Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026

Measuring Biophysical and Psychological Stress Levels Following Visitation to Three Locations with Differing Levels of Nature
Published on: June 19, 2019
Blood pressure-lowering effect of Shinrin-yoku (Forest bathing): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Yuki Ideno1, Kunihiko Hayashi2, Yukina Abe3
1Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi City, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan. y-ideno@gunma-u.ac.jp.
Background:
Shinrin-yoku (experiencing the forest atmosphere or forest bathing) has received increasing attention from the perspective of preventive medicine in recent years. Some studies have reported that the forest environment decreases blood pressure. However, little is known about the possibility of anti-hypertensive applications of Shinrin-yoku. This study aimed to evaluate preventive or therapeutic effects of the forest environment on blood pressure.
Methods:
We systematically reviewed the medical literature and performed a meta-analysis.Four electronic databases were systematically searched for the period before May 2016 with language restriction of English and Japanese. The review considered all published, randomized, controlled trials, cohort studies, and comparative studies that evaluated the effects of the forest environment on changes in systolic blood pressure. A subsequent meta-analysis was performed.
Results:
Twenty trials involving 732 participants were reviewed. Systolic blood pressure of the forest environment was significantly lower than that of the non-forest environment. Additionally, diastolic blood pressure of the forest environment was significantly lower than that of the non-forest environment.
Conclusions:
This systematic review shows a significant effect of Shinrin-yoku on reduction of blood pressure.
Related Concept Videos
Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's...
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology
Measurement of Blood Pressure
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...

