森林浴之生心理效益評論

A Review of the Benefits of Forest Bathing on Psychological and Physiological Responses

過去研究證實森林浴能藉由減輕壓力來提升個體身心健康。就生理方面而論，森林浴能降低血壓與心跳速度，抑制交感神經活性，提升免疫系統。就心理方面而言，森林浴不僅能降低負面情緒，還能提升正面情緒。森林浴一詞雖廣為熟知，但森林浴之療效卻一直未受到重視與大力推廣。本文整理過去森林浴之重要文獻，以大量實證研究結果來喚起國人對於森林浴之重視，以期能藉由森林環境來降低醫療資源之消耗，並達到健康促進之目的。

Previous studies have confirmed the restorative effects of forest bathing. In terms of the physiological responses, forest bathing not only could decrease blood pressure, pulse rate, and the activity of sympathetic nervous system, but also improve immune system. Regarding psychological responses, forest bathing not only could decrease negative mood states but also increase positive emotions. Despite the word- “forest bathing” is well-known, the effects of forest bating have not yet been highly valued and promoted. Therefore, this study reviewed literature about forest bathing in order to arouse population's attention on forest bathing.