Also known as: shinrin-yoku, nature immersion, forest therapy
Latest evidence update: 2025-11-19
Strongest in Consistency (91). Held back by Replication (56).
Solid mix of RCTs with some methodological gaps.
Good cross-study replication, some imprecision.
Tens of thousands of participants pooled across studies.
Studies agree on direction of effect.
Healthy mix of recent and established research.
No per-outcome numbers yet for this one. Each finding's direction and strength is shown in the research below.
Areas where research points to a consistent direction of effect. The strength of evidence is graded; the size of the effect is not quantified.
Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) is a structured practice of immersive nature exposure. Phytoncides released by trees boost natural killer cell activity for up to 30 days after a single session. Reduces cortisol, blood pressure, and sympathetic nervous system activity.
ProtocolEngine provides general health information based on published research. This is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or health protocol.
Forest therapy reduces heart rate under thermally neutral conditions (Discomfort Index 16-24).
Forest bathing significantly reduces symptoms of depression.
In 20 out of 22 included studies, cortisol levels were significantly lower after forest bathing intervention compared with control groups or showed significant pre-post reduction within forest groups.
Personalized forest therapy programs reduced obsessive-compulsive symptoms in patients with mild depressive disorder compared to usual medication and counseling treatment.
Forest bathing reduces stress levels in urban youth.