image above: bamboo forest in Kamakura, Japan, 2024, Jan Eckert.
In March, I had the privilege of visiting the laboratory of renowned forest therapy researcher Professor Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Often referred to as the “father of shinrin-yoku” or forest bathing, Professor Miyazaki has dedicated his career to unlocking the profound restorative powers of nature.
Together with Professor Harumi Ikei, they took me through the inner workings of their state-of-the-art artificial climate chamber – a simulation laboratory where they measure the physiological and neurological effects of immersion in a forest environment. As I observed the advanced biometric monitoring equipment, I was fascinated by the insights it provided. By studying the subjects’ brain activity, heart rate variability and other key indicators, the researchers are building a compelling body of evidence that demonstrates the profound benefits of forest therapy.
The implications of this work are profound. At a time of unprecedented stress and disconnection from the natural world, Professor Miyazaki’s research offers a transcendent remedy. His findings suggest that simply spending time among the sights, sounds and smells of a forest can reduce anxiety, improve mood and restore a sense of calm and well-being.
But as fascinating as the data was, what struck me most was the researchers’ deep reverence for the natural world. Their work is not just an academic exercise, but a passionate quest to illuminate the intrinsic healing power of our environment – and to inspire others to forge a more nurturing relationship with nature. I left the lab with a renewed sense of wonder and appreciation for the restorative magic of the forest. Professor Miyazaki’s work has not only advanced our scientific understanding, but also reminded us of our primal, deep connection to the natural world.
For readers living in Switzerland, there is a great book on Miyazaki’s work that he co-edited with Robert Gallmann, which also suggests a series of “Shinrin-yoku walks” in the canton of Berne.