Are there really health benefits to 'forest bathing'?

Mention the idea of “forest bathing,” and you may get an odd look. But the practice, developed in Japan about 45 years ago by the country’s forest service, has found a new audience of people who are looking outdoors for peace of mind and wellness.

Ask Carol Radford, and she will list the many benefits of the positive power of trees to lower stress and blood pressure, and increase mindfulness.

“It strengthens the experience of stillness and minimizes chatter in the mind,” said Radford, a Falmouth resident who leads forest bathing workshops each fall at Highfield Hall & Gardens in Falmouth. “You’re intentionally focusing on your senses in the nurturing beauty of nature. You’re really listening, smelling, and touching; embracing all your senses.”

Peter Crosson, MD, a primary care physician with Osterville Primary Care, believes in the importance of mental well-being, and is impressed by what he has seen on the benefits of forest bathing.

“There is data on its health benefits,” he said. “Small studies say it can decrease stress and raise your happiness and well-being.” Studies that measure the immune response indicated that forest bathing produces more cancer fighting cells (called natural killer cells), he added.

“It’s a small number of studies, but it’s interesting,” said Dr. Crosson, who, as an avid birder, spends much time outdoors in nature. “They also indicate a drop in blood pressure, depressive symptoms and stress hormones. It’s nice to see people are studying it.”

In our stressful fast-paced society, “there’s no downside to doing it,” he added.

The Allure of Trees

When a friend and I attended one of Radford’s workshops, we talked about favorite trees from childhood, discovered trees that “called” to us, and awakened our senses. Capping the experience was a serene walk in Beebe Woods, a spread of untamed forest which abuts Highfield Hall and is open to the public.

If there is a time to embrace a simple exercise that builds mental, physical and emotional health, this is it. The average American spends 93 percent of their time indoors, and as much as 10 hours a day on social media, according to Qing Li, a Japanese medical doctor, researcher and author of “Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness.” Qing Li also heads The Japanese Society of Forest Medicine, an organization that promotes research on the practice.

On our forest walk, for perhaps the first time, I noticed the countless shades of green in trees. (The color green is known to have a restful effect on the mind.) I took note of the many patterns in bark and the pleasing sound of my feet traversing the narrow dirt path. I also noticed the pleasure of breathing the scent of cedar and pine trees. The smell, I later discovered, comes from phytocides, airborne chemicals that protect the trees from insects, and are shown to boost immunity in humans.

It is all second nature to Radford. She has experienced forest bathing around the U.S. and abroad, and says that people who have immobility issues can enjoy it too.

“Positioning a chair to open a vista of trees, or moving plants indoors and focusing on slowing down,” means you are going to reap benefits, she said.

Watch this video to learn more about forest bathing.