Now Reading: Forest Bathing May Support Immunity, But Does Not Treat Cancer
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Forest Bathing May Support Immunity, But Does Not Treat Cancer
Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, involves spending 20 to 60 minutes mindfully in a wooded area, walking slowly and focusing on the surroundings. Times Now News reports that research led by Dr Qing…
The Story in Brief
Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, involves spending 20 to 60 minutes mindfully in a wooded area, walking slowly and focusing on the surroundings. Times Now News reports that research led by Dr Qing Li of Nippon Medical School links exposure to tree-released compounds called phytoncides with greater natural killer cell activity. These immune cells help identify virus-infected and abnormal cells.
The practice may also reduce stress, blood pressure and anxiety, while supporting sleep and physical activity. However, forest bathing is not a cancer treatment or cure, and evidence does not establish that it prevents cancer. The report advises people to continue eating a balanced diet, exercising, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, attending screenings and following medical advice.
The Indian Opinion
Wellness claims often turn a pleasant habit into a miracle cure, while sceptics sometimes dismiss every non-medical benefit as useless. Both positions miss the evidence. Forest bathing may help stress and general wellbeing, but increased natural killer cell activity is not proof of lower cancer risk. The practical test is whether people use a park visit alongside recommended screenings and treatment, not instead of them. Cancer outcomes will not be settled by a walk in the woods.
Source: timesnownews.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
