The health benefits of forest bathing
Engaging all your senses while spending time in nature can reduce the harmful effects of stress, a known contributor to heart disease and other health issues.
- Reviewed by Susan Abookire, BSEE, MD, MPH, FACP
Forest bathing, which originated in Japan, means spending time in the woods or other natural setting, immersed in the surrounding sights, sounds, and smells. Research suggests that the practice may reduce the harmful health effects of stress.
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About the Author
Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
About the Reviewer
Susan Abookire, BSEE, MD, MPH, FACP
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