IWSI News: Forest Medicine and Forest Therapy

As the German Chapter of the International Society of Nature and Forest Medicine (INFOM), we are delighted to share details of the 6th INFOM International Seminar & Workshop, taking place in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, from October 23 to 25, 2026. Conducted in English, this three-day event combines current research in forest medicine with hands-on experience of Shinrin Yoku and Japanese forest therapy.

The two-day scientific seminar will explore, among other topics, the effects of time spent in forests on psychoneuroendocrinoimmunological regulatory processes (PNEI), the contribution of Shinrin Yoku to mental and physical well-being, and the current state of international research in forest medicine. The program will also feature practice-focused presentations on medically supervised forest therapy.

The third day will focus on hands-on experience. At Gongenmori Nature Park, participants will take part in a guided forest therapy program. Health indicators, including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation, will be recorded before and after the session.

Physicians who successfully complete the program aPhysicians who successfully complete the program are eligible to receive INFOM certification as an International Forest Medicine Specialist.  Participants from other professional backgrounds may qualify for certification as an INFOM-certified International Shinrin-Yoku Instructor. The certificates are signed by INFOM President Dr. Michiko Imai and INFOM Co-President and Secretary-General Dr. Qing Li.

Participation is limited to 50 people. The fee is JPY 240,000, currently equivalent to approximately EUR 1,300, and includes accommodation, meals, event-related transfers, participation in the seminar and forest therapy workshop, one year of INFOM membership, and the applicable certification fee.

The registration deadline is September 22, 2026. Following the seminar, an additional multi-day Shinrin Yoku experience program will take place in Chiba Prefecture from October 25 to 28, 2026.

Further details, the full program, and registration information are available on the official INFOM website.

The 1st Wartenberg Forest Therapy Congress took place on October 24 and 25, 2025, in the extensive forest park surrounding Wartenberg Clinic. Leading experts from medicine, research, and practice came together to explore the role of forests as a health resource from a range of professional perspectives.

IWSI was delighted to contribute to the congress program with a joint presentation by our Institute Director, Dr. Melanie H. Adamek, and Dr. Qing Li, an internationally renowned pioneer in forest medicine research. Under the theme “From Feeling to Science,” they explored the development and potential of forest therapy as part of a modern, person-centered, and nature-based approach to medicine.

Highlights of the congress included:

• More than 20 experts from medicine, research, and practice
• Two days united by a common goal: the forest as a source of health
• Exclusive insights into ongoing research
• Practical forest therapy sessions in the clinic’s extensive forest park
• Interdisciplinary exchange among peers
• Personal inspiration

The congress offered two inspiring days of nature, science, professional exchange, and new perspectives on the future of forest-based health interventions.