Forest Medicine: “From Feeling to Science”
李 卿｜Dr. Qing Li at the IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy
Dr. Qing Li is a leading international figure and pioneer in Forest Medicine. An immunologist and Clinical Professor, his interdisciplinary research focuses on the health effects of forest exposure, particularly on immune function. Closely associated with IM-WALD-SEIN® since 2019, he contributes his scientific expertise to the work of both the Institute and the IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy.
Forest Medicine: From Feeling to Science｜Dr. Qing Li in Conversation with Dr. Melanie H. Adamek
Dr. Qing Li, you have been one of the driving forces behind the development of Forest Medicine as a field of research. How did it all begin?
I have loved nature and forests since I was a child. I was born in a small village in China. In my village, there were green poplar forests and a beautiful apricot forest that bloomed pink throughout April. I came to Japan in 1988 and studied at Kagoshima University. At that time, my friends and I visited a very beautiful, mysterious green forest on Yakushima, a small round island.
The quiet atmosphere, the beautiful scenery, the mild climate, the particularly good smells, the fresh, clean air in the forest, and the large Japanese cedars and Jomon Sugi made me very happy and relaxed. I was grateful for all its abundance and beauty.
I came to believe that being in the forest is absolutely necessary for human health. This fascinating and inspiring visit had an important impact on the entire direction of my life and future research.
The therapeutic potential of natural environments is being studied across many disciplines, including psychology, biology and the social sciences, yet the subject remains relatively unfamiliar in medicine. As a physician, how did you come to focus on it?
Actually, my major is environmental medicine. I graduated from Kagoshima University with my PhD in 1992 and then moved to Tokyo. During my education at Kagoshima University and Nippon Medical School, I studied the effects of environmental chemicals, stress, and lifestyle on immune function and human health. From 2001 to 2002, I conducted research at Stanford University on anti-cancer proteins such as granulysin in humans’ natural killer cells (immune cells).
As I am interested in the effects of all environmental factors on human health, I am, of course, also interested in the effect of forest environments on human health. I want to know why we feel so much better when we are in forests. What is this secret power of trees that makes us so much healthier and happier? How is it that we feel less stressed and more energetic when we immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the forest?
When the Japanese Forestry Agency put together the team for their big Shinrin Yoku project in 2004, I was invited as a main member of the project team due to my specialist background.
Japanese research on Shinrin Yoku set out to place the health effects of spending time in forests on a sound scientific basis. In Germany, forest bathing is sometimes dismissed as esoteric. How do you respond to sceptical colleagues, particularly in medicine?
Yes, indeed, when I see how Shinrin Yoku is performed sometimes and what is offered under the label of forest bathing, I could almost get the same impression (*laughs*). But it's actually about a scientifically justifiable fact.
Before studying forest medicine, I developed the following hypothesis: It is well known that the immune system, including natural killer cells (NK cells), plays an important role in the defense against bacteria, viruses, and tumors. It is also common knowledge that stress inhibits immune function. It is common sense that spending time in the forest, which individuals perceive as relaxing, can reduce stress.
Therefore, I speculated that Shinrin-Yoku might have a positive effect on immune function by reducing stress. The many studies I have conducted with my research teams since 2004 to investigate the effect of forest environments on human health have provided clear, evidence-based proof of this.
Yes, the evidence is fascinating, and we are delighted that you, as a member of the IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy, are offering various lectures on "Shinrin Yoku by Dr. Qing Li" for medical professionals. What can participants expect?
At a time when people tend to expect too much from medicine and too little from themselves, doctors and medical professions have a great responsibility, especially in rehabilitation. It is increasingly important to encourage people to take responsibility for their own health with simple and enjoyable measures and resources.
In my lectures, I emphasize the importance of Shinrin Yoku in complementary medicine. I also provide doctors and medical professionals with the necessary background knowledge to give their patients appropriate behavioral recommendations.
The complementary IM-WALD-SEIN® method provides practitioners and patients with everything they need to make the best possible use of the health-promoting, salutogenic effects of a stay in the forest for their own lifestyle and health. A unique approach.
Dr. Qing Li｜Vita
"Some people study forests.
Some people study medicine.
I studied forest medicine to find out all the ways in which being in the forest can improve our well-being."
Dr. Qing Li is an immunologist and Clinical Professor at Nippon Medical School and one of the leading international figures in Forest Medicine. His research spans immunology, environmental medicine and prevention and has played a key role in advancing the scientific understanding of how forest environments affect human health and in establishing Forest Medicine as a distinct field of research. As a member of the IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy, he brings this expertise to our academic and professional work.
- Founding member of the Japanese Forest Therapy Society
- President of the Japanese Society of Forest Medicine
- Vice President and Secretary General of the International Society of Nature and Forest Medicine
- Leading Member of the Task Force on Forests and Human Health of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations
- Executive Vice-Chairman of the Forest Health Maintenance Research Committee of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies
- Board member of the World Society on Forests and Parks for Public Health
- Member of the
IM-WALD-SEIN® Academy
and the
IM-WALD-SEIN® Institute for Forest Medicine and Forest Therapy
Dr. Qing Li｜Selection of Publications
Reports and Interviews
As an internationally recognized expert, Prof. Dr. Qing Li shares insights from Forest Medicine well beyond the academic community. In interviews, documentaries and expert contributions, he discusses the health effects of spending time in forests, the development of Shinrin Yoku and the role of nature-based approaches in prevention and health promotion. You can find further contributions by and with Prof. Dr. Qing Li in our
Publications
section, alongside our broader coverage of Forest Medicine, forest therapy and nature-based health.
Scientific Papers
Dr. Qing Li’s scientific work includes numerous international publications on Forest Medicine, Shinrin Yoku, immune function, stress regulation and other health effects associated with spending time in forests. On this page, we present a selection of key and recent publications. A complete publication list is available on request by
email.
Selected scientific papers
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Li Q, Ochiai H, Ochiai T, Takayama N, Kumeda S, Miura T, Aoyagi Y, Imai M. Effects of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) on serotonin in serum, depressive symptoms and subjective sleep quality in middle-aged males. Environ Health Prev Med. 2022;27:44
The study investigates the effects of a forest bathing program on serotonin levels, depressive symptoms and subjective sleep quality in middle-aged men. The findings suggest that forest bathing may help reduce depressive symptoms and improve subjective sleep quality, while also indicating possible changes in serotonin levels following time spent in the forest.
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Li Q. Effects of forest environment (Shinrin-yoku/Forest bathing) on health promotion and disease prevention - the Establishment of "Forest Medicine". Environ Health Prev Med. 2022;27:43
This paper is regarded as a key work in the establishment of Forest Medicine. It provides scientific evidence demonstrating how regular exposure to forest environments can enhance human health and help prevent disease.
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Li, Q. New Concept of Forest Medicine. Forests 2023, 14, 1024
In this review, Dr. Qing Li proposes a new concept of Forest Medicine that considers the interactions between the psycho-neuro-endocrine and immune systems.
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Conte, A., Pace, R., Li, Q. et al. Aula Verde (tree room) as a link between art and science to raise public awareness of nature-based solutions. Sci Rep 14, 2368 (2024)
The study presents the concept of Aula Verde: a “tree room” that integrates art, science, and citizen participation to make nature-based solutions (NBS) visible and tangible in urban spaces. Its goal is to foster environmental awareness and strengthen the connection between people and nature.
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Benedetti, V.; Giganti, F.; Cotugno, M.; Noferini, C.; Gavazzi, G.; Gronchi, G.; Righi, S.; Meneguzzo, F.; Becheri, F.R.; Li, Q.; et al. Interplay among Anxiety, Digital Environmental Exposure, and Cognitive Control: Implications of Natural Settings. Behav. Sci. 2024, 14, 323
The study shows that virtual natural environments can enhance cognitive control and attention — particularly in individuals with higher anxiety levels. While digital urban scenes tend to impair cognitive performance, virtual forests promote calmness and concentration. The findings highlight the potential of digital nature experiences to foster mental balance and well-being.
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Simpattanawong, D., Li, Q., & McEwan, K. (2024). A controlled trial comparing the impact of guided forest bathing or a mindful urban walk on heart rate, blood pressure, and mood in young Thai adults. People and Nature, 00, 1–10
Most studies on forest bathing compare forest exposure with unguided urban walking as a control condition. This controlled trial instead compares guided forest bathing with an active control: guided mindful urban walking. The study examines effects on heart rate, blood pressure and mood and is also the first to investigate the acceptability and effectiveness of guided forest bathing in Thailand.
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Li, Q. Preventive Effects of Forest Bathing/Shinrin-Yoku on Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review of Mechanistic Evidence. Forests 2025, 16, 310
The review demonstrates that forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) can have preventive effects by reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and strengthening the cardiovascular system. Exposure to natural environments supports the balance of the autonomic nervous system and mitigates inflammatory processes, thereby protecting the heart and blood vessels. At the same time, the study emphasizes the need for long-term, controlled research to further substantiate these health-promoting mechanisms.
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Li Q, Takayama N, Katsumata M, Takayama H, Kimura Y, Kumeda S, Miura T, Ichimiya T, Tan R, Shimomura H, Tateno A, Kitagawa T, Aoyagi Y, Imai M. Impacts of Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) in Female Participants with Depression/Depressive Tendencies. Diseases. 2025 Mar 28;13(4):100
The pilot study involving 31 women shows that forest bathing significantly alleviated depressive symptoms compared to city walks — an effect that persisted even one week later. After the forest sessions, blood levels of serotonin (in participants not taking antidepressants), oxytocin, and IGF-1 increased, while mood, fatigue, and sleep quality improved markedly. The findings provide initial scientific evidence for the potential of Shinrin-Yoku as a complementary approach to prevent and support the treatment of depressive conditions.
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Li Q, Takayama N, Kimura Y, Takayama H, Kumeda S, Miura T, Kitagawa T, Aoyagi Y, Imai M. Forest bathing improves inflammatory markers, SpO2, and subjective symptoms related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in male subjects at risk of developing COPD. J Occup Health. 2025 Jan 7;67(1):uiaf041
The study shows that forest bathing in men at increased risk of COPD reduces inflammatory markers and improves oxygen saturation. In addition, respiratory symptoms, fatigue, and mood improved significantly compared to urban exposures. The findings support forest bathing as a complementary preventive approach for respiratory health.
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Li Q, et al. Forest bathing enhances human natural killer activity and expression of anti-cancer proteins. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2007;20(2):3-8Listenelement 1
In this paper, the terms Shinrin-yoku and Forest Bathing were used and defined in English for the first time.
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Li Q, et al. Visiting a forest, but not a city, increases human natural killer activity and expression of anti-cancer proteins. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2008;21(1):117-27Listenelement 2Li Q, et al. Visiting a forest, but not a city, increases human natural killer activity and expression of anti-cancer proteins. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2008;21(1):117-27
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Li Q, et al. A forest bathing trip increases human natural killer activity and expression of anti-cancer proteins in female subjects. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2008;22(1):45-55Listenelement 3Li Q, et al. A forest bathing trip increases human natural killer activity and expression of anti-cancer proteins in female subjects. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2008;22(1):45-55
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Li Q, et al. Effect of forest environments on psychological response evaluated by the POMS test. In: Li Q (ed): Forest Medicine. Nova Science Publishers, Inc., NY, 2012.2, pp 135-144Listenelement 4Li Q, et al. Effect of forest environments on psychological response evaluated by the POMS test. In: Li Q (ed): Forest Medicine. Nova Science Publishers, Inc., NY, 2012.2, pp 135-144
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Li Q, Kobayashi M, Kawada T. Relationships between percentage of forest coverage and standardized mortality ratios (SMR) of cancers in all prefectures in Japan. The Open Public Health Journal 2008; 1, 1-7Li Q, Kobayashi M, Kawada T. Relationships between percentage of forest coverage and standardized mortality ratios (SMR) of cancers in all prefectures in Japan. The Open Public Health Journal 2008; 1, 1-7
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Li Q, et al. Effect of phytoncide from trees on human natural killer function. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2009;22(4):951-9Li Q, et al. Effect of phytoncide from trees on human natural killer function. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2009;22(4):951-9
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Li Q et al. A day trip to a forest park increases human natural killer activity and the expression of anti-cancer proteins in male subjects. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents 2010;24(2):157-65Li Q et al. A day trip to a forest park increases human natural killer activity and the expression of anti-cancer proteins in male subjects. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents 2010;24(2):157-65
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Li Q. Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. Environ Health Prev Med. 2010 Jan;15(1):9-17Li Q. Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. Environ Health Prev Med. 2010 Jan;15(1):9-17
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Li Q et al. Acute effects of walking in forest environments on cardiovascular and metabolic parameters. Eur J Appl Physiol 2011;111(11):2845-53Li Q et al. Acute effects of walking in forest environments on cardiovascular and metabolic parameters. Eur J Appl Physiol 2011;111(11):2845-53
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Ochiai H, Ikei H, Song C, Kobayashi M, Takamatsu A, Miura T, Kagawa T, Li Q, Kumeda S, Imai M, Miyazaki Y. Physiological and psychological effects of forest therapy on middle-age males with high-normal blood pressure. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2015;12(3):2532-42Ochiai H, Ikei H, Song C, Kobayashi M, Takamatsu A, Miura T, Kagawa T, Li Q, Kumeda S, Imai M, Miyazaki Y. Physiological and psychological effects of forest therapy on middle-age males with high-normal blood pressure. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2015;12(3):2532-42
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Li Q et al. Effects of Forest Bathing on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Parameters in Middle-Aged Males. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:2587381Li Q et al. Effects of Forest Bathing on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Parameters in Middle-Aged Males. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:2587381
Books
Through his internationally recognized scientific and popular books, Prof. Dr. Qing Li has shaped the understanding of Forest Medicine and Shinrin Yoku far beyond the scientific community. His publications combine scientific research with an accessible presentation of the health-related significance of forest environments and have contributed substantially to the international recognition of Forest Medicine. His internationally successful book Shinrin-Yoku. The Art and Science of Forest Bathing has been translated into 26 languages and published worldwide in numerous national editions and printings. Several language editions have since appeared in further printings, new editions, and country-specific versions. The selection below presents examples of international editions alongside further key specialist publications by Prof. Dr. Qing Li.
Books by Prof. Dr. Qing Li
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Forest Medicine, Qing Li (Editor)Listenelement 1Series: Public Health in the 21st Century, Environmental Health – Physical, Chemical and Biological Factors. Published: February 2012. Nova Science Publishers. Translations into Chinese and Korean
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Shinrin-YokuListenelement 2
Shinrin-Yoku. The Art and Science of Forest Bathing – How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness (UK-Version). Published: April 2018: April 2018, Penguin Random House
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Forest BathingListenelement 3
Forest Bathing. The Japanese Art and Science of Forest Bathing – How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness (USA-Version), Published: April 2018, Viking Books
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The valuable medicine of the forestListenelement 4
German edition: Die wertvolle Medizin des Waldes. Wie die Natur Körper und Geist stärkt. Published: June 2018, Rowohlt.
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Shinrin YokuShinrin Yoku. Japanese version. Published: November 2020. Hanmoto
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International Handbook of Forest Therapy, Qing Li (Co-Editor)
Symposium 2022 | The Role of Forest Medicine in Post-COVID-19 Health Management and Disease Prevention
ポストコロナの健康管理・病気予防に対する森林医学の役割
Dr. Qing Li received special recognition for his scientific work in 2022 from the Japanese Society for Hygiene (JSH). The award honored his research into the health-promoting and preventive effects of forest environments and reflects the growing recognition of Forest Medicine within Japanese preventive medicine.
From March 21 to 23, 2022, the 92nd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Hygiene was held in a hybrid format, together with the symposium “The Role of Forest Medicine in Post-COVID-19 Health Management and Disease Prevention.”→ Program
International experts presented research and perspectives on the role of Forest Medicine in the care of patients following COVID-19. The German delegation included
Dr. Melanie H. Adamek,
Dr. Volker Liefring
and Christian Poklitar, who contributed on the topic “The Role of Forest Medicine in Post-COVID-19 Health Management and Disease Prevention in Germany.”
→ Abstracts
The Society Award of the Japanese Society for Hygiene was presented to Prof. Dr. Qing Li in recognition of his pioneering research into the health-promoting and preventive effects of forest environments and his contribution to establishing Forest Medicine as a field of research.
The award reflects the growing recognition of Forest Medicine within preventive medicine.