Japanese scientist has proven the healing power of the trees

Dr. Qing Li is an Associate Professor at Tokyo's Nippon Medical School. In 1982, the Japanese Forestry Agency launched a new project called "Forest Bathing Tour" to reduce the stress level among Japanese people, lead a healthy lifestyle and, most importantly, raise awareness and bring the Japanese closer to their trees so that they can take better care of them. However, there was no scientific evidence of what we have all known for years - contact with nature has had a soothing, relaxing and relaxing effect on people. A step further, the Japanese Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries launched a research project between 2004 and 2006 to investigate thoroughly, from a scientific point of view, the impact of forest contact on human health. The main member of the research team was the author of the book about Shinrin-Yoku, Dr. Qing Li. All this is due to his previous interests and research on environmental medicine, especially those related to the field of environmental immunology. Since 1988, he has been studying the effects of environmental chemistry, stress and lifestyle on immune functions. Today, Dr. Qing Li is still lecturing at the University of Tokyo and also serves as Vice President and Secretary General of the International Society for Natural and Forestry Medicine and President of the Society for Forestry Medicine in Japan.

Shinrin- yoku, or literally "forest bath" (with japanese shinrin- forest, yoku- bath) is nothing more than a walk in the forest and experiencing it with all five senses - sight, hearing, taste, touch and above all smell. The author of the book conducted his research on a group of students and on several groups of ordinary Japanese corporate employees. He presents the whole process, course and results in his book. His conclusions are not only amazing, but above all described in a very interesting way. The professor managed to prove that contact with trees helps to lower blood pressure, increases vigour and life energy in general, helps to treat depression, insomnia, stimulates the immune system and reduces stress. At the same time, the book contains a lot of interesting information about Japan itself and an explanation of where in its culture and tradition such a close connection with nature comes from. Dr. Qing Li describes how the use of each of our senses during a forest bath affects our body. He also points out that the lack of forest in the immediate vicinity can be replaced by walks in parks or by the use of our sense of smell even in closed rooms, including our homes.