Exploring the Expected and Unexpected Healing Power of Forest Bathing at Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Johns Hopkins and Mayo Clinic

Forest bathing, known as shinrin-yoku in Japan, has gained attention worldwide for its calming and restorative effects on mental and physical health. This practice involves immersing oneself in a forest environment, engaging the senses to connect deeply with nature. Leading medical institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Johns Hopkins, and Mayo Clinic have begun exploring forest bathing’s potential benefits, integrating it into wellness programs and research. This article examines how these renowned centers approach forest bathing, the science behind it, and practical ways to experience its healing power.

The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Johns Hopkins, and Mayo Clinic have all recognized these benefits and are incorporating forest bathing into patient care and wellness initiatives.

Cleveland Clinic Foundation’s Approach to Forest Bathing

The Cleveland Clinic Foundation has integrated forest bathing into its holistic health programs, especially for patients dealing with chronic stress, anxiety, and cardiovascular issues. Their approach includes guided forest bathing sessions led by trained therapists who help participants engage all five senses.

Key elements of their program include:

• Structured sessions lasting 2-3 hours in nearby natural areas

• Mindfulness exercises such as deep breathing and sensory awareness

• Education on nature’s impact on health to motivate ongoing practice

• Follow-up support encouraging patients to incorporate nature time into daily routines

  
  

Clinical observations at Cleveland Clinic show that patients who participate in forest bathing report lower stress levels and improved emotional well-being. The program also complements traditional treatments by providing a natural, low-cost way to support mental health.

Johns Hopkins’ Research on Forest Bathing and Health

Johns Hopkins University has taken a research-driven approach to forest bathing, conducting studies to understand its physiological and psychological effects. Their research focuses on:

• Measuring changes in heart rate variability (HRV) to assess autonomic nervous system balance

• Tracking cortisol and inflammatory markers before and after forest exposure

• Evaluating mental health outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive function

  
  

One study at Johns Hopkins found that participants who spent time in forest environments had significant improvements in HRV, indicating better stress resilience. Another research project highlighted reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms after regular forest bathing sessions.

Johns Hopkins also explores how forest bathing can support recovery in patients with chronic illnesses by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation. Their findings contribute to growing evidence that nature-based therapies can be effective complements to medical treatment.

Mayo Clinic’s Integration of Forest Bathing in Wellness Programs

The Mayo Clinic incorporates forest bathing into its broader wellness and preventive care strategies. Recognizing the link between nature exposure and health, Mayo Clinic offers forest bathing as part of stress management workshops and employee wellness initiatives.

Their program highlights include:

• Group forest bathing experiences designed to build community and reduce social isolation

• Training for healthcare providers to recommend nature therapy as part of patient care

• Partnerships with local parks and nature reserves to provide accessible natural spaces

• Use of technology such as apps to guide forest bathing practices and track progress

  
  

Mayo Clinic emphasizes the importance of regular nature contact for long-term health benefits. Their approach encourages patients and staff to make forest bathing a routine part of life, not just a one-time activity.

Why Leading Medical Centers Are Embracing Forest Bathing

The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Johns Hopkins, and Mayo Clinic are at the forefront of integrating forest bathing into healthcare because it offers a natural, accessible way to support mental and physical health. Their work shows that forest bathing:

• Complements medical treatments without side effects

• Provides a low-cost option for stress reduction and mood improvement

• Encourages lifestyle changes that promote long-term wellness

• Supports immune function and cardiovascular health through natural mechanisms

  
  

By combining clinical research with practical programs, these institutions help patients and the public discover the healing power of nature.

The Unexpected Health Benefits of Forest Bathing

Movement & Exercise, Stress Management, Student Blogs

By Vedika Patani and Carly Smith, BS, MPH(c)

A Natural Immune Supporter

Forest bathing is not just important for improving wellbeing, but it may also improve one’s physical health. Studies have found that forest bathing could increase immune cell activity and aid in the expression of anti-cancer proteins. In one study, a group of 12 men aged 37-55 spent three days practicing forest bathing in three different forests. Afterward, the men showed a 50 percent increase in natural killer cells (which can kill tumor cells) and an increase in the anti-cancer proteins perforin, granzymes, and granulysin. 

Another research study showed that forest bathing improved immune function. When we inhale the oils released from trees (phytoncides), our cortisol levels decrease, and natural killer cell activity increases. These findings suggest forest bathing may have a preventive effect on cancer due to its ability to stimulate immune responses; however, more research needs to be conducted to better understand this phenomenon.

Environ Health Prev Med

. 2022 Nov 1;27:43. doi: 10.1265/ehpm.22-00160

Effects of forest environment

(Shinrin-yoku/Forest bathing) on health promotion and disease prevention —the Establishment of “Forest Medicine”—

Qing Li, Author

Abstract

Humans have enjoyed forest environments for ages because of the quiet atmosphere, beautiful scenery, mild climate, pleasant aromas, and fresh, clean air. In Japan, since 2004, serial studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of forest environments (Forest bathing/Shinrin-yoku) on human health. My research team has established a new medical science called Forest Medicine. The Forest Medicine is a new interdisciplinary science, belonging to the categories of alternative medicine, environmental medicine and preventive medicine, which studies the effects of forest environments (Forest bathing/Shinrin-yoku) on human health. It has been reported that Forest bathing/Shinrin-yoku has the following beneficial effects on human health:

• 1 Shinrin-yoku increases human natural killer (NK) activity, the number of NK cells, and the intracellular levels of anti-cancer proteins, suggesting a preventive effect on cancers.

• 2 Shinrin-yoku reduces blood pressure and heart rate showing preventive effect on hypertension and heart diseases.

• 3 Shinrin-yoku reduces stress hormones, such as urinary adrenaline and noradrenaline and salivary/serum cortisol contributing to stress management.

• 4 Shinrin-yoku increases the activity of parasympathetic nerves and reduces the activity of sympathetic nerves to stabilize the balance of autonomic nervous system.

• 5 Shinrin-yoku improve sleep.

• 6 Shinrin-yoku increases the levels of serum adiponectin and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate.

• 7 In the Profile of Mood States (POMS) test, Shinrin-yoku reduces the scores for anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion, and increases the score for vigor, showing preventive effects on depression.

• 8 Shinrin-yoku may apply to rehabilitation medicine

• 9 Shinrin-yoku in city parks also has benefits on human health.

• 10 Shinrin-yoku may have preventive effect on COVID-19 by boosting immune function and by reducing mental stress.

  
  

Taken together, these findings suggest that Shinrin-yoku may have potential preventive effects on non-communicable diseases.