Health Impact of Shinrin-Yoku  (Forest Bathing)

Shinrin-Yoku, or Forest Bathing, is ingrained into Japan’s healthcare system as a preventative measure to wellbeing. 

1 in 4 people in Japan have experienced Shinrin-Yoku or Forest Bathing, and 2.5 to 5 million people regularly practice it.

The swell of scientific data is very compelling

Japan has been at the forefront of research into Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) for several decades.

Studies comparing forest environments with urban settings have reported:

🌳 Lower blood pressure
🌳 Reduced heart rate
🌳 Lower cortisol levels
🌳 Reduced sympathetic nervous system activity
🌳 Increased parasympathetic activity, associated with rest and recovery
🌳 Improvements in mood, tension and anxiety

These findings suggest that Forest Bathing doesn’t simply provide an opportunity to relax.

Spending time immersed in a forest environment can produce measurable changes in the body’s physiological stress response.

Japanese research has played an important role in developing the evidence base for Shinrin-Yoku and understanding how our bodies respond to spending time amongst trees.

Hansen MM, Jones R, Tocchini K. (2017)
Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(8), 851.

There has been a fair bit of media coverage about Forest Bathing in the UK as it’s awareness increases it begins to gain popularity.

Some say it’s the new Yoga! 

Other Reported Health Benefits from Japan

Research from Japan has explored a much wider range of potential benefits associated with Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing).

Studies have reported:

🌳 Reduced tension and anxiety
🌳 Reduced feelings of anger and fatigue
🌳 Improved mood
🌳 Improved sleep following forest-based programmes
🌳 Increased feelings of vigour
🌳 Reduced negative mood states

Together, the research suggests that the benefits of spending time immersed in forests may extend beyond our immediate physiological stress response, influencing mood, psychological wellbeing and sleep.

Hansen MM, Jones R, Tocchini K. (2017)
Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(8), 851.

Forest Bathing, Stress & Cardiovascular Health

Quan Qiu and colleagues reviewed research examining the physiological effects of Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing).

The evidence showed Forest Bathing was associated with:

🌳 Reduced cortisol, a key stress biomarker
🌳 Lower heart rate
🌳 Reduced blood pressure
🌳 Changes consistent with reduced physiological stress

The review concluded that forest bathing shows measurable benefits across several markers associated with the body’s stress and cardiovascular responses.

Qiu Q et al. (2023)
The effect of forest bathing on physiological and psychological responses in adults.

UK Forest Bathing Research – Exeter University

Research led by Dr Kirsten McEwan examined the effects of a 2-hour Forest Bathing session in ancient woodland.

The study found:

🌳 29% reduction in anxiety
🌳 12% increase in heart rate variability (HRV)
🌳 Improvements in mood and rumination
🌳 Increased connection to nature

“The findings of this study led to forest bathing being supported by the government as a Social Prescription in Surrey, so you can go to a doctor in Surrey and they can prescribe forest bathin”

Kristin McEwan, Associate Professor of Health and Wellbeing

McEwan K et al.
University of Derby / University of Exeter-associated Forest Bathing research

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Means-and-standard-deviations-for-all-study-variables-per-condition-at-baseline-and_tbl1_348848884