Nature Therapy: The Physiological Effects of Nature on Humans

Dear Colleagues,

Humans have existed for 6–7 million years. If the industrial revolution was the beginning of urbanization, humans have spent most of their evolutionary history in the natural environment. Human bodies, despite living in modern times, are believed to be designed to respond to nature, and artificialization causes us stress. In addition, the development of information transmission technology led to a second wave of artificialization. Furthermore, the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic forced people to stay at home, thereby exacerbating stress.

Under these circumstances, interest in the relaxing effects of the natural environment and nature-derived stimuli on humans has increased, and data on physiological indicators, such as brain, autonomic nerve, and endocrine activities, have been collected. Nature therapy aims to elucidate the interactions between humans and nature, in addition to clarifying the physiological relaxing effects of nature. It reportedly improves weakened immune function and may have a preventive effect on diseases.

This Topic aims to accumulate physiological data on the relaxing and stress-relieving effects of nature on humans. We seek to particularly focus on examining high-stress groups and elucidating individual differences. The topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Physiological effects of the natural environment on humans

• Forest bathing;
• Green spaces, such as urban parks;
• Blue spaces, such as oceans and rivers;
• Woody spaces;
• Flowers and ornamental plants;
• Horticultural work.

2. Physiological effects of nature-derived stimuli on humans via the senses 

• Olfactory stimulation;
• Visual stimulation;
• Tactile stimulation;
• Auditory stimulation;
• Taste stimulation.

3. Study of high-stress groups

• Workers with high stress levels;
• Patients with depression;
• Patients with addiction;
• Patients with developmental disability.

4. Clarification of individual differences

• Physiological and psychological data responses;
• Subjective characteristics, such as behavioral traits and trait anxiety;
• Law of initial values.

Dr. Harumi Ikei
Dr. Hyunju Jo
Dr. Yoshifumi Miyazaki
Topic Editors