Precautions for Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) – Part2
Part 2 – Insects, Weather, Allergies & Smartphones
③ Take precautions against insects and ticks
Forests contain not only beneficial compounds but also physical risks, including:
- Ticks (risk of SFTS, other infections)
- Mites (e.g., tsutsugamushi disease)
- Hornets, horseflies
- Mosquito-borne infections
Preventive measures:
- Wear long sleeves and pants
- Cover neck and ankles
- Use insect repellent
- Shower and check your body immediately after returning
🚨 Nature is not sterile—this is crucial to remember.
④ Respect seasonal and weather conditions
Forest conditions vary by season:
- Summer: risk of dehydration and heatstroke
- Rainy season: risk of hypothermia and slipping
- Winter: low temperatures, icy surfaces, blood pressure fluctuations
Common minor accidents:
- Mild dehydration
- Dizziness
- Bruises from falls
- Overconfidence during solo walks
Simple precautions:
- Bring water
- Avoid remote areas if possible
- Cancel if the weather is uncertain
Choosing not to go is also part of optimal forest therapy.
⑤ Allergic individuals need special care
If you have:
- Severe pollen allergies
- Asthma
- Insect allergies
- Sensitive skin
Pay attention to seasonal allergens:
- Spring: cedar, cypress
- Summer: ragweed
- Autumn: grasses and weeds
Recommendations:
- Go when pollen levels are lower
- Use medications and masks
- Limit time spent in the forest
- Never overexert yourself
Adapting forest therapy to your body is key.
⑥ Using a smartphone drastically reduces effectiveness
The benefits of forest therapy rely on sensory input—sight, sound, smell, touch, and breathing.
Looking at a smartphone while walking:
- Keeps the brain in an urban mode
- Prevents autonomic nervous system regulation
- Reduces cortisol-lowering effects
Simply setting aside screen-free time greatly enhances benefits.
