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The impact of forest bathing on psychological and physical well-being – review of current literature
1
Warszawski Szpital Południowy Sp. z o.o. / Warsaw Southern Hospital, Poland
2
5th Military Clinical Hospital with Polyclinic SPZOZ in Krakow, Poland
3
Centrum Medyczne w Łańcucie Sp. z o.o. / Medical Center in Łańcut, Poland
4
Szpital św. Anny w Miechowie / St. Anne’s Hospital in Miechów, Poland
5
Department of Medical Education, Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow, Poland
6
Samodzielny Publiczny Zakład Opieki Zdrowotnej MSWiA w Krakowie / Independent Public Healthcare Facility of the Ministry of Interior and Administration in Krakow, Poland
7
The University Hospital in Krakow, Poland
Corresponding author
Ann. Acad. Med. Siles. 2026;80:7-13
KEYWORDS
forest bathingshinrin-yokunature therapyforest therapyphysical healthmental healthwell-beingintegrative medicine
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku, is a nature-based wellness practice that aims to harmonize a person with forest nature. It involves various activities such as walking, watching landscapes and listening to forest sounds that can be used for preventive, treatment, and rehabilitation. Forest bathing has various confirmed and probable health benefits for both physical and mental state. It has gained global recognition for its potential to reduce stress, enhance mental clarity, and improve overall well-being. The most researched and known physical benefits contain reducing stress hormone – cortisol, lowering blood pressure, boosting immune system and improving heart rate. This narrative review aims to assess the impact of forest bathing benefits of psychological and physical well-being. We also try to highlight the potential therapeutic role of forest bathing as a complementary intervention in patients. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed database up to 2025. The review included randomized controlled trials, case reports, and pilot studies focused on the impact of forest bathing. Several studies reinforce the premise that forest therapy has a beneficial impact on both physical and mental health across diverse populations. The most extensively studied outcomes include subjective psychological states, along with physiological indicators such as reduced blood pressure, decreased heart rate, and enhanced oxygen saturation. The impact of forest bathing is documented in various research, although further research about its long-term possible effect is needed.
FUNDING
The study did not receive special funding.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
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