04/22/2026
In honor of Earth Day, I’m integrating ancient wisdom with emerging scientific research on how contact with nature may support pediatric health outcomes.
The second post in this series is about shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of forest bathing, or spending time in forested areas. Emerging research suggests that trees release phytoncides into the air, and when we breathe them in, they may help activate immune cells called natural killer, or NK, cells. These white blood cells play an important role in defending the body against viral illness and abnormal cells. Phytoncides have also been associated with lower stress hormones and reduced inflammatory markers.
This Earth Day, spend some time near trees.
How does your family connect with the Earth? 🌍