Forest Bathing - by Qing Li (Hardcover)

About the Book

"The Japanese art and science of shinrin-yoku"--Cover.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"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

About the Author

Dr. Qing Li is the world's foremost expert in forest medicine. A medical doctor at Tokyo's Nippon Medical School, he has been a visiting fellow at the Stanford University School of Medicine and is a founding member and chairman of the Japanese Society for Forest Medicine, a leading member of the Task Force of Forests and Human Health, and the vice president and secretary general of the International Society of Nature and Forest Medicine.