The healing power of nature has long been understudied.

"Forest bathing," initially proposed and heavily advocated by Akiyama Tomohide, Director-General of Japan's Forestry Agency, in 1982, refers to the practice of using forests to heal both body and mind in response to health issues related to lifestyle.

This long-established Japanese tradition emphasizes practices such as walking, meditation, contemplation, and exercises in the forest. It also promotes the consumption of locally sourced organic food for balanced nutrition and, when possible, indulging in hot springs.

Essential to this practice is the immersion of all five senses, with a particular emphasis on well-maintained forests supported by the community. Physiological indicators such as stress hormones like cortisol are expected to decrease after walking in the forest.

When recommending forest bathing years ago, Akiyama was aware of the pioneering research by scientist Boris P. Tokin in the 1920s and 1930s on phytoncides—strong-smelling essential oils—extracted from coniferous trees and other plants. These volatile compounds have been found to lower blood pressure and enhance immunity, among other benefits.

Recent research has brought forth numerous new insights into the mechanisms behind these effects. A review published in the journal 'Frontiers in Psychology' by scientists from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign outlined 21 potential pathways to improved health.

Among the well-known factors receiving significant attention are light and negative ions in the air, which can help alleviate depression. Merely gazing upon nature can automatically regulate our heartbeat and blood pressure, while merely listening to natural sounds can aid in recovery from stress.

Blood tests have shown that protective factors for both body and mind are more abundant on forest paths than in urban settings. A research team from the Japanese Medical University highlighted the role of dehydroepiandrosterone in reducing the risk of heart disease, and diabetes, and adiponectin in preventing atherosclerosis.

High levels of natural killer cells in the immune system, found in abundance after forest walks, have been associated with anti-cancer and antiviral effects. Furthermore, strolling in nature has been linked to reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines in the blood, which are risk factors for immune-related diseases. Research from Hokkaido University School of Medicine indicates that forest bathing can lower blood glucose levels, which are closely tied to obesity and diabetes.

It has been found that spending three days and two nights in verdant surroundings can improve immune system function, leading to increased happiness for up to seven days afterward. Such effects are absent when spending the same amount of time in entirely urban environments.

The lead author of the aforementioned review, Frances Ming Kuo, noted, "While individual interventions may have modest effects, their cumulative impact can be substantial when used together."

Most scientific evidence regarding the benefits of nature comes from studies on forest bathing. "The majority of peer-reviewed research has been conducted in northern temperate forests, far from urban hustle and bustle," said Kathleen Wolf from the College of the Environment at the University of Washington.

"We've found similarly positive responses to water—fountains, streams, or coastal environments in therapeutic settings. As for responses to tropical or desert environments, our knowledge is limited. What's certain is that nature doesn't have to be entirely pristine—decorative, tailored, or even artificially created natural landscapes can be effective."

In summary, the introduction of forest bathing by Akiyama Tomohide in 1982 has opened doors to a deeper understanding of nature's therapeutic influence on human health. As scientific research continues to unravel the mechanisms behind its benefits, the practice stands as a testament to the profound connection between immersion in natural environments and holistic well-being.

By embracing forest bathing, individuals can tap into a timeless source of healing, enriching both body and soul amidst the tranquility of the forest.