In this episode of The Project ReWild Podcast, host Molle Dorst introduces listeners to the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing) — a practice so effective that it’s been adopted into Japan’s national healthcare system. Learn how this mindful immersion in the forest reduces stress, boosts immunity, and promotes wellbeing, and discover how you can try your own forest bath this week.

You’ll Learn

• What Shinrin Yoku is and how it began in Japan.

• Why doctors prescribe forest bathing as preventative healthcare.

• The science behind its benefits: lowered cortisol, improved blood pressure, and better sleep.

• How to begin your own forest bath practice.

Action StepTake your first forest bath: spend 10 minutes outdoors without headphones or distractions, moving slowly and engaging all your senses.

👉 Join the ReWild Community and share your experience: projectrewild.com/join

Welcome to th eProject: ReWild Podcast! In this episode, we explore the fascinating story of how the Japanese government transformed an ancient spiritual practice into a modern public health policy that now serves millions worldwide. Discover the cultural roots, policy innovations, and scientific validation behind shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), and learn how this model offers a roadmap for integrating nature therapy into modern healthcare systems.

Perfect for Wellness practitioners, educators, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in evidence-based approaches to nature therapy.

Key Topics Covered:

• Ancient spiritual foundations of forest bathing in Japanese culture
• How industrialization created the need for government intervention
• The 1982 policy innovation that launched global forest bathing
• What forest bathing actually is and how it differs from hiking
• The scientific evolution and research validation
• Global adoption and cultural considerations
• Healthcare integration models and professional development
• Economic and policy implications for modern healthcare
• A guided forest bathing practice you can try today

Resources Mentioned:

- Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries shinrin-yoku initiative (1982)

- Dr. Yoshifumi Miyazaki's physiological research at Chiba University

- Dr. Qing Li's immune system studies at Nippon Medical School

- Satoyama landscape management traditions

- Shinto and Buddhist contemplative practices in nature

Free Resources:

📖 Download:

"Forest Bathing Basics: Your Complete Beginner's Guide" - Step-by-step instructions, safety guidelines, and techniques for any environment

🎥 Watch:

The Project: ReWild YouTube channel for visual demonstrations and research deep-dives

🌲 Join:

The ReWild Community - Free online space for practitioners, educators, and healthcare professionals

In this heartfelt episode of The Project ReWild Podcast, host Molle Dorst explores the powerful role of forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) in supporting people going through cancer treatments. Inspired by his own caregiving journey with his mother, Molle weaves together scientific research, practical guidance, and deeply personal reflections to show how nature can play a vital role in healing.

You’ll discover:

• Physical benefits: Reduced inflammation, improved immune function, and the role of NK cells in supporting cancer patients.

• Mental health impacts: How forest bathing lowers cortisol, eases anxiety, lifts mood, and supports cognitive function during treatment.

• Emotional and spiritual support: Finding meaning, resilience, and peace in the forest—whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional.

• Practical considerations: Tips for choosing accessible locations, adapting practices for limited mobility, coordinating with treatment schedules, and ensuring safety.

• Limitations to consider: How to adapt for immunocompromised patients, allergies, fatigue, or environmental risks.

This episode also comes with a special downloadable guide filled with resources to help patients, caregivers, and practitioners integrate forest bathing safely and meaningfully into cancer care.

If you or a loved one are navigating treatment, or if you’re a healthcare professional looking for complementary approaches, this conversation offers hope, tools, and community support.

👉 Download the free guide and join the ReWild Community for ongoing resources projectrewild.com/join