Ecotherapy: how to relieve stress with the help of the forest

The forest has always been a special place in the hearts and minds of people all over the world. In 1982, the Japanese Government Forestry Agency initiated a national public health program. Its purpose is to induce the inhabitants of Japan to communicate with nature and expose them to the influence of trees.

Ecotherapy

This ecotherapy is relatively simple, because the goal is simply to be in the forest. When you take "forest bathing", there is no need to walk or run. The main focus is only on staying in the forest and breathing.

The notion that time spent in the forest improves physical and mental health is not new, but rather rooted in many ancient customs and traditions. Today, however, studies have confirmed these views. Some of the proven advantages of "forest bathing" are to reduce the production of the stress hormone cortisol, increase the level of happiness, improve the ability to concentrate and concentrate.

The influence of "forest bathing" on the level of cortisol

One Japanese study conducted by the Committee on Ethics of Forestry and Forest Products was devoted to measuring the effect of "forest bathing" on the level of cortisol. Researchers collected 280 participants and identified 24 forests for testing. Each experiment included groups of 12 people who walked either through the forest or in urban areas.

Cortisol measurements were taken at the research center in the morning before breakfast, and before and after the walk. The test was conducted for 2 days. On the first day the group was divided between the urban and forest landscapes, and on the second day the participants exchanged seats.

The results showed that the effect of the forest led to a decrease in the concentration of cortisol, as well as blood pressure and heart rate.

Other proven positive psychological effects

Other studies have shown that "forest bathing" has positive psychological effects. In this study, scientists used a mood scale that measures depression, friendliness, boredom, hostility, liveliness and well-being.

498 volunteers took part in the study, which lasted for 2 days. On the first day they were examined after a walk through the forest. On the second day, a survey was conducted in which participants answered questions in a controlled environment.

The results showed that after the "forest bathing" the hostility and depression among the participants decreased, while the vitality increased. It is interesting to note that, according to the results, the effect was higher at higher levels of stress. This study shows that "forest bathing" can be useful as a tool to reduce stress, which in turn can reduce the risk of psychosocial diseases.

Improving the immune system

Another advantage of "forest baths" is that they increase the functioning of the immune system. Several studies have shown an increase in the number of natural killer cells (NK cells) after exposure to wood and phytoncides - essential oils derived from wood.

NK cells produce a rapid immune response against virus-infected cells and work to prevent the formation of tumors. They are able to identify, attack and kill infected cells that lack a major histocompatibility complex. Researchers who previously showed that the production of NK cells remains elevated in men and women for more than 7 days after the weekend in the forest, conducted another study in 2010.

This time they tried to measure the impact of a one-day trip to the forest on the immune system of men. Twelve volunteers who participated in the study walked through the forest for 2 hours in the morning and after lunch. The researchers took samples of blood and urine before the trip and within 8 days after the experiment. The results showed that the anticancer activity of NK cells and proteins increased after they tried "forest bathing".

Get out of town!

Armed with this information, you can say with certainty that you deserve a trip out of town or to a nearby forest park this weekend. Do a slow walk under the trees, and then find a place where you can sit and think for a while. Practice deep breathing and remember that the goal is simply to spend time in the forest. In addition, you can go to the forest with friends, the main thing is that a noisy company does not stop you from resting. Be sure, after such a walk you will leave the forest with a sense of renewal. Also, the forest will help you relax and relieve the accumulated stress. And you do not need to talk about increasing energy, you will feel it right away, as soon as you finish your ecoterapy!