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A new type of treatment - forest therapy - is gaining popularity
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Japanese specialists from Tokyo's Nippon Medical College have determined that forest walks stimulate the activity of protective killer cells, which are responsible for responding to viral invasion and the development of tumor processes. The results of the research are published on the pages of the online publication Quartz.
For eight years, the Japanese government has been investing in research into the physiological and psychological benefits of forest therapy.
Lead researcher Dr. Qing Li of Tokyo's Nippon Medical College assessed the function of immune killer cells before and immediately after a forest walk. It was found that people who regularly took such walks had stronger immune defenses, which were especially enhanced in the week and even month after visiting the forest.
During the experiment, which involved almost three hundred volunteers aged 20 to 25, scientists managed to find out that being in the forest reduces the amount of cortisol, a well-known "stress" hormone, high concentrations of which can lead to obesity, sleep disorders, coronary diseases and early aging of the body. To notice the positive effect of forest therapy, half an hour of being in nature is enough.
Scientists have noted that clean air in the forest is rich in phytoncides – unique substances capable of inhibiting the activity of pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, treatment with forest air slows down the heart rate, stabilizes blood pressure, and improves the condition of patients with respiratory diseases. At the same time, there is no need for active pastime: you can walk between the trees, or just sit down and rest.
It should be noted that observing the nature of gardens and park areas is an integral part of the national culture of Japan. Since 1982, forest therapy, which is known to the Japanese as "shinrin yoku", has been part of the health program adopted at the legislative level. A similar type of health care has been created in America. There, they created the Association of Natural and Forest Therapy, which implies assistance to all those who wish to undergo the proposed treatment.
Almost ten years ago, specialists representing the University of Illinois reported the results of observation of a group of children suffering from impaired concentration. Regular walks in parks and squares allowed to significantly increase the concentration abilities of the little patients. And those children who took part in the experiment of psychiatrist Dr. David Strayer - it was a 3-day hike in the woods - almost doubled the ability to solve complex problems.
In our country, many sanatoriums practice so-called terrain cures – dosed walking tours along pre-planned routes. Such walks increase endurance, stabilize the work of the heart and blood vessels, activate the respiratory system and metabolic processes, and normalize the state of the nervous system.
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