Forestry Agency to Explore Soothing Effect of Forests

The Forestry Agency of Japan will launch a study on the positive effects of forests in fiscal 2004. The study is officially called "Elucidation of the Effects of Forests on Functions of the Human Body."

In Japanese, the word, "Shinrin-yoku," means "forest bathing." This word first appeared 22 years ago, and since then the refreshing effects of forests have become widely recognized across the country. In recent years, health enhancement and rehabilitation utilizing the soothing effects of being in a forest have been a focus of attention. The refreshing and therapeutic effects of forests, however, still lack a medical explanation, and an evaluation of these benefits based on an objective and scientific analysis is being called for, as well as establishment of an optimal therapy menu.

The Forestry Agency study intends to elucidate the body's functional responses to forests, for instance, how forest bathing might change the levels of stress hormones and the activity of the brain. In addition, how elements of the forest environment such as sound, scenery, and scent influence the five human senses will be tested outdoors and indoors. Based on these findings, the Agency hopes to discover the most effective forest therapy menu and the best environmental conditions for forest therapy.

The agency hosted a preparatory meeting in January 2004 to establish a study group on forest therapy that will collaborate with industry, academia and government. With the cooperation of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Agency plans to use forests for health enhancement, elucidate medical issues in forest therapy, and promote forest therapy in Japan. It will also discuss a professional certification program to support forest therapy.




Posted: 2004/05/04 05:03:42 PM
Japanese version