Shinrin-yoku (森林浴)

08 Jul 2015 07:40 #2971 by Paul T

Shinrin-yoku (森林浴) was created by Paul T

I always wondered why I felt more relaxed and calm in the forest rather than around urban environments - now I know...............

A very interesting article on the BBC - see link www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-33368691

Excerpts:

A study conducted in 24 forests across Japan found that walking among trees lowered blood pressure, the pulse rate, and levels of the hormone cortisol, which is released in response to stress.

"Brain scans showed reduced activity in an area of the brain linked to risk of mental illness in participants who took a 90-minute walk among oaks, birds and squirrels."

and a quick description of Shinrin-yoku (森林浴) on WikiP en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_bathing

and another excerpt...............

"The results of studies performed on the physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku show that forest environments could lower concentrations of cortisol, lower pulse rate, lower blood pressure, increase parasympathetic nerve activity, and lower sympathetic nerve activity compared with city settings. The results of the physiological measurements suggest that Shinrin-yoku can aid in effectively relaxing the human body, and the psychological effects of forest areas have been correlated with the various physical environmental factors of forest. The studies of Shinrin-yoku provide valuable insights into the relationship between forests and human health". [www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2793346/]

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"Each species is a masterpiece, a creation assembled with extreme care and genius." > Edward O. Wilson

"An understanding of the Natural World and whats in it is a source of not only a great curiosity but great fulfillment." > Sir David Attenborough

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