The British Forest Bathing Institute is dedicated to replicating the Japanese scientific studies that trees really do have healing powers.
Studies have shown, 50% of the beneficial health effects of Forest Bathing come from the chemistry of forest air. The health benefits can be attributed to the higher oxygen content of forest air, as well as, and perhaps most importantly, trees expel chemicals that help them fight off diseases, these chemicals can boost our immune system (NK cell count). Maybe this is tied to the prevalence of trees in high value suburbs.
Here's some ways you can enjoy nature therapy in your local 'burb:
If you have a property near the bush, get out into the garden for a 20 minute break, pulling environmental weeds or nurturing native seedlings
The Le Roys Bush Weekly Wednesday Weeding bee provides two-way nature therapy - our work helps repair nature while it's a really enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours in the quiet of Le Roys Bush. Followed by a social coffee at a local cafe
While out walking, if you notice invasive weeds, report them on the EcoTrack app - this will prevent strangler vines and invasive trees from taking over our natural heritage.
Hope to see you out there.
NOTES:
Here's a quote from Dr Qing Li, as quoted in his book ‘Shinrin-yoku, The Art and Science of Forest-Bathing’:
“The good news is that even a small amount of time in nature can have an impact on our health. A two-hour forest bathe will help you to unplug from technology and slow down. It will bring you into the present moment to de-stress and relax you. When you connect to nature through all five of your senses, you begin to draw on the vast array of benefits the natural world provides.
There is now a wealth of data that proves that nature therapy can:
Reduce blood pressure
Lower stress
Improve cardiovascular and metabolic health
Help you to lose weight
Lower blood-sugar levels
Improve concentration and memory
Lift depression
Increase anti-cancer protein production
Improve pain thresholds
Improve energy
Boost the immune system with an increase in the count of the body’s natural killer (NK) cells”
For more info about pest plant control see: pestfreekaipatiki.org.nz/pest-plant-resources
For a scientific analysis of the impact of forests on human health see The Relationship Between Trees and Human Health: Evidence from the Spread of the Emerald Ash Borer