Debbie Trogdon @trogdon_debbie - Twitter Profile

Science has confirmed that a weekend spent forest bathing can increase the activity and number of disease fighting cells in the immune system by as much as 80 percent with benefits that can last for an entire month. The challenge is significant. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the average American spends approximately 90 percent of their life indoors a habit that contributes to growing health problems. In our screen filled and high stress world a centuries old Japanese practice supported by rigorous modern research offers a simple and effective natural solution. For more than two decades Dr. Qing Li an immunologist at Nippon Medical School has studied Shinrin yoku also known as forest bathing. His work has translated the calming experience of being in nature into measurable biological effects. Dr. Li has demonstrated that trees release phytoncides antimicrobial volatile organic compounds that form part of the forests natural defense system. When people inhale these compounds during walks in the forest the chemicals enter the bloodstream. This process reduces stress hormones and helps shift the body from a chronic fight or flight state into a restorative mode. The physiological benefits are both powerful and remarkably long lasting. Dr. Lis research shows that exposure to phytoncides significantly boosts the number and activity of natural killer cells. These white blood cells are essential for destroying virus infected cells and tumor cells. A three day two night forest bathing trip can increase natural killer cell activity by up to 80 percent. These protective effects do not disappear immediately upon returning to daily life but can persist for up to a month. This evidence makes a strong scientific case for incorporating regular time in nature as an important element of preventive health care. [Li, Q. (2022). Effects of forest environment (Shinrin-yoku/Forest bathing) on health promotion and disease prevention: The establishment of 'Forest Medicine'. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 27, 43]