7. Roots to Sky: Clinical Research & Treatment

Shinrin-yoku, immersing oneself in nature using one’s senses, has been receiving increased attention internationally. While most of the existing studies have focused on physical health, this systematic review and meta-analysis examined the mental health impacts of shinrin-yoku, using the PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO registry: BLINDED). Of 497 articles retrieved on databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Science Direct and Google Scholar, twenty met the inclusion criteria. All studies were conducted in Asia and Europe, and used a variety of different bathing approaches (e.g. breathing, walking, yoga). While noting a need for more rigorous research and extensive follow-up assessments, the findings indicate that shinrin-yoku can be effective in reducing mental health symptoms in the short term, particularly anxiety. More careful examination of shinrin-yoku practices is needed; longer follow-up with participants from a range of countries along with greater examination of potential mechanisms is needed for shinrin-yoku to be accepted into mainstream interventions.

Aims This study focused on the newest evidence of the relationship between forest environmental exposure and human health and assessed the health efficacy of forest bathing on the human body as well as the methodological quality of a single study, aiming to provide scientific guidance for interdisciplinary integration of forestry and medicine. Method Through PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, 210 papers from January 1, 2015, to April 1, 2019, were retrieved, and the final 28 papers meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Result The methodological quality of papers included in the study was assessed quantitatively with the Downs and Black checklist. The methodological quality of papers using randomized controlled trials is significantly higher than that of papers using non-randomized controlled trials (p 0.05). Papers included in the study were analyzed qualitatively. The results demonstrated that forest bathing activities might have the following merits: remarkably improving cardiovascular function, hemodynamic indexes, neuroendocrine indexes, metabolic indexes, immunity and inflammatory indexes, antioxidant indexes, and electrophysiological indexes; significantly enhancing people’s emotional state, attitude, and feelings towards things, physical and psychological recovery, and adaptive behaviors; and obvious alleviation of anxiety and depression. Conclusion Forest bathing activities may significantly improve people’s physical and psychological health. In the future, medical empirical studies of forest bathing should reinforce basic studies and interdisciplinary exchange to enhance the methodological quality of papers while decreasing the risk of bias, thereby raising the grade of paper evidence.

Aim: To summarize the existing literature surrounding the influence of natural elements on course in hospital and to introduce clinicians to the concept of biop...

Hospital design is embracing nature's healing effects through 'biophilic design', weaving natural elements into acute care settings. Studies reveal psychological benefits like reduced anxiety and depression, suggesting a dose-dependent relationship with therapeutic nature encounters enhanced by technologies like virtual reality.

If phase 3 trials of MM120 (lysergide d-tartrate) for anxiety and depression are successful, could the LSD-based drug become the first FDA-approved psychedelic?

Scientists found that sleep plays an active role in transforming how memories are stored. After an immersive experience, participants remembered the order of events better after sleeping, suggesting the brain prioritizes storylines over details during deep sleep.

A pioneering clinical study found that pairing vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with traditional therapy eliminated PTSD diagnoses in all participants up to six months post-treatment.

LIVE Mind-Body Tools to Thrive With Addiction or Chronic Illness 🤖 Use https://DocSnipes.com/Clones to get answers to mental health questions and inline ci...

New research published today suggests that the pericoeruleus acts as a kind of micromanager of arousal, selectively inhibiting different subgroups of locus coeruleus neurons depending on the behavioral context.

New data challenge old beliefs — get the latest on alcohol’s role in cancer, cognitive decline, and mental health. Learn how to update AUDIT use, patient talks, and prescribing practices.

Join a discussion with the experts for an enlightening journey into the intricate world of managing patients with bipolar depression. Credit available for th...

North Americans spend $24 billion a year on pain relief while chronic pain is on the rise. However, for pain management in general, modern medicine provides no solutions (Marni Jackson, 2002).

🤖 Use https://DocSnipes.com/Clones to get answers to mental health questions and inline citations to the relevant points in YouTube videos.✍ 💻 Earn Live an...

A surprising discovery in spider brains has led scientists to uncover a hidden waste removal system in the human brain. Its breakdown may explain the progressive neuron loss seen in Alzheimer’s disease, offering a new target for early intervention.

Free mental health resources and webinars for continuing care workers. Brought to you by SafeCare BC and Canadian Mental Health Association

This pilot randomized clinical trial explores the effect of individualized coaching on physician burnout, job satisfaction, and well-being.

Physicians in crisis or needing support can access national or provincial support lines and services.

Women with endometriosis were found to have up to an 80% increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases.

Acupuncture is a clinically effective treatment modality for patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis.

Despite claims that antidepressants may be just delivering a placebo effect, three-quarters of people who tried them in a large study said they helped

Explore this post and more from the TCM community