Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness [Hardcover]

The definitive--and by far the most popular--guide to the therapeutic Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or the art and science of how trees can promote health and happiness

Notice how a tree sways in the wind. Run your hands over its bark. Take in its citrusy scent. As a society we suffer from nature deficit disorder, but studies have shown that spending mindful, intentional time around trees--what the Japanese call shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing--can promote health and happiness.

In this beautiful book--featuring more than 100 color photographs from forests around the world, including the forest therapy trails that criss-cross Japan--Dr. Qing Li, the world's foremost expert in forest medicine, shows how forest bathing can reduce your stress levels and blood pressure, strengthen your immune and cardiovascular systems, boost your energy, mood, creativity, and concentration, and even help you lose weight and live longer.

Once you've discovered the healing power of trees, you can lose yourself in the beauty of your surroundings, leave everyday stress behind, and reach a place of greater calm and wellness.“This wonderful book . . . is itself a tribute to forests and the magnificence of trees, featuring more than 100 color photographs of forests around the world.” —NPR

“In his reassuring and nicely illustrated guide . . . Li offers ‘a wealth of data that proves’ that shinrin-yoku can reduce blood pressure, stress, and blood-sugar levels. . . . This isn’t any mundane walk in the woods.” —The New York Times Book Review

“A joyful guide . . . If there’s anyone who understands the magic of time spent under arboreal canopiesl££