The Princess of Wales has drawn attention to the healing benefits of nature on World Cancer Day as Kate Middleton, who has long been an advocate for the therapeutic effects of the outdoors, shared a poignant photograph taken by her six-year-old son, Prince Louis.
Middleton has reportedly embraced the practice of ‘forest bathing’, which is a meditative experience that immerses individuals in natural surroundings. Known as shinrin-yoku in Japan, it encourages people to engage with the senses of the forest to promote well-being.
While the benefits of simply walking outdoors are well-documented. Studies suggest that forest bathing provides boosts for mental and physical health and it the Duchess of Cambridge is buying into it with a message of, “Don’t forget to nurture all that which lies beyond the disease.”
What are the benefits of forest bathing?
Research indicates that forest bathing can have a profound impact on overall health. A growing body of evidence suggests that spending time in wooded environments can help regulate blood pressure, lower stress hormone levels, and even enhance immune system function.
One study from Nippon Medical School in Tokyo found that forest bathing may increase the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which play a crucial role in defending the body against viruses and tumors.
Participants who engaged in forest bathing experienced a significant boost in NK cell activity, with benefits lasting up to a month after their woodland visit. Given these findings, some researchers propose that forest bathing could be integrated into cancer care.
Middleton has long championed the benefits of the great outdoors. All the way back in 2019, she co-designed a garden for the Chelsea Flower Show, inspired by the principles of forest bathing.
The Back to Nature garden featured a treehouse, a burbling brook, and a woodland bridge, emphasizing the importance of nature in fostering both physical and mental health.
Speaking about her belief in the power of nature, Kate previously stated, “I believe that spending time outdoors when we are young can play a role in laying the foundations for children to become happy, healthy adults.”
Japan has taken forest bathing seriously, incorporating it into its national health program. Advocates argue that this practice contributes to the country’s notably low rates of heart disease.
Research from Chiba University further supports these claims, showing that just a short 30-minute forest visit can significantly reduce cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, and improve overall mood.
Some experts have even suggested that forest bathing should be considered as part of mainstream healthcare, including within the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), which is famously free at the point-of-use.