Li 2010

• Quoted Text:

In the first study [2], 12 healthy male subjects, aged 37–55 years (43.1 ± 6.1 years), were selected from three large companies in Tokyo, Japan. The sociodemographic information on the subjects, including age and lifestyle habits, was obtained by means of a self-administered questionnaire and has been reported previously [16]. None of the subjects had any signs or symptoms of infectious diseases, used drugs that might affect immunological analysis, or were taking any medication at the time of the study.

• Translation:

For the first part of this study, a dozen males that were currently employed at a few different larger companies located in Tokyo, Japan were chosen. These men were in relatively good condition and fit in the age range of 37-55 with the average being 43. Family and individual background information was taken for each individual along with other demographic data. This information was acquired via questions that we supplied and has been stated previously. To ensure accurate results, it was ensured that no subject had any current, known diseases or were on drugs or taking medication of any kind that could possibly alter the individual mentally or physically. 

• Quoted Text:

Incorporating forest bathing trips into a good lifestyle was first proposed in 1982 by the Forest Agency of Japan. It has now become a recognized relaxation and/or stress management activity in Japan. The results of a study using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) test demonstrated that a forest bathing trip significantly increased the score for vigor and decreased the scores for anxiety, depression, and anger.

• Translation:

Taking occasional forest bathing walks and putting it into practice was first suggested in the year 1982 by the Forest Agency of Japan with the hope of bettering peoples lifestyles. Today in Japan, it has grown to be a commonly practiced activity meant for relaxation and stress relief. Using the Profile of Mood States (POMS), this study proved that the activity of forest bathing has a positive and profound impact on mental strength and overall healthiness. This study also found that it decreases negative feelings such as anxiety and anger. 

• Quoted Text:

The forest bathing trip significantly increased NK activity (Fig. 5) and the positive rates of NK (Fig. 6) and perforin-, GRN-, and GrA/B-expressing cells (Fig. 7). The increased NK activity (Fig. 5) and the positive rates of NK (Fig. 6) and perforin-, GRN-, and GrA/B-expressing cells (Fig. 7) lasted for more than 7 days after the trip [4], which confirmed the previous findings in male subjects.

• Translation:

A substantial increase in NK activity as well as the positive rates of NK, and perforin-, GRN-, and GrA/B-expressing cells. This increase that was seen in the NK activity and the rates of various expressing cells discussed above was observed for a week after forest bathing was completed. This result confirmed findings from previous male subjects. 

• Quoted Text:

It has been reported that dominance by the parasympathetic nervous system causes an increase in circulating lymphocytes and decrease in granulocytes in peripheral blood. This mechanism suggests indirectly that the parasympathetic nervous system, which is associated with relaxation and decreased stress, was dominant in the subjects during the forest bathing trips.

• Translation:

Reports have shown that a dominance by the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), is known to cause an elevation in lymphocyte numbers and a decrease in granulocytes located in peripheral blood. This process indirectly relates to the PNS, which stimulates relaxation and is involved with decreased stress, was extremely evident in the individuals who were tested while they were forest bathing. 

This paper was primarily focused on subjects who lived in Japan and were at least slightly familiar with the practice of forest bathing. They also only selected healthy individuals, so I think there should be further research on those that might not be familiar with forest bathing and those that are on the more unhealthy side. 

When the author started to discuss the data and the results of the testing, I found it quite confusing at times because the wording became choppy and there were many words that I did not know the meaning of. I found it difficult to read all the numbers while continuing a flow that allowed me to retain the information that was represented.