Forest Therapy Power【O1BK00001270000】

Content Synopsis

　

Forest, for + rest: The forest is a place where people can rest and rejuvenate their body, mind, and spirit. The forest environment provides a quiet, harmonious, comfortable, and pleasant recreational space for people to unwind from their busy work lives. Besides seeking medical treatment and consuming health supplements, forest therapy is the simplest and most side-effect-free way to promote health.

Taiwan's rich natural ecology offers health-promoting activities such as park walks, hill hikes, and mountain climbs. Practicing forest therapy creates a positive cycle of mutual health benefits between individuals and the environment, embodying our coexistence with nature.
《Forest Therapy Power》details the origins, development, and vision of forest therapy in advanced countries and Taiwan, guiding readers into the world of forest healing to regain a peaceful body, mind, and spirit.

★ Includes the essential and practical supplement A Guide to Solo Forest Living!
The guide reminds you of important considerations when participating in forest therapy activities, health checks to perform before and after these activities, and healing activities you can experience on your own.
The forest truly wants to heal you; it's just that you won't let yourself go!
 ● Spending 20-30 minutes in nature each time can effectively reduce physiological stress.
 ● Walking into outdoor green spaces for at least 30 minutes weekly can effectively reduce depression and lower blood pressure.
 ● Visiting gardens or parks 4-5 times a week is the best way to reduce feelings of depression.
 ● Engaging with nature for at least 120 minutes per week can enhance your sense of well-being.

  People are part of nature, and in nature, they feel a sense of wholeness in life. Experiences such as phytoncides, negative ions, and activities involving the five senses are the most effective ways to move and love nature.

  More and more studies verify the close connection between natural environments and health. Therefore, advanced countries establish urban green and blue belts to bring nature into cities, reducing the negative impacts of urbanization. They also encourage people to go outdoors to promote health. More actively, they integrate the concept of natural healthcare into medical systems, incorporating health promotion and disease prevention into the healthcare system. These methods can help improve the quality of life and reduce societal medical expenses.

 In 2018, the population of elderly individuals aged 65 and above in Taiwan exceeded 14%, classifying it as an "aged society." It is projected that by 2026, Taiwan will enter a "super-aged society," with elderly individuals comprising over 20% of the population. The aging population structure in Taiwan highlights the importance of promoting the health of the elderly. Therefore, it is essential to actively refer to the forest therapy advancements in Germany, Japan, and South Korea to promote local forest therapy development.

  Currently, Taiwan's Forestry Bureau has designated eight national forest recreation areas—Alishan, Basianshan, Taipingshan, Aowanda, Fuyuan, Shuangliu, Jhihben, and Dongyanshan—as forest therapy sites. The Xitou Nature Education Area has long been a popular spot for forest bathing, and the Taiwan Society of Forest Medicine acts as a hub for research and promotion of forest therapy. These entities are actively integrating and promoting diverse forest therapy activities to maintain public health.

  The global pandemic partly resulted from conflicts between humans and the natural environment. The destruction of natural habitats led to frequent contact between humans and animals carrying pathogens. The health of the environment is intrinsically linked to human health, and the health of others affects our health. Forest therapy activities can help prevent health issues, offering an experience of healthy living. As we gain health benefits from nature, we must also maintain the health of the natural environment. This positive and vibrant cycle, encapsulating the concept of "healthy forests, healthy people," is key to eradicating pandemics and achieving sustainable visions for the future.

Table of Contents

　

1. Foreword　Come and See, the Storyteller - Lin Yizhen
2. Foreword　Finding Yourself in the Embrace of the Forest - Lin Huaching
3. Foreword　The Ubiquity of Forest Therapy - Yuan Xiaowei
4. Preface　Coexisting with Nature
5.  
6. Chapter 1: Health Issues Caused by Urbanization
   • Evolution of Human Living Environments
   • Health Issues Arising from Urban Life
   • Understanding Your Negative Energy, Don't Let Amygdala Hijack You
   • Urban Greening Solves Social Security Issues
   • Urban Park Transformation, Promoting Health and Well-being
   •  
7. Chapter 2: Solutions to Health Issues — Forest Therapy
   • Forests Are Not Just Green Assets, They Sustain Human Survival
   • Origins of Forest Therapy
   • What is Forest Therapy?？
   • From Forest Bathing to Forest Therapy
   • Forest Therapy: Play Your Way to Better Health
   • Holistic Health: Forest Therapy and Medical Treatment
   •  
8. Chapter 3: Empirical Studies of Forest Therapy — Health Aspects
   • Actually, Forests Want to Heal You, But You Must Allow Yourself to Be Healed
   • Walking from the Urban Environment into the Forest Can Lower Blood Pressure
   • Forest Walks Also Help Regulate Blood Pressure
   • Forest Bathing Experience Can Boost Immunity
   • Forest Experience Aids in Autonomic Nervous System Regulation
   • Forests Can Alter Your Brain Waves
   • Forest Therapy Improves Mental Health
   • Natural Scenic Views from Windows Accelerate Hospital Discharge
   • "Garbage in, Garbage out" Holds True
   • Anti-depression Vaccines Exist in Natural Soil
   • Regular Exposure to Nature Improves Academic Performance
   • Forest Therapy Enhances Creativity in Middle and Older Ages
   • Applications of Virtual Reality Nature Experiences in Healthcare
   • Dosage of Nature Contact
   •  
9. Chapter 4: Empirical Studies of Forest Therapy — Healing Environment
   • Forest Therapy Environment Involves More than Phytoncides and Negative Ions
   • Impact of Forest Environment on Health
   • Forest Climate and Terrain Therapy
   • Health Benefits of Forests through the Five Senses
   • Healing Effects of Forest Visual Landscapes
   • Sensory Experience of Touch and Sound in Forests
   • Healing Effects of Forest Air
   • Forest Flavors: Taste and Aroma
   • Forest Management Contributes to Constructing Healing Environments
   •  
10. Chapter 5: Forest Therapy Around the World
    • Forest Therapy in Japan
    • Natural Therapies in Germany
    • Mountain Forest Healing Gardens in South Korea
    •  
11. Chapter 6: Forest Therapy in Taiwan
    • Development of Forest Therapy in Taiwan
    • What Makes Forest Therapy Effective?
    • Forest Fitness Coaches in the Forest
    • Senior Anti-Aging Clubs — Forest Therapy Centers
    • A Social Movement for Health — Forest Therapy
    •  
12. Chapter 7: Forest Therapy for Everyone
    • Forest Therapy Activities in Taiwan
    • Safety Considerations for Outdoor Activities
    • Personal Experiences of Forest Therapy Activities
    •  
13. References
14. 【Special Edition】A Guide to Personal Forest Living

Recommendations for Happiness

　

王瑞閔 Wang Ruimin- Golden Tripod Award Plant Science Popularization Writer
李卿 Li Qing-Clinical Professor, Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Japan Medical University Hospital
林一真 Lin Yizhen-Adjunct Professor, Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
林華慶 Lin Huaqing-Director General, Forestry Bureau
袁孝維 Yuan Xiaowei,-Professor at National Taiwan University's Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, Chairman of Taiwan Forest Therapy Association
溫佑君 Wen Youjun-Founder of Kenyuan
詹長權 Zhan Changquan-Dean, School of Public Health, National Taiwan University
蔡明哲 Tsai Ming-Che-Professor, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, National Taiwan University; Director, Experimental Forest Administration, National Taiwan University

Recommendation
　　When feeling perplexed, let's explore the《Forest Therapy Power》together!

　　Reading a book that cleverly integrates academic research on forest healing with our daily lives is truly enjoyable. Appreciating beautiful nature photographs and meaningful texts feels like listening to numerous stories, guiding us to distant yet familiar realms.

　　When you feel drained physically and mentally, remember to return to the embrace of the forest and experience its incredible healing power.

　　The ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic and the trauma brought by lockdowns and isolation make us appreciate the precious value of forest healing even more. 'The more severe the pandemic, the greater the need for healing!'

　　Professor Yu Jiabin, a handsome figure, is a rising star in international forest therapy research. This book provides insights into the development of forest therapy and its impact on human health in Taiwan and around the world.

Author Biography

　

　　Author：余家斌Yu Jiabin

Foreword（Excerpt）

　

Finding Yourself in the Embrace of the Forest／林華慶Lin Huaqing
  The forest is a collection of infinite possibilities. It provides timber, food, medicine, and fiber that humans need, while also being home to countless living organisms. It absorbs carbon dioxide, produces fresh oxygen, and generates negative ions and phytoncides. The forest conserves water resources and creates a natural symphony with the wind and trees, birds and insects, streams and stones. From the vibrant colors of spring, the lush greens of summer, the warm reds of autumn, to the blanket of white in winter, the ever-changing sensory journey through the seasons gently and selflessly heals those who enter.

  Many urban residents accumulate physical and mental stress over time, leading to health imbalances. In the forest environment, through guided experiences by professionals, people use their five senses to experience the vitality of nature and feel a sense of unity with the environment. This "slow travel" approach is gradually gaining acceptance and popularity among the public.

  To promote the physical and mental health of the people and to enable them to share in the benefits brought by the forests, the Forestry Bureau has been developing forest therapy bases and professional courses, as well as designing experiential tours. In 2021, they introduced a certification training system and platform for forest therapy guides. Currently, forest therapy bases have been established in eight national forest recreation areas: Alishan, Taipingshan, Baxianshan, Aowanda, Fuyuan, Shuangliu, Jhihben, and Dongyanshan. These bases not only enhance the facilities but also integrate resources from surrounding communities to develop various types of forest therapy activities. The "Sustainable and Diverse Forestry Guidance Program," launched in 2019, includes forest therapy as part of the diversified development goals for non-timber forest industries, maximizing the service value of forests. The certification training system for forest therapy guides, along with the training platform established in March 2021, actively promotes the development of forest therapy activities.

  Professor Yu Jiabin's book,《Forest Therapy Power：forest, for+rest，Enter the Forest to Rest Your Body and Mind and Sustain Your Health》thoroughly explores the development of forest therapy both domestically and internationally. The book addresses health issues brought by urbanization and their solutions, and provides examples and related evidence from abroad. It introduces readers to the development of forest therapy worldwide, such as the thoughtful design of forest therapy trails in Japan and the aesthetic concepts of forest therapy bases.

  In Germany, the public can benefit from health insurance subsidies for forest therapy-related expenses, promoting the development of the health tourism industry. In South Korea, there are forest healing parks equipped with a series of medical devices for empirical research on the benefits of forest therapy. These parks also offer accommodations, dining, and a variety of healing activities, establishing a forest well-being service system. These are all valuable examples for Taiwan to consider.

  As Professor Yu mentions in his book: "The forest is a place for people to rest and recover both physically and mentally." When you feel drained again, remember to return to the embrace of the forest and experience the incredible healing power of nature.

Internal serialization

　

■ Chapter 3: Empirical Research on Forest Therapy – Health

The forest truly wants to heal you; it's just that you won't let yourself go.

Contact with nature is beneficial to health. Whether it’s entering the forest to enjoy the refreshing breeze and feeling joy, watching the sunrise over a sea of clouds and feeling moved, or taking a nap in the woods and experiencing immense satisfaction like a child, everyone has had similar experiences.

We have long known that contact with nature is beneficial to health. However, it is only in the last 20 years that systematic research has begun to analyze and explore the impact of nature on physical and mental health. One reason for this shift is that with the development of urbanization, environmental destruction and busy lifestyles have broadly impacted human health and well-being. As a result, more and more people are beginning to pay attention to the health benefits of contact with nature.

Another reason is the advancement in health measurement tools and technology. We want to understand the physiological and psychological state of people in natural environments, so the corresponding physiological measurement tools and instruments must be practical, at least portable enough to conduct on-site research.

For example, to understand the impact of outdoor activities on physiological stress, we had participants undertake a two-day, one-night mountain climbing activity. We measured their salivary cortisol (a stress hormone that indicates the body's stress state) before and after the trip. Collecting salivary cortisol levels involves participants placing a test tube at their mouth for about 5-10 minutes to collect saliva, which is then refrigerated and transported from the mountains to an urban medical laboratory. This process is quite troublesome, and any slight mishap can invalidate the samples. The memorable sight of more than ten participants “drooling” at the trail exit for this study left a lasting impression.
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■ Chapter 5: Forest Therapy Around the World

Korea's Forest Healing Parks

Like Taiwan, Korea has abundant forest resources, with forests covering approximately 63% of the country's area. Traditionally, there has been a habit of using forests to promote health through activities like collecting herbs, meditation, and forest bathing. In the 1990s, the Korean government began establishing natural therapy forests and later promoted the "Forest for Health" project to enhance human health and well-being through forest environments. They also aimed to integrate forest healing experiences, research, and education to industrialize the forest healing sector.

To establish demonstration sites for health-promoting forests, the Korean government started by enacting legislation. In 2007, the National Forest Healing Park Act was passed, making it a presidential industry agreement and one of the leading projects for economic development. Basic construction and design of the Forest Healing Parks were completed in 2012. In 2015, the "Forest Welfare Promotion Act" was passed, recognizing forest welfare as an important social welfare for citizens.

The Korean government categorized the promoted activities and infrastructure into seven stages based on age: G1—Prenatal Education Forest, G2—Forest Kindergarten for early childhood, G3—Forest Education for adolescence, G4—Forest Leisure Sports for youth, G5—Health and Leisure Forest for middle age, G6—Forest Healing for old age, and G7—Tree Burial Forest for posthumous use, also known as "Green Welfare 7." Through various venues such as forest kindergartens, forest camping areas, and forest healing bases, the government aims to meet the needs of citizens of different ages to connect with nature and enhance their forest welfare.

In 2016, Korea established the Korea Forest Welfare Institute (FoWI) to promote policies and research related to forest welfare, certify natural therapy sites, and train related personnel to create a more comprehensive system that provides diverse and systematic forest welfare services to the public. The hardware aspect includes forest recreation areas, forest parks, healing forests, forest kindergartens, forest education centers, and other related research facilities. The software aspect provides detailed personnel divisions, including forest education interpreters, children’s forest guides, forest trail guides, and forest healing guides.The funding for the Forest Welfare Institute mainly comes from Korean lottery surplus funds. Although the various forest healing parks and related institutions under it are not yet self-sufficient, they still provide an annual subsidy of 100,000 KRW to low-income families and the physically and mentally disabled, offering them the basic resources to access and utilize forest health benefits.Korea’s National Forest Healing Park, located on the outskirts of Yeongju, is the main demonstration site for forest therapy in Korea. The center has a healing research center equipped with medical devices for empirical research on the benefits of forest therapy. It offers well-planned accommodations and dining options and provides a variety of healing activities, including forest five-senses therapy, health hiking therapy, Nordic walking, and outdoor activities. There are also courses for making various aromatherapy products, such as herbal tea bags, plant-scented candles, and essential oils.The healing center has a hydrotherapy area for treating joints, strengthening the waist, relieving fatigue, easing tension, activating the five senses, and stimulating the feet in various healing gardens. Indoors, there are complete fitness and relaxation equipment, such as spinning bikes, treadmills, massage water beds, infrared blood circulation machines, and music relaxation loungers. The courses include customized programs for different groups, such as outdoor mental and physical health courses for adolescents and prenatal forest education courses for pregnant women.
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■ Chapter 6: Forest Therapy in Taiwan

The Development of Forest Therapy in Taiwan

The development of forest therapy in Taiwan can be traced back to 1983 when Dr. Wen-Jen Lin introduced the concept of "forest bathing" from Japan. He promoted forest health through his books "The World of Forest Bathing," "Forest Aesthetics," and "Forest Health Theory." In 1989, Dr. Chin-Ming Lu translated "The Health Science of the Forest" by Japanese scholar Teruo Iwasaki, planting the concept firmly in Taiwan.

From 2010 to 2012, the Luodong Forest District Office of the Forestry Bureau commissioned Mackay Medical College and professors Yi-Jen Lin, Yong-Shun Shen, and Tian-Tzu Liao from the Department of Forestry at National Chung Hsing University to carry out the project "Establishing and Promoting Guidelines for Forest Therapy Evaluation." This project, conducted in Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area, focused on health indicators, environmental planning, program design, and benefit evaluation, marking the inception of forest therapy research in Taiwan.

In 2013, Professors Hsiao-Wei Yuan, Ming-Che Tsai, and Associate Professor Jia-Bin Yu from the Department of Forestry at National Taiwan University began promoting and researching forest therapy activities in Taiwan. In 2016, the "Taiwan Society of Forest Medicine" was established. Guided by the Forestry Bureau, this society systematically promoted related activities across various regions, making forest therapy a significant new direction for Taiwan's forestry development.

In 2017, the Society began assisting in the execution of the "Forestry Bureau's Forest Therapy Development Strategy and Action Plan," planning the Forestry Bureau's promotion strategies for forest therapy. They also held expert meetings to draft site selection principles for national forest recreation areas' healing sites. After referencing the standards of forest therapy sites and trails in Germany and Japan, they decided on five evaluation criteria: 1. a good natural environment for all five senses, 2. well-maintained environmental facilities, 3. favorable location conditions, 4. current management status, and 5. forest therapy activities. They ultimately selected eight key development areas out of 18 national forest recreation areas: Taipingshan, Dongyanshan, Baxianshan, Aowanda, Alishan, Shuangliu, Jhihben, and Fuyuan.

In 2018, the Society assisted in promoting the "Forestry Bureau's National Forest Recreation Area Forest Therapy and Health Promotion Program," introducing forest therapy activities into various forest recreation areas and implementing the "Forest Therapy Guide" certification system. Both the general public and people with disabilities can experience forest therapy activities in these recreation areas. For example, the Baxianshan forest therapy activities have been promoted to visually impaired groups, leading visually impaired friends into the forest to experience nature.

The NTU Experimental Forest is an important site for developing forest therapy in central Taiwan, with the Xitou Nature Education Area being particularly representative. Xitou, at an elevation of 1,100-1,700 meters and an average annual temperature of about 18°C, is a cool and pleasant retreat, attracting around 2 million visitors annually. The area boasts rich natural resources, including valuable tree species such as Japanese cedar, Taiwania, red cypress, ginkgo, and cypress, along with a well-developed trail system, making it an excellent place for experiencing forest therapy in Taiwan.
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■ Chapter 7: Forest Therapy Accessible to All

Forest Therapy Activities in Taiwan

The Forestry Bureau has designated eight national forest recreation areas—Alishan, Baxianshan, Taipingshan, Aowanda, Fuyuan, Shuangliu, Jhihben, and Dongyanshan—as forest therapy sites. The Taiwan Society of Forest Medicine has been commissioned to promote training and course activities in forest therapy. In central Taiwan, the Xitou Nature Education Area, a favorite forest recreation spot among locals, is also actively promoting forest therapy activities. These include a variety of forest therapy activities, and a monthly "Forest Therapy Lecture," where the morning features health lectures and the afternoon guides participants through healing activities, helping elderly people in the central region stay healthy and vibrant. Additionally, the Nature Resources Recreation Laboratory of the NTU Forestry Department holds a series of forest therapy activities at the Taiwan Science and Education Center in Taipei, promoting forest therapy in urban areas.

Due to the diverse forest resources across different regions, forest therapy activities have developed in a variety of ways. For instance, the forest therapy activities in Xitou include a simple health check of heart rate and blood pressure to understand whether participants are suitable for a full day of outdoor activities. Participants' stress levels are assessed using a saliva stress test before they start about 20 minutes of abdominal breathing exercises and warm-ups in the forest to acclimate to the forest temperature and prepare for the day's activities.

Next is the five-senses experience on the Xitou forest therapy trail, where participants immerse themselves in the beauty of the Xitou cedar forest. They engage in activities such as finding tree fruits, hugging and touching trees, listening to streams and birds, smelling crushed cedar leaves, and using the breathing techniques they practiced earlier to deeply experience the scents of the forest. These activities help participants fully immerse themselves in nature, forgetting their daily worries.

Participants are then invited to take off their shoes on the grass next to the bamboo hut, enjoying the close contact with nature and restoring their inner balance. On a wooden platform in the forest, a professional yoga instructor leads yoga stretching activities, replenishing their energy. In a small wooden house, participants use plants collected during their hike to create eco-friendly dye prints on bags, making green souvenirs to take home.

At the end of the day, another health check is conducted to understand the extent of health improvements after a day of healing activities. This process is both fun and therapeutic, allowing participants to enjoy the gifts of nature while healing their bodies and minds.

The Forestry Bureau, in cooperation with the Taiwan Society of Forest Medicine, organizes interesting forest therapy activities in various forest recreation areas. Participants can engage in Nordic walking on the grass or in the forest, training muscle endurance and cardiopulmonary function, making it feel effortless in a beautiful natural environment. During the hot summer, participants can take off their shoes and socks to walk in the creek, enjoying the massage of water and pebbles to relax tense muscles. For those with more physical strength, tree climbing activities are available under the guidance of a professional, allowing participants to challenge their physical limits and enjoy the beauty of the earth from a different perspective among the tree canopies.

For those seeking quiet, activities such as nature sketching, forest meditation, solitary experiences, or night stargazing are available, helping participants to slowly settle themselves through their connection with nature. Additionally, local Indigenous community instructors are invited to share local culinary culture, allowing participants to make local specialties by hand and deepen their understanding of local culture through food.

Considering Taiwan's aging population and the urban population's need for forest therapy, the NTU Forestry Department's Nature Resources Recreation Laboratory has launched a series of forest therapy activities targeting the elderly in the northern region. These activities use the rooftop garden of the Taiwan Science and Education Center and nearby urban forest areas and suburban mountains.Activities include collective nature creation, plant dyeing, Nordic walking on riverside trails, and the five-senses experience at Zhishan Rock. Under professional guidance, these activities help seniors achieve physical and mental balance through nature experiences. Dr. Jian-Zhong Guo also leads bamboo pole walking activities, combating sarcopenia common among the elderly, helping seniors regain their muscle strength.

All these forest therapy activities are guided by instructors and conducted in well-managed forest environments. These activities ensure the safety of participants in the outdoors, allowing them to enjoy nature, connect with it, heal their minds and bodies, and maintain their health with peace of mind.
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