The healing power of therapeutic landscapes is being researched in many professions. Sociologists, psychologists, biologists, and others. The topic is still largely unknown in the medical profession. After all, you are a medical doctor.

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.

The aim of Japanese Shinrin Yoku research was to establish being in the forest on a scientifically sound footing. In Germany, forest bathing is often regarded as esoteric. What do you say to your critical colleagues, in particular?

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 proof is absolutely 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 listeners 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.

Prof. Dr. Qing Li shares insights into the INFOM training in forest medicine

The ARTE documentary The Power of Microbes (October 2024) deals with the health consequences of our increasingly germ-free environment's lack of microbial diversity. As they are considered dangerous pathogens, humans are trying to eliminate them by any means possible - yet 99 percent of microbes are essential for life.

Research has shown that the lack of diversity of flora and fauna in concreted urban areas, excessive hygiene and the killing of germs in living spaces and processed foods lead to impaired intestinal flora in children. This weakens their immune system and can promote chronic diseases. Biodiversity is a crucial resource, and its loss can have far-reaching consequences for human health.

Civilization diseases seem to have their origin in this loss of nature: Asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, obesity, mental disorders, depression, even cancer and Alzheimer's disease. They all seem to have something in common - microbial dysbiosis, imbalances in the immune system and low-grade inflammation.

In her documentary, Marie Monique Robin provides interesting insights into the work of Prof. Dr. Qing Li and the INFOM seminar on Forest Medicine from 1:18 under the keyword Sylvotherapy. Highly recommended!

Increased well-being through a relaxed stay in the forest!

October 2020: Prof. Dr. Qing Li is interviewed for AMI: Accessible Media Inc., Toronto, Canada. Alex Smyth explores the world of Shinrin Yoku or forest bathing, and learns more about the history and science of Shinrin Yoku and how forest bathing is being introduced in Canada.

You will also be inspired by Prof. Dr. Qing Li's recommendations for Shinrin Yoku as an individual health promotion measure. In conclusion, it is important to send your senses on a journey in the present and allow the healthy forest air and forest atmosphere to work their magic on you.

True to this philosophy, the IM-WALD-SEIN Institute for Forest Medicine and Forest Therapy, together with Prof. Dr. Qing Li, has developed a set of tools that appeals to your target market to help people get off the hamster wheel and absorb the healing power of the forest with all their senses.

JSH Award for Prof. Dr. Qing Li: Forest medicine officially recognized as a new field of Japanese preventive medicine

From the 21st to the 23rd of March 2022, the 92nd Annual Meeting of the renowned Japanese Society of Hygiene was held as a hybrid face-to-face and online event, along with the symposium "The role of forest medicine in post-COVID-19 health management and disease prevention". → Program

Renowned international experts gave important insights into the significance of forest medicine in the treatment of post-COVID-19 patients. The German delegation consisted of Dr. Melanie H. Adamek, Dr. Volker Liefring, and Christian Poklitar, with the topic "The role of forest medicine in post-COVID-19 health management and disease prevention in Germany." → Abstracts

This year's Society Award, presented by the Japanese Society of Hygiene, was awarded to Prof. Dr. Qing Li for his groundbreaking research into the health-promoting and disease-preventing effects of forest environments (keywords: shinrin yoku, forest bathing) and the establishment of forest medicine.

This award convincingly demonstrates that forest medicine is recognized by the medical community as a new form of preventive medicine.