Forest Bathing

How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness

By: Qing Li

Narrated by: Ramon Tikaram

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.

Critic reviews

“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 canopies, it’s Qing Li, the Japanese doctor who helped spread the gospel of shinrin-yoku (‘forest bathing’) around the world.” —Outside

“This elegantly designed book will show you how and why being in the forest is replenishing, restorative, and healing. Good and good for ya.” ―Esquire

“With more than 100 photographs from forests around the world, Qing, the world’s leading expert in forest medicine, shows how nature can boost your health, creativity and concentration.” —Parade

“The definitive guide to a Japanese therapy that says that mindful, intentional time spent around trees can reduce stress levels, boost mood and creativity, and even help you live longer.” —BuzzFeed

“A necessary read for anyone looking for new ways to help them relax.” —Mother Earth Living

“A scientific argument for a walk in the woods.” —OZY

“Filled with beautiful photographs of forests from around the world, this quiet, unassuming book guides the reader through the art and practice of shinrin-yoku, encouraging our overworked, plugged-in world to make room for moments of solitude and peace through the healing properties of trees.” —The Columbian

“An invitation and an inspiration to take a walk in the woods, wherever you are.” —Greater Good Magazine

“Such a lovely book . . . filled with beautiful photos of the woods. And Li’s writing is wonderful. ‘I am a scientist, not a poet,’ he explains, as he writes poetically about the science of trees. . . . The book beautifully explores the science of forest medicine—and goes into great detail about how to practice shinrin-yoku.” —TreeHugger

“A stunningly beautiful book about . . . the life-changing magic of walking in the woods.” —Neil Pasricha, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Awesome and The Happiness Equation

easy listening

informative and insightful on the topic of getting outdoors for many benefits to all, novice or not.

Forest Bathing

Great message and insight on how nature can help us heal and grow. It gives specific information on the benefits of immersing ourselves in nature, and how to do so. Also provides examples on how to incorporate nature into our lives when not able to forest bathing.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book

I recommend this book to anyone who has ever lived in a city and/or has children. I enjoyed the suggestions for making forest bathing work in any environment. This book left me wanting to hear more!

Great stuff

highly recommend! This book provides detailed info on why we feel better when in nature with scientific evidence to back it up. Also giving tips on multiple ways to get the full healing benefit of nature. Read or listen to this if you want to improve areas of your mental or physical health

enjoying the naturescape

I have been incorporating nature based themes to my practice with children for over twenty years. Enjoyed the intricate way nature is woven into wellness in this audible. Enjoy (if you are in to the practicality of nature/wellness).

The science of forest bathing

Helps to understand why I feel better outside and why depression is on the rise among our children

Nature Deficit Disorder

Such a great read to remind us of the importance of nature to our health. Take our shoes off and feel the grass and energy of the earth beneath our feet! I was persuaded to purchase because I loved the word Shinrin-yoku, and it was worth the buy. Will be purchasing in hard copy and looking into how to join the Japanese society for forest medicine.

Great book!

Absolutely loved this book not only for the content but also the performance! Really well done!

Perfect listen for an outdoor walk!

I checked this book out after first hearing about forest bathing from the book The Nature Fix. Absolutely fascinating how much nature really makes a difference in our health and wellness. Highly recommend getting on more outdoor walks and checking out this one!

Essential Reading.

Love it! My health is very sensitive to nature and this book explains why.