Dr. Melanie H. Adamek: Life and work

Forest and nature ...

...Forests and nature have always played an important role in my life. As small forest owners and self-sufficient farmers, my grandparents instilled in me a deep respect for the natural world. From my grandfather, I inherited a curiosity for all living things—and an intuitive understanding of the rhythms of nature.

Years ago, I rediscovered my connection to the forest while restoring my grandparents' old cottage nestled in a densely wooded area. What started as a heartfelt renovation project became a transformative experience. Despite long days of physical work from dawn to dusk, I felt energized, clear-headed, and completely free of exhaustion or illness. I realized how profoundly the forest was strengthening me—physically and mentally. It became clear to me that the forest holds great potential for supporting a healthy society.

This insight inspired me to write a different kind of nonfiction book: one that would reawaken our awareness of the healing power of the forest and make forest time feel accessible, refreshing, and relevant. The book combines scientific research on forest medicine, forest bathing (Shinrin Yoku), and forest therapy with experiential reports. In a structured forest bathing experiment, twelve open-minded individuals explored how time in the forest could affect mood, physical well-being, and immune resilience. Their experiences were analyzed and interpreted through a scientific lens.

My research for my book took me to Japan, where I met Dr. Qing Li of Tokyo Medical School—pioneer and global authority on forest medicine—and many other international experts. In Okutama, at an authentic Japanese forest therapy center, I completed a training in forest medicine certified by the International Society of Nature and Forest Medicine (INFOM). This laid the groundwork for what later became the IM-WALD-SEIN® Toolbox for naturally healthy living.

In November 2019, together with Dr. Qing Li, Dr. Aran Tomac, and Dieter H. Begel, I co-founded the Academy of the IM-WALD-SEIN® Institute for Forest Medicine and Forest Therapy. The Academy offers comprehensive and practical training in Shinrin Yoku according to Dr. Qing Li and forest therapy according to the IM-WALD-SEIN® method.

In spring 2020, I was appointed Vice Chairperson of the Specialty Committee for Forest Health Maintenance Research at the World Federation of Chinese Medical Societies (WFCMS), and also joined their Technical Standards Committee. In November 2020, took over the management of the IM-WALD-SEIN® Institute for Forest Medicine and Forest Therapy—a role I embrace with great dedication and heartfelt enthusiasm.

__ Graduated from the Wittelsbacher Gymnasium in Munich. Favourite memory: Overnight camp at the Keltenschanze in the Landheim Endlhausen.

__ Studied Law at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). Favourite memory: Exam prep by the Eisbach in the English Garden.

__ Earned her doctorate under Prof. Dr. Hans-Jürgen Papier (President of the Federal Constitutional Court, 2002–2010) at the Institute for Politics and Public Law. Dissertation: “EC Directives in Environmental Law – with Particular Focus on Domestic Legal Effects in Multipolar Conflicts of Interest.” Favourite memory: Daily idea exchanges with Prof. Bernd Becker in the park at the Bundeswehr University Munich.

__ Completed legal clerkship in Munich. Favourite memory: Extended countryside trips during her foreign placement at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

__ Legal advisor and later managing director at the specialist publishing house RS Schulz. Favourite memory: Summer festival on the Weissach River.

__ Legal advisor at Wolters Kluwer Germany. Favourite memory: Meetings in the garden pavilion on the publishing house's premises.

__ Managing partner at OPTIMUM Medien & Service GmbH. Focus: Health communication in public health, with a special emphasis on prevention and nature-based health promotion. Developed media and publications for statutory health insurers and nature-health experiences.

__ Lifelong learning has always been key: From a highly qualified leadership training at Krauthammer International, to certification as a divemaster in the Maldives, to a laughter yoga workshop with Cornelia Leisch.

__ In Japan, Dr. Melanie H. Adamek was one of the few Europeans to complete a Forest Medicine training course certified by INFOM (International Society of Nature and Forest Medicine) with Dr. Qing Li, the icon of forest bathing. Favourite memory: the intense scent of the Japanese cedars in the Forest Therapy forest in Okutama.

__ Since 2020, Dr. Melanie H. Adamek has been vice-chair of the Forest Health Research Committee of the WFCMS (World Federation of Chinese Medical Societies) and a member of the committee for the development of standards for forest medicine treatment procedures.

__ In November 2020, Dr. Melanie H. Adamek took over the management of the IM-WALD-SEIN® Institute for Forest Medicine and Forest Therapy.

__ Since June 2025, Dr. Melanie H. Adamek has been working as a licensed non-medical practitioner for psychotherapy in private practice in Munich.

__ Dr. Melanie H. Adamek is a member of the Munich University Society, the Munich Bar Association, the German Publishers and Booksellers Association and the Beuerberg Golf Club.

A beautifully crafted and cleverly written book on the trending topic of "forests and health." I was particularly interested in the health-promoting effects of terpenes, which are explained here in a scientifically sound (but easily understandable) manner. Overall, a very informative, factual book that makes you want to spend more time in the forest. It's also attractively and high-quality, making it a pleasure to pick up.

“A thoughtfully composed and intelligently written book on the trending topic of forest and health. I was especially interested in the health-promoting effects of terpenes, which are explained here in a scientific yet easily understandable way. Overall, a very informative and factual book that really inspires spending more time in the forest. Additionally, it is attractively and tastefully designed, making it a pleasure to pick up.”
Hajo Schmidt, Amazon customer

Button
"We have the miracle cure practically right on our doorstep, under our feet. It's amazing how clearly the positive effects of the forest can be scientifically proven."

“We have the miracle cure practically right on our doorstep, beneath our feet. It is remarkable how clearly the positive effects of the forest can also be scientifically proven.”
Frau-Achtsamkeit

FabuFit
Image title

“Thank you! I breathed this book in. I love my trips with the audio guide just as much as the little experience diary. Being in the Forest has changed my life!”
O. J. R.

Button
"The book shows how the forest can be an important place for better health and for rediscovering oneself." oekonews.at

“The book reveals how the forest can be an essential place for better health and for reconnecting with oneself.”
oekonews.at

Button
"The immunological and psychological changes that occurred in the test subjects afterward—this and more—are described in this richly illustrated, clearly laid out, and very entertainingly written non-fiction book, which also immediately awakens the desire to set out and be in the forest." lifestylesite.de

“What happened immunologically and psychologically with the participants afterward—and more—is described in this richly illustrated, clearly structured, and engagingly written non-fiction book that also encourages readers to venture out and connect with the forest.”
lifestylesite.de

Button
The author has succeeded in not only awakening the desire for forests through understandable scientific content and entertaining contributions, but also in showing that in times of constant stress, salvation is literally waiting on one's doorstep!

“The author succeeds in balancing clear scientific insights with entertaining contributions, not only inspiring a love for the forest but also showing that in times of constant stress, healing is quite literally right on our doorstep!”
Silke H., Amazon Customer

Button

About Mha@imwaldsein®

As mha@imwaldsein®, Dr. Melanie H. Adamek has been dedicated for years to exploring the health benefits of Shinrin Yoku — a widely practiced practice in Asia for maintaining well-being. She describes Shinrin Yoku as a coherent continuation of Kneipp’s health principles and believes it holds great potential to evolve into a universal health concept, especially here in Europe.

The IM-WALD-SEIN® Toolbox

In times of change and pressure, simple, universal ways to stay healthy are needed more than ever. Dr. Melanie H. Adamek created a toolbox that makes it easy and casual to discover the forest as a source of health and well-being—anytime, anywhere. Designed for beginners and those wanting to deepen their connection with nature.

Experience mha@imwaldsein® live

Many speak about the connection between forests and health. Few possess the profound expertise of Dr. Melanie H. Adamek. She is deeply familiar with the crème de la crème of both the German and international scenes and has personally researched the health benefits of forests. Her knowledge, eloquence, and charm offer valuable insights for everyone.

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek: Life and work

Forest and nature ...

"We have the miracle cure practically right on our doorstep, under our feet. It's amazing how clearly the positive effects of the forest can be scientifically proven."

Image title

"The book shows how the forest can be an important place for better health and for rediscovering oneself." oekonews.at

The author has succeeded in not only awakening the desire for forests through understandable scientific content and entertaining contributions, but also in showing that in times of constant stress, salvation is literally waiting on one's doorstep!

About Mha@imwaldsein®

The IM-WALD-SEIN® Toolbox

Experience mha@imwaldsein® live

Share on