"‘Forest Bathers’ Tout Health Benefits Of Immersion In Nature" - Mary Calvi
For many people there is nothing more relaxing than a bath, but now some are turning to a new kind of bath. It’s one that has nothing to do with water, and it isn’t just for relaxing, it also has significant health benefits. It’s called the ‘forest bath.’ It’s a deep immersion into the forest. The practice has been popular for decades in Japan. Researchers there found forest bathing reduces heart rate, and blood pressure, and boosts the immune system. However, some say further research is needed. “I think there needs to be more research to make sure that it does apply to the American population as well as the Japanese population,” says Houman Danesh, MD, assistant professor, anesthesiology, rehabilitative medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai..
- Houman Danesh, MD, Assistant Professor, Anesthesiology, Rehabilitative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, Director, Division of Integrative Pain Management, The Mount Sinai Hospital