Song, C., Ikei, H., & Miyazaki, Y. (2016). Physiological effects of nature therapy: A review of the research in Japan. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 13(8), 781.

Overview: Research in Japan has highlighted the significant physiological benefits of nature therapy, a practice that involves exposure to natural environments like forests, urban green spaces, and plants. The journal review aims to provide an objective demonstration of these effects, emphasizing their potential role in preventive medicine.

Key Findings

1. Historical Context

1. Humans have spent 99.99% of their evolutionary history in natural environments.

2. The transition to urbanized, artificial settings is linked to increased stress.

2. Physiological Benefits

• Forest Therapy (Shinrin-yoku)

  • Significant reductions in stress markers (e.g., salivary cortisol levels).

  • Improvements in autonomic nervous system activity, such as increased parasympathetic activity and decreased sympathetic activity.

  • Enhanced immune functions, particularly natural killer (NK) cell activity.

  • Blood pressure and pulse rate improvements, suggesting a state of physiological relaxation.

• Urban Green Spaces:

  • Increased parasympathetic activity and reduced sympathetic activity after walks in urban parks.

  • Lower heart rates and enhanced psychological well-being.

• Plant Therapy:

  • Visual and olfactory exposure to plants (e.g., roses, dracaena) significantly increases parasympathetic activity, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

• Wooden Material Therapy:

  • Visual and olfactory exposure to wooden materials decreases blood pressure and induces a calming effect on brain activity.

3. Individual Differences

• Law of Initial Value: Responses to nature therapy are influenced by individuals' baseline physiological states.

• Personality Factors: Type-A and Type-B behavior patterns affect the magnitude of physiological responses, with Type-B individuals generally experiencing greater benefits.

Practical Applications

1. Implementation in Therapy

• Incorporate nature therapy as part of holistic treatment plans for stress management and preventive care.

• Encourage clients to engage in activities such as forest walks, visits to urban parks, and exposure to plants in their daily routines.

2. Client Education

• Educate clients about the scientific basis and benefits of nature therapy.

• Suggest simple, accessible practices like spending time in green spaces or incorporating plants into living and working environments.