Forest Bathing

Forest Bathing is an immersive virtual reality experience designed to offer patients a calming, nature-inspired environment to help reduce stress and promote mindfulness. Rooted in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” this project recreates the restorative power of nature through soothing sights and sounds.

In this experience, patients are transported to a serene, open-ended virtual world filled with lush forests, gentle landscapes, and ambient nature sounds. They are free to explore at their own pace—without objectives, tasks, or time pressure—allowing them to fully unwind and be present in the moment.

Research shows that exposure to natural environments can lower stress levels, reduce rumination, and improve mood and cognitive function (Bratman et al., 2015). When paired with the immersive capabilities of virtual reality, nature-based experiences like Forest Bathing can further support anxiety reduction during medical treatments, including chemotherapy (Chirico et al., 2016).

By blending VR technology with the therapeutic qualities of nature, Forest Bathing provides an accessible and deeply relaxing experience for patients seeking a moment of peace during challenging times.

References:

• Bratman, G. N. et al. (2015). Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation. PNAS, 112(28), 8567–8572.

• Chirico, A. et al. (2016). Virtual Reality in Health System: Beyond Entertainment. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 231(2), 275–287.