SY; Forest Bathing) is an integrative practice known to improve humans' physiologic and psychologic health and well-being by mindfully using the five human senses while relaxing in natural environments. In addition, it may be effective in enhancing or revealing human spirituality.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32931299/
09/03/2025
Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review
Current literature supports the comprehensive health benefits of exposure to nature and green environments on human systems.
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/14/8/851
09/03/2025
Shinrin-Yoku 森林浴 (Forest Bathing): A Scoping Review of the Global Research on the Effects of Spending Time in Nature
This Scoping review (ScR) builds upon the 2017 review conducted by Hansen et al which contributed to evidence base shinrin-yoku (SY), also known as forest bathing (FB), has many positive health effects and is becoming a prescribed dose (specific time spent in nature) by health care providers.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10901062/
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