Global Wellness Digest

Japanese forest medicine is the science of using Nature to heal yourself.

It is a scientific fact that trees have healing power as they release antimicrobial essentials oils called phytoncides – which protect trees from germs and these oils also boost our mood and immune system. According to physician Qing Li, Chairman of the Japanese Society for Forest Medicine and author of Forest Bathing, the health benefits to be derived from forest bathing are: reducing blood pressure, improving heart rate, reducing stress, calming anxiety and improving sleep.

In 1982, the Japanese government introduced the concept of “ Shinrin Yoku” urging its citizens to make use of Japan’s vast forests for therapy.

Trees can even heal us at a distance accordingly to a study conducted by medical researcher Roger Ulrich. He said that by staring at a distant tree or forested area, we can feel calmer and more relaxed.

In urban Singapore, you can indulge in Shinrin Yoku in the heart of the city at Singapore Botanic Gardens, a 202 acres (82 hectares) UNESCO World Heritage Site.