{"id":3599,"date":"2023-10-31T15:51:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-31T15:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/server5.keti-test.it\/Verdeprofilo\/shinrin-yoku-the-ancient-art-of-immersing-oneself-in-nature\/"},"modified":"2026-01-18T22:17:07","modified_gmt":"2026-01-18T22:17:07","slug":"shinrin-yoku-the-ancient-art-of-immersing-oneself-in-nature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/server5.keti-test.it\/Verdeprofilo\/en\/shinrin-yoku-the-ancient-art-of-immersing-oneself-in-nature\/","title":{"rendered":"Shinrin-Yoku: the ancient art of immersing oneself in nature"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cWe all know how pleasant it is to immerse ourselves in nature. We have known this for millennia. The sounds of the forest, the scent of the trees, the sun\u2019s rays filtering through the leaves, and the fresh, clean air give us a sense of well-being. They relieve stress and worries, helping us to relax and clear our minds. In the woods, we can find joy, energy, and vitality, feeling refreshed and invigorated.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Who among us doesn’t relate to these words written by Li Qing<\/strong> in the introduction to his book titled \u201cSHINRIN-YOKU IMMERSE IN THE FORESTS – \u201cThe Japanese method to cultivate happiness and live longer.\u201d Dr. Qing is one of the world\u2019s leading experts in forest medicine, an immunologist, and the founder and president of the Japanese Society for Forest Medicine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shinrin-Yoku and Our Senses<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

Shinrin-yoku<\/em><\/strong>, which literally means “forest bathing<\/strong>” (shinrin<\/em> stands for \u201cforest\u201d and yoku<\/em> for \u201cbath\u201d), also known by the English name \u201cforest-bathing<\/em><\/strong>,\u201d is the act of immersing oneself in the forest environment and experiencing it through all five senses. It is not a form of physical exercise like trekking or running but a simple and mindful connection with Nature<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Qing explains that indoors, we are usually limited to using our sight and hearing, but outdoors we can use all our senses. Shinrin-yoku<\/em> allows us to experience the forest<\/strong> through all five senses.<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Sight<\/strong> is enriched by the vibrant colors of Nature, such as the green of the leaves, the yellow and red of the trees in autumn, and the enchanting views of the forest landscape.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Smell<\/strong> is stimulated by the unique scents emanating from trees and flowers, such as natural fragrances and phytoncides (substances released by plants and trees, with antimicrobial properties that protect the plants and benefit human health).<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Hearing<\/strong> awakens with the sounds of the forest, the birds\u2019 songs, and the whispering wind through the leaves.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Touch<\/strong> comes into play by feeling the tree bark and being surrounded by the forest’s atmosphere.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Finally, even taste<\/strong> finds its place by savoring the fruits and foods Nature offers, breathing in the fresh and pure forest air. By activating all the senses, we can connect deeply with the natural environment around us.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Origins of Shinrin-Yoku and \u201cTechnostress\u201d<\/span><\/h2>\n

    The practice of shinrin-yoku<\/em> was inspired by a long-standing Japanese cultural tradition that reveres Nature<\/strong>. Since ancient times, the natural world has played a central role in Japanese arts, spiritual beliefs, and daily life.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Introduced in the 1980s, shinrin-yoku<\/em> was based on the idea that spending time in forests<\/strong> could improve well-being, becoming a response to the growing stress and workload of many people.<\/span><\/p>\n

    To address increasing stress among workers, in 1982<\/strong>, Japan’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Akiyama Tomohide,<\/em> officially introduced the concept of shinrin-yoku<\/em><\/strong> as part of a national program promoted by the Japan Forest Agency. The aim was to use the forest environment as a tool to improve workers\u2019 health.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

    In parallel, in 1984, the term “technostress<\/strong>” was introduced to describe the negative health impact<\/strong> of excessive technology use<\/strong> with a series of symptoms, including:<\/span><\/p>\n