Green healing powers: stay healthy at all times

The immunologist Dr. Qing. Li, founder of Forest Medicine and clinical professor at the Nippon Medical School, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, recommends Shinrin Yoku - a special form of forest sojourn for health purposes - for another reason: being in the forest, which we often call forest bathing, increases the number and activity of our natural killer cells, extremely important cells of our immune system, which always come into play when there are no specialists available to fight virus- or cancer-infected body cells.

According to the findings of PNI (psychoneuroimmunology), the mental state has an extraordinary influence on the immune system. In particular, people who are under chronic stress are less able to withstand attacks from viruses and other illnesses. The more relaxed, balanced and content we are, the greater our chances of staying healthy and, in many cases, becoming healthy. My book IM-WALD-SEIN also delves into this topic. You can purchase it right here.

We often try to influence our emotional state through positive thinking and good beliefs. But especially in times of crisis, it is very difficult to find a positive way of thinking and feeling. No doubt you have also experienced situations in which, no matter how positively you think, you still have a bad gut feeling that it just doesn't feel right. This is where natural stimuli and your breathing can be the most powerful force that helps you to control your emotions. You can find lots of inspiration here.

The following exercise is particularly effective: instead of keeping the inhalation and exhalation times the same, change the rhythm and give the exhalation more time. Breathe in for 3 seconds, and out for 6 seconds, but allow yourself a 1 second break in between. I personally practize a 4-8-2 rhythm. It is important that you are in your own comfort zone, because this breathing exercise is actually cardiovascular training. You can find more exercises here (if you are an audible learner) or here (if you are a visual learner).

Being in the forest, in the park, or in nature gives us many positive thoughts and feelings. So does the right breathing technique. What's more, the forest air is full of bioactive secondary plant substances that can significantly strengthen our immune system. Let's utilise the green healing power! Curious to find out more? Here are some further links:

• Why and how IM-WALD-SEIN® works
• IM-WALD-SEIN® DIY
• IM-WALD-SEIN® Toolbox
• Vitamin G3 Health Cards