Work

Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku) and Preventive Medicine: Immune Modulation, Stress Regulation, Neurocognitive Resilience, and Neurological Health

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) is a nature-based approach with potential preventive health relevance. This review summarizes evidence on its effects on immune function, stress physiology, and neuroprotective pathways. Methods: A narrative review of peer-reviewed studies was conducted using major scientific databases, including observational and interventional research assessing physiological or neurocognitive outcomes following forest exposure. Results: Forest bathing is associated with enhanced natural killer (NK) cell activity, modulation of inflammatory cytokine profiles, reductions in cortisol levels, and shifts toward parasympathetic autonomic dominance. Evidence also suggests a contributory role of tree-derived biogenic volatile organic compounds and phytoncides in immune and stress-regulatory effects. Emerging findings indicate potential benefits for cognitive restoration, emotional regulation, and neurotrophic signaling; however, substantial heterogeneity in study design, exposure characteristics, and outcome measures limits direct comparability and causal inference. Conclusions: Current evidence supports forest bathing as a promising, low-risk strategy for supporting immune resilience, stress regulation, and neurocognitive well-being within a preventive health framework. Preliminary findings also suggest potential benefits in chronic neurological conditions, supporting its neuroprotective role within multimodal neurorehabilitation strategies. Standardized intervention protocols, mechanistic biomarkers, and longitudinal studies are required to strengthen clinical relevance and guide evidence-based integration into public health and lifestyle medicine.

Source: Medical Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/medsci14010095

Authors: Arnab Bandyopadhyay, Soumya Shah, Giovanni N. Roviello

Institutions: University of Naples Federico II, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council

Language: English

Topic: Urban Green Space and Health

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,689