the woods could help people maintain a higher level of protective NK activity and perhaps even have a preventive effect on cancer generation and progression. Qing Li, Ph.D., the assistant profes-
sor leading several of these studies, sug- gests that dense forest areas are more effective at boosting immunity than city parks and gardens. He also reports that phytoncide concentrations increase during summer growing seasons and decrease during the winter, although they are still present in tree trunks even when the trees are deciduous. Li further suggests that walks in
the woods should be conducted at a leisurely pace. For stress reduction, he suggests four hours of walking, cov- ering a generous 3 miles, or 2 hours walking about 1.5 miles. For cancer- protecting effects, he suggests regularly spending three days and two nights in a forested area. “Carry water and drink when
you’re thirsty,” says Li. “Find a place that pleases you and sit and enjoy the scenery.” He adds that relaxing in a hot tub or spa counts as a perfect end to a day of forest bathing.
Li foresees a future in which patients diagnosed with high blood pressure or hypertension may receive a forest bathing prescription, but counsels that shinrin-yoku is consid- ered preventive, rather than therapeu- tic, medicine.
Enhancing Nature’s Power Ecopsychologist Michael Cohen, Ph.D., executive director of Project Nature- Connect, adds, “If you want to increase the healing effect of being in nature, it helps to change the way you think and feel about connecting with it.” He has students repeat the word ‘unity’ as they encounter natural attractions—be it a tree, bird, brook or breeze—until they feel that they are part of nature, not separate… part of the healing wisdom of the planet. More, he states, “Sharing helps solidify the experience and opens you to greater personal healing.”
Maggie Spilner, author of Prevention’s Complete Book of Walking and Walk Your Way Through Menopause, leads walking vacations for her company, Walk For All Seasons.
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Protect and comfort your feet when traversing forest paths and trails by switching to an off-road shoe, hiking shoe or boot, because the sole will grip un- even surfaces better. If weak ankles are a problem or if uneven trails or rocky climbing are on tap, select high-top models. Wear them around town before heading into the woods, and always take along moleskin or specialty blister band-aids and thicker or thinner socks to aid any hot spots or blisters. Note: A moisture-wicking synthetic sock prevents blisters better than an organic cotton or cotton blend sock.
natural awakenings April 2012 29
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