Forest Bathing

Qing Li was born in China but attended medical school in Tokyo and is now a research physician at Nippon University. As a student he noticed how well he felt and performed after a few hours in a woodland. He now is regarded as the leading investigator into the benefits of a “stroll in the woods.”

Li’s research has documented improvement in blood pressure, blood sugar, memory and immune system function from occasional forest bathing, leading him to suggest that the most important part of urban planning and development is planting many trees. His work suggests that some of the benefits are due to phytoncides, smell causing chemicals released by the trees.

The impact of this work has been far reaching: Japan has designated and supported 62 forest bathing sites, some in cities, throughout the country. Clubs of forest bathers have sprung up around the world- the one in San Francisco has 1000 members who meet regularly for a leisurely stroll in the woods.

5 thoughts on “Forest Bathing

  1. WARREN Kessler's avatar WARREN Kessler

    sounds great I think all medical residents no matter what their field should do this. I can imagine what my chief would have said if I asked for time off to forrest bathe. However, I do believe this. Warren

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  2. Dawm's avatar Dawm

    What great news that someone is paying attention to the amazing influence of mother nature. I love hearing that there are large groups now enjoying ‘forest bathing’. What a great idea!

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