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Forests
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Forest Bathing and Forests for Public Health
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Forest Bathing and Forests for Public Health

A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Urban Forestry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 April 2023) | Viewed by 47085

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Qing Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nippon Medical School Hospital, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8603, Japan
Interests: beneficial effects of forests; blood pressure; forest medicine; forest bathing; forest landscapes; forest therapy; nature therapy; shinrin-yoku
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Won Sop Shin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Social Forestry, School of Forest Resources, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Cheongju 361-763, Republic of Korea
Interests: health benefits from forest use; outdoor-based recreation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Christos Gallis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Research Director, Forest Research Institute, 54453 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: forest medicine; forest bathing; forest landscapes; forest therapy; green care
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Humans have long enjoyed forest environments because of their quiet atmosphere, beautiful scenery, mild climate, pleasant aromas, and fresh, clean air. In Japan, a national health programme for forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, began to be introduced in 1982 by the Forest Agency of Japan for the stress management of workers. Shinrin in Japanese means ‘forest’, and yoku means ‘bath’. So shinrin-yoku means bathing in the forest atmosphere, or taking in the forest through our senses. Since 2004, serial studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of forest bathing/shinrin-yoku on human health in Japan. We have established a new medical science called forest medicine (https://novapublishers.com/shop/forest-medicine/). Forest medicine is a new interdisciplinary science, belonging to the categories of alternative medicine, environmental medicine and preventive medicine, which studies the effects of forest bathing/shinrin-yoku/forest therapy on human health. It has been reported that forest bathing/shinrin-yoku (forest therapy) has the following beneficial effects on human health:

  • Boosts immune function.
  • Reduces stress and stress hormones.
  • Improves sleep.
  • Shows preventive effect on depression.
  • Reduces blood pressure and heart rate showing preventive on hypertension.
  • Forest bathing in city parks also has benefits on human health.
  • Forest bathing has preventive effect on lifestyle related diseases.

Therefore, forests are very important for public health. In order to expand the philosophy and concept of forest medicine worldwide, we have planned this Special Issue.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

  1. Physiological effects of forest bathing/forest therapy/shinrin-yoku on human health.
  2. Psychological effects of forest bathing/forest therapy/shinrin-yoku on human health.
  3. Beneficial effects of city parks on human health.
  4. Beneficial effects of urban forests on human health.
  5. Forest medicine and epidemiology of forest environments for public health.
  6. Mental health benefits of exposure to Nature and green spaces.
  7. Urban forestry and green spaces planning and design for human activity.
  8. Forest landscapes.
  9. Any topics related to forest bathing, forest medicine, forest therapy, shinrin-yoku and forests for public health.

Prof. Dr. Qing Li
Prof. Dr. Won Sop Shin
Dr. Christos Gallis
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Forests is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • beneficial effects of forests
  • blood pressure
  • city park
  • forest bathing
  • forests for public health
  • forest landscapes
  • forest medicine
  • forest therapy
  • green care
  • green space
  • immune function
  • mental health
  • nature therapy
  • POMS test
  • shinrin-yoku

Published Papers (15 papers)

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16 pages, 2063 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Dynamic and Static Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku) on Physiological and Psychological Health in Males and Females
by Ye Wen, Xinren Gu, Wenping Deng, Qin Zou, Yuan Hu, Qi Yan, Yangliu Pan, Zhaojie Wen, Renhui Wan, Gonghan Sheng, Yuanqiu Liu and Mei He
Forests 2023, 14(8), 1592; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14081592 - 05 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1738
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of dynamic and static forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) on the physiological and psychological health of males and females. Dynamic pre-test and post-test forest bathing was performed on 11 participants (5 males and 6 females) as a single [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of dynamic and static forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) on the physiological and psychological health of males and females. Dynamic pre-test and post-test forest bathing was performed on 11 participants (5 males and 6 females) as a single group in a forest environment. In addition, a randomized controlled trial involving 20 participants (10 males and 10 females) was conducted to evaluate static forest bathing in both forest and urban environments. Various physiological indicators, including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse, heart rate variability (HRV), and self-assessed psychological indicators such as profile of mood states, were measured. Dynamic forest bathing resulted in a significant increase in the natural logarithmic value of the high frequency (lnHF) of HRV and significantly decreased ratio of the natural logarithmic value of the low frequency (lnLF) to lnHF (lnLF/lnHF) of HRV. Static forest bathing not only had the effects of dynamic forest bathing but also significantly decreased the participants’ SBP, DBP, and pulse. Both dynamic and static forest bathing enhanced human parasympathetic nervous system activity and reduced sympathetic nervous system activity, particularly affecting females. Negative mood state scores (tension, anger, fatigue, depression, and confusion) and total mood disturbance scores significantly decreased after forest bathing. In contrast, positive mood state (vigor) scores significantly increased, indicating an enhancement in positive mood. These improvements in mood were particularly pronounced in male individuals. Short-term exposure to a forest environment has positive effects on both physical and mental health of individuals. The extent of these improvements varied according to factors such as engagement in physical activity and gender. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Bathing and Forests for Public Health)
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18 pages, 1784 KiB  
Article
A Three-Day Forest-Bathing Retreat Enhances Positive Affect, Vitality, Optimism, and Gratitude: An Option for Green-Care Tourism in Italy?
by Beatrice Guardini, Laura Secco, Angelica Moè, Francesca Pazzaglia, Giovanna De Mas, Matteo Vegetti, Rocco Perrone, Ann Tilman, Manuela Renzi and Stefania Rapisarda
Forests 2023, 14(7), 1423; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14071423 - 12 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2094
Abstract
Forest-bathing experiences can be seen as guided recreational activities led by non-clinical trained practitioners in the context of green, slow, and mindful tourism. Notwithstanding its growing practice, there is a lack of research on the psychological benefits which can help support nature-based tourism [...] Read more.
Forest-bathing experiences can be seen as guided recreational activities led by non-clinical trained practitioners in the context of green, slow, and mindful tourism. Notwithstanding its growing practice, there is a lack of research on the psychological benefits which can help support nature-based tourism destination managers in unlocking the potential of this emerging tourism demand. This study will fill in this gap by testing the hypothesis that a three-day forest-bathing retreat, which fits with the most common type of holidays in Europe, will enhance positive affect, vitality, optimism, and gratitude as indicators of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Forty-four adults were involved in the residential program and filled-in self-report questionnaires before and after the experience to assess the well-being dimensions considered. Results showed a significant increase for all the assessed variables. We conclude that forest bathing as a mindful tourism practice carried out in natural settings dominated by forests can favor hedonic and eudaimonic well-being, thus becoming a potential source of attractiveness for nature-based touristic destinations, but more transdisciplinary efforts are needed to exploit this potential. In particular, research gaps still exist in Europe on cause–effect relations between forest features and psychological benefits, how forests could be managed to guarantee these benefits to the advantage of a tourism destination, and how tourism and forest management sectors could collaborate in this direction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Bathing and Forests for Public Health)
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16 pages, 766 KiB  
Article
Development of Structural Criteria for the Certification and Designation of Recreational and Therapeutic Forests in Bavaria, Germany
by Gisela Immich and Eva Robl
Forests 2023, 14(6), 1273; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14061273 - 20 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1099
Abstract
Background: Based on the increasing evidence of forest on health, a research project assessed the structural certification criteria of recreational and therapeutic forests in 15 Bavarian pilot sites. The main project objectives were (1) to develop a certification standard for recreational and therapeutic [...] Read more.
Background: Based on the increasing evidence of forest on health, a research project assessed the structural certification criteria of recreational and therapeutic forests in 15 Bavarian pilot sites. The main project objectives were (1) to develop a certification standard for recreational and therapeutic forests and (2) to establish a certification and designation process. Methods: Relevant criteria were identified by a literature review. The findings, in conjunction with landscape planning principles, were used to develop a catalog of certification criteria, which was then tested and amended in field testing in the pilot sites. Results: The criteria catalog for recreational and therapeutic forests was structured into four sections: general requirements, forest-specific requirements, safety and infrastructure, and preventive and/or therapeutic interventions. At 13 pilot sites, 13 recreational forests and 3 therapeutic forests were designated, 47 professionals were trained, the designation process and a certification body were established, and the results were published in a manual (BayKK KuH). Conclusions: This newly developed Bavarian certification standard for recreational and therapeutic forests represents an innovative synthesis of science and empirical on-site experience. It enables interested parties to develop a recreational or therapeutic forest on the basis of transparently published standards in order to use the health-promoting effects of the forest in prevention and therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Bathing and Forests for Public Health)
19 pages, 1499 KiB  
Article
Virtual Forest Bathing Programming as Experienced by Disabled Adults with Mobility Impairments and/or Low Energy: A Qualitative Study
by Kirsten McEwan, Kari S. Krogh, Kim Dunlop, Mahnoor Khan and Alyssa Krogh
Forests 2023, 14(5), 1033; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14051033 - 17 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3645
Abstract
Background: Although access to nature is demonstrated to benefit health and wellbeing, adults with mobility impairments and/or low energy often face barriers in accessing nature environments and nature-based programs. This study aimed to examine the experiences and impacts of virtual forest bathing [...] Read more.
Background: Although access to nature is demonstrated to benefit health and wellbeing, adults with mobility impairments and/or low energy often face barriers in accessing nature environments and nature-based programs. This study aimed to examine the experiences and impacts of virtual forest bathing by capturing the perspectives of disabled adults with mobility impairments and/or low energy. Methods: A total of 26 adults with mobility impairments provided written and spoken qualitative feedback during and following virtual forest bathing programs and 23 participants provided feedback at a one month follow-up. Virtual programs were presented online, using an accessible format, 2D videos, and images of nature accompanied by guidance led by a certified forest bathing guide and mindfulness teacher. The programs involved disabled facilitators and participants, which created a social environment of peer support. Results: Qualitative thematic analysis revealed 10 themes comprising intervention themes (virtual delivery and soothing facilitation); process themes (nature connection, relaxation, embodiment, and memories with complex emotions); and outcome themes (happiness, agency, metaphor making, and belonging). Conclusions: Virtual forest bathing may offer an effective adjunct to improve wellbeing and provide peer support for disabled adults with mobility impairments and/or low energy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Bathing and Forests for Public Health)
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21 pages, 2046 KiB  
Article
A Multi-Country Study Assessing the Mechanisms of Natural Elements and Sociodemographics behind the Impact of Forest Bathing on Well-Being
by Montse Subirana-Malaret, Alexandre Miró, Aracely Camacho, Alex Gesse and Kirsten McEwan
Forests 2023, 14(5), 904; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14050904 - 27 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3692
Abstract
Interventions such as forest bathing (slow, mindful nature walks) have been shown to increase our connection to nature and be an effective intervention for improving health and well-being. However, there is variation in the activities delivered during forest bathing and the guidance given. [...] Read more.
Interventions such as forest bathing (slow, mindful nature walks) have been shown to increase our connection to nature and be an effective intervention for improving health and well-being. However, there is variation in the activities delivered during forest bathing and the guidance given. Few researchers have evaluated which activities, elements of nature, and senses are responsible for improvements in well-being. The current evaluation addresses this gap and also monitors the emotional state and nature connection following guided forest bathing walks. Participants (N = 1142) across 35 countries completed post-walk evaluation surveys online. Results suggest that well-being and nature connection were rated very highly following forest bathing activities. Experiencing happy feelings and trusting emotions were especially highly rated. The natural elements perceived as contributing the most to well-being were sound-related elements. In terms of sociodemographics, women had higher well-being and nature connection ratings than men; ratings were higher in specialised nature resort areas, with little difference between natural and urban park areas; higher scores were seen in the southern hemisphere and during hot or long-day seasons. This has implications for forest bathing, forest therapy, and nature-based training organisations and their guides who want to improve their method of intervention delivery, maximise well-being, and enhance nature connection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Bathing and Forests for Public Health)
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13 pages, 2684 KiB  
Article
The Psychological Effects and Benefits of Using Green Spaces in the City: A Field Experiment with Young Polish Adults
by Emilia Janeczko, Krzysztof Czyżyk, Natalia Korcz, Małgorzata Woźnicka and Ernest Bielinis
Forests 2023, 14(3), 497; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14030497 - 02 Mar 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2619
Abstract
Green spaces in cities are places where city dwellers can have contact with nature, which, according to the research to date, can have a very beneficial effect on their mental well-being. However, it is still not entirely clear which characteristics of green spaces [...] Read more.
Green spaces in cities are places where city dwellers can have contact with nature, which, according to the research to date, can have a very beneficial effect on their mental well-being. However, it is still not entirely clear which characteristics of green spaces are most beneficial in terms of their positive impact on people. In this study, we focus on identifying the restorative attributes of tree canopy sites (forests, street greenery) and open green spaces (water, meadows). Four psychometric tests were used to examine the subjects’ reactions before and after exposure to the analyzed environments (the control environment was the room in which the pre-test was conducted). The experiment was conducted with 55 young adult university students. It was shown that, compared to the post-housing (control) environment, all green spaces influenced the subjects’ well-being. The water environment had the most beneficial effect, followed by a meadow, a forest, and a housing estate with the presence of urban greenery. A short walk amid open urban green spaces, which provide more opportunities for observation, has a better impact on the well-being of the respondents compared to tree canopy sites such as forests or street greenery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Bathing and Forests for Public Health)
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14 pages, 1205 KiB  
Article
Urban Parks—A Catalyst for Activities! The Effect of the Perceived Characteristics of the Urban Park Environment on Children’s Physical Activity Levels
by Yu Bao, Ming Gao, Dan Luo and Xudan Zhou
Forests 2023, 14(2), 423; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14020423 - 18 Feb 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2944
Abstract
The potential of urban parks to enhance social welfare and deliver health benefits has been recognized. However, it is still unclear which landscape characteristics in urban green spaces best improve the physical activity levels of users. Little is known about the relationship between [...] Read more.
The potential of urban parks to enhance social welfare and deliver health benefits has been recognized. However, it is still unclear which landscape characteristics in urban green spaces best improve the physical activity levels of users. Little is known about the relationship between the microenvironment of urban green spaces and the physical activity of children, particularly in the context of high levels of childhood obesity. Using the self-report method, we extracted the perceived environmental characteristics of the landscape and combined this with behavior observation to obtain the level of children’s physical activity in green spaces and to explore the influence of the characteristics of green spaces on these activities. Our results show that the highest levels of activity were found in the semiopen spaces of urban parks, which mainly consist of dense vegetation and a diverse range of recreation facilities. Play facilities were most closely related to the level of intensity of children’s activities, and perceived safety was the primary social perception factor affecting their activities. In addition, perceptions of the social environment were found to play a significant intermediary role in the impact of green space on children’s physical activity. The study results are intended to promote green space planning and design updates, improve the public health level of children, and provide a basis for the construction of child-friendly cities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Bathing and Forests for Public Health)
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14 pages, 4411 KiB  
Article
Psychological Benefits of Self-Guided Forest Healing Program Using Campus Forests
by Won-Sop Shin, In-Kyeong Seong and Jin-Gun Kim
Forests 2023, 14(2), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14020336 - 08 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2062
Abstract
Forest healing, also known as forest therapy, has been documented as preventive therapy to enhance health. Primarily, many studies have indicated the benefits of a guided forest-healing program operated under the guidance of a forest therapist. However, little is known about the benefits [...] Read more.
Forest healing, also known as forest therapy, has been documented as preventive therapy to enhance health. Primarily, many studies have indicated the benefits of a guided forest-healing program operated under the guidance of a forest therapist. However, little is known about the benefits of a self-guided forest healing program carried out alone, without a guide. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to investigate the psychological benefits of a self-guided forest healing program. We designed a randomized 3 × 3 crossover study. Twenty-three university students were randomly exposed to three different conditions: a self-guided forest healing program, a guided forest-healing program, and routine activities. Measures included the Profile of Mood State (POMS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-X1 (STAI-X1). As a result, self-guided and guided forest-healing programs significantly improved subjects’ mood states and anxiety symptoms compared to routine activities. Participating in a forest healing program with guides and participating in a self-guided forest healing program both provided psychological benefits for subjects, showing that self-guided programs can be effectively combined with forest healing. These findings suggest new ways to utilize forest healing to improve mental health. Therefore, the self-guided forest healing program proposes a complementary use of the guided forest-healing program in a modern urbanized society. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Bathing and Forests for Public Health)
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16 pages, 4037 KiB  
Article
Thermal Comfort and Human Responses according to Tree Density in Forest Environments during and after Physical Activities in the Summer
by Juhyeon Kim, Injoon Song, Choyun Kim, Hyejung Gho, Siok An, Doyun Song, Dawou Joung, Shinkwang Kang, Yunjeong Yi, Bum-Jin Park and Chorong Song
Forests 2023, 14(1), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14010120 - 09 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1952
Abstract
This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the thermal comfort and physiological and psychological effects according to tree density in forest environments during rest and during and after physical activities in the summer. Participants consisted of 18 male university students (average age: 24.0 ± [...] Read more.
This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the thermal comfort and physiological and psychological effects according to tree density in forest environments during rest and during and after physical activities in the summer. Participants consisted of 18 male university students (average age: 24.0 ± 1.6 years old), and a within-subjects experimental design was used. Participants sat on a chair for 5 min to rest, performed a step-box exercise for 8 min, and then sat on the chair again, and rested for 10 min in a forest with high tree density (85.6%) and one with low tree density (12.2% as a control). Thermal comfort (predicted mean vote; PMV and percentage of dissatisfied; PPD) and physiological and psychological responses were measured. We investigated and analyzed the changes in “rest”, “during exercise”, and “after exercise”. As a result, a forest with high tree density showed a statistically significant decrease in PMV and PPD values; an increase in parasympathetic nervous activity; a decrease in respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, and pulse rate; an improvement in mood state; an increase in comfortable, relaxed, and natural feelings; and more of an increase in personal thermal sensation during the recovery period after physical activities than in a forest with low tree density. In conclusion, a forest with high tree density during recovery after physical activities in the summer has higher thermal comfort and physiological and psychological relaxation effects on humans, as compared to one with low tree density. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Bathing and Forests for Public Health)
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9 pages, 1386 KiB  
Article
Natural Volatile Organic Compounds (NVOCs) Are Greater and More Diverse in UK Forests Compared with a Public Garden
by Heather Walker, Anshul Jena, Kirsten McEwan, Gary Evans and Stuart Campbell
Forests 2023, 14(1), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14010092 - 03 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3036
Abstract
Forest bathing is based upon a Japanese practice known as Shinrin–Yoku and is a nature-based therapy involving mindful walks through ancient woodland to reduce stress and anxiety. One proposed mechanism behind the effectiveness of Forest bathing is based on the potential mental and [...] Read more.
Forest bathing is based upon a Japanese practice known as Shinrin–Yoku and is a nature-based therapy involving mindful walks through ancient woodland to reduce stress and anxiety. One proposed mechanism behind the effectiveness of Forest bathing is based on the potential mental and physical health benefits of the natural volatile organic compounds (NVOCs) that fill the forest understory. Surprisingly little is known about the concentrations and diversity of plant NVOCs in ambient air particularly in the UK and this study aims to increase that knowledge. Air samples were collected in July 2022 in a UK forest and compared with samples from a walled garden environment. The samples were collected over a 2 h time period and analysed using GC-MS and showed clear differences in the chemical composition of the air. This study revealed NVOCs including limonene, carvone, terpenes, terpenoids and sesquiterpenoids were present within a UK forest but were either not present or present at little to low levels in the control setting of a walled garden. This study also found that the typical 2 h duration of a Forest bathing session was a long enough sampling period to detect these NVOCs, indicating that Forest bathers could benefit from exposure to NVOCs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Bathing and Forests for Public Health)
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15 pages, 2087 KiB  
Article
Adjunctive Therapeutic Effects of Forest Bathing Trips on Geriatric Hypertension: Results from an On-Site Experiment in the Cinnamomum camphora Forest Environment in Four Seasons
by Runxia Huang, Aibo Li, Zhengcai Li, Zhuomei Chen, Benzhi Zhou and Guofu Wang
Forests 2023, 14(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14010075 - 30 Dec 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1760
Abstract
Forest bathing is receiving increased attention due to its health benefits for humans. However, knowledge is scarce about the adjunctive therapeutic effects of forest bathing in different seasons on geriatric hypertension. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the antihypertensive effects [...] Read more.
Forest bathing is receiving increased attention due to its health benefits for humans. However, knowledge is scarce about the adjunctive therapeutic effects of forest bathing in different seasons on geriatric hypertension. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the antihypertensive effects of forest bathing in a Cinnamomum camphora (C. camphora) forest environment in four seasons. One group of participants with geriatric hypertension was sent to a C. camphora forest to experience a 3 day trip, while, as a control, another group was sent to the urban center. The participants’ blood pressure, blood routine, and blood biochemistry were assessed. The profile of the mood states (POMS) of the participants was assessed before and after the experiment. The air quality, atmospheric environment, and content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at the two experimental sites were monitored during the experiment. This experiment was repeated across four seasons. The advantages of the urban forest groups over the control groups were mainly represented by reductions in diastolic blood pressure (DBP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and heart rate (HR), as well as increased oxygen saturation (SpO2). The antihypertensive effects of forest bathing in the C. camphora forest environment changed with the seasons. Compared with the baseline level, SBP and DBP declined after forest bathing across the whole year, except during winter, whereas SpO2 increased. The effect of forest bathing on lowering blood pressure was particularly pronounced during summer and autumn. The antihypertensive effects of forest bathing in the four seasons were highly consistent with the seasonal dynamics of VOCs and negative air ions (NAIs), which implies that the effect of forest bathing may be attributed to alterations of the atmospheric environment. The antihypertensive effects of C. camphora forest were confirmed in our study, and the results can provide a reference for scheduling bathing trips. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Bathing and Forests for Public Health)
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21 pages, 31925 KiB  
Article
The Physiological and Psychological Effects Benefits of Forest Therapy (FT) on Tourists in the Kranjska Gora Destination
by Darija Cvikl, Cvetka Avguštin and Samo Kreft
Forests 2022, 13(10), 1670; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13101670 - 11 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2739
Abstract
To explore the effects of forest therapy in the Kranjska Gora tourist destination, experimental research on 50 tourists was implemented. By designing and following a specific forest therapy protocol, the physiological stress markers and psychological effects on tourists were measured. The results provide [...] Read more.
To explore the effects of forest therapy in the Kranjska Gora tourist destination, experimental research on 50 tourists was implemented. By designing and following a specific forest therapy protocol, the physiological stress markers and psychological effects on tourists were measured. The results provide clear evidence of positive effects and health benefits on tourists. Additionally, the forest therapy experience is presented through the tourists’ fit-back and perception. The research results could be very useful for destination management, tourist providers, and the development of a forest therapy tourism activities, as well as the well-being forest tourism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Bathing and Forests for Public Health)
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22 pages, 1392 KiB  
Article
Psychosocial Determinants of Recreational Activity within Urban Green Spaces during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland
by Sandra Wajchman-Świtalska, Olga Grabowska-Chenczke, Marcin Woźniak and Bibianna Bałaj
Forests 2022, 13(10), 1569; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13101569 - 26 Sep 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2989
Abstract
Recreational activity undertaken within urban green spaces (UGS) is an action that could be self-governed and self-regulated by a given person under the pressure of COVID-19. We aimed to identify the factors that induce or reduce the frequency of recreational activity during the [...] Read more.
Recreational activity undertaken within urban green spaces (UGS) is an action that could be self-governed and self-regulated by a given person under the pressure of COVID-19. We aimed to identify the factors that induce or reduce the frequency of recreational activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors were explored among two distinct fields: (1) demographic variables and (2) stress-coping strategies. The former is associated with a body of literature on socioeconomic determinants of physical activity. The latter is derived from psychological studies on coping responses to problems. In this paper, we present an interdisciplinary perspective on human recreational activity during the pandemic. We collected information on stress-coping strategies and the patterns of urban green recreation among 376 prime-age Polish adults with different places of residence. We observed that people who use forests daily had higher scores of acceptance as a coping strategy than people using green spaces only on weekends. As choosing acceptance as a coping strategy is typical for those who consider their situation to be irreversible, green recreation may help to acclimate individuals to stressful situations that cannot be easily changed or controlled, which is the case for the pandemic. Moreover, we found that active coping, as well as avoidant coping, were predictors of increased use of green spaces during the pandemic. This conclusion affirms that green recreation as a form of reducing COVID-19-induced stress is associated with the dual nature of coping (active and avoidant). Further research is necessary to better understand of motivation to use urban green recreation, especially when practiced as a method of strengthening mental health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Bathing and Forests for Public Health)
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Review

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18 pages, 4763 KiB  
Review
New Concept of Forest Medicine
by Qing Li
Forests 2023, 14(5), 1024; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14051024 - 16 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 6462
Abstract
Forest bathing was proposed in Japan in 1982 for the purpose of reducing stress and health management, and research on the health promotion and disease prevention effects of forest bathing began in Japan in 2004. Since then, the author’s research team has published [...] Read more.
Forest bathing was proposed in Japan in 1982 for the purpose of reducing stress and health management, and research on the health promotion and disease prevention effects of forest bathing began in Japan in 2004. Since then, the author’s research team has published many papers and, in 2012, established Forest Medicine as a new preventive medicine. Imagine a new medical science that could let you know how to be more active, more relaxed, healthier, and happier, with reduced stress and a reduced risk of lifestyle-related diseases. This new medical science is Forest Medicine. Forest Medicine studies the effects of forest environments on human health and is a new interdisciplinary science that belongs to the categories of environmental and preventive medicine. On the other hand, more than 10 years have passed since then, and a lot of evidence has been obtained and many articles regarding Forest Medicine have been published. Therefore, in this review, the author proposes a new concept of Forest Medicine, based on the new evidence and published papers, with the psycho-neuro-endocrino-immune network in mind. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Bathing and Forests for Public Health)
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Review
Forest Therapy in Germany, Japan, and China: Proposal, Development Status, and Future Prospects
by Zhiyong Zhang and Bing Ye
Forests 2022, 13(8), 1289; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13081289 - 14 Aug 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4182
Abstract
Forests have provided support for human health and survival since ancient times. With improved public awareness of health issues and the importance of forest ecological functions, forest therapy has gradually gained momentum. Forest therapies have been applied around the world as preventive and [...] Read more.
Forests have provided support for human health and survival since ancient times. With improved public awareness of health issues and the importance of forest ecological functions, forest therapy has gradually gained momentum. Forest therapies have been applied around the world as preventive and alternative therapies to promote human health. As a safe, side-effect-free, low-cost, preventive, and alternative therapy, forest therapy has been scientifically proven to promote physical and mental health in humans. However, the forest therapy service system is still underdeveloped, and forest therapy has not become a mainstream part of clinical medical treatment methods in most countries worldwide. Therefore, in order to better present the development path and current situation of forest therapy in different countries and provide guidance for how other countries can develop similar interventions and clinical sites to base these activities, this study uses Germany, Japan, and China as examples to systematically tease out how forest therapy has developed and the status of forest therapy services in different countries, as well as the health benefits of forest therapy. Furthermore, the key components and traditional cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds related to forest therapy are discussed. Finally, based on published empirical research, we believe that forest therapy can be a solution to public health problems thanks to its multiple, medically proven health benefits. Forest therapy facilitates the return of people to the forest and nature to achieve health and well-being effects. However, there is a need for more research on the mechanisms (such as the immune system, endocrine system, nervous system, etc.) underlying forest therapy’s effectiveness, which should include strengthened collaborations between disciplines. In addition, the role of forest therapy services in promoting human health needs to be emphasized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Bathing and Forests for Public Health)
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