The healing power of green: staying healthy at all times
Vitamin Green Time｜How to boost your resilience and immune system
Simply and effectively take vitamin green time — breathe in vitamin green
More and more doctors are saying that taking long walks in the forest is a great way to boost your immune system, increase your energy, and just give your lungs some fresh oxygen. This fits right in with forest medicine, a field that’s been exploring for decades how being in the forest can actually help improve our health and even aid healing.
Vitamin Green Time
Health-promoting and healing
Dr. Qing Li, immunologist and professor at Nippon Medical School, is known as the founder of Forest Medicine. He recommends Shinrin Yoku—spending time in the forest for your health—not just because it feels good, but because it actually boosts the number and activity of natural killer cells. These cells are like your body’s frontline defenders, stepping in when viruses or cancerous cells need to be fought off—especially when other immune specialists aren’t around.
Enjoying nature
Food for body, mind and soul
According to research from psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), our mental health has a big impact on the immune system. People who experience chronic stress, in particular, are less able to fight off viruses and other pathogens. The more relaxed, balanced, and content we feel, the better our chances of staying healthy—or even getting healthier. My book, Being in the Forest, explores this topic in depth.
BEING IN THE FOREST
Refresh your senses with Vitamin Green
WeWe often try to boost our mood through positive thinking and beliefs. But especially during tough times, it can be really hard to feel or think positively. You’ve probably felt this too: no matter how much you try, there’s still that uneasy gut feeling, like something just isn’t right. That’s where natural stimuli and your breath become your strongest tools to manage emotions. Here, you’ll find plenty of practical tips to help you tap into that power.
How it works
Get started right away with this exercise!
Instead of breathing in and out for the same amount of time, try changing the rhythm by giving your exhale more time. Breathe in gently for 3 seconds, then exhale slowly for 6 seconds, with a 1-second pause in between. Personally, I use a 4-8-2 rhythm, but the key is to stay within your comfort zone—this exercise can actually be a mild cardio workout! If you prefer audio guidance, you can find more exercises here, or if you like visuals, check out this link.
Green healing power
Fully prepared and refreshed
Being in the forest, the park, or just out in nature brings us so many positive thoughts and feelings. The right breathing techniques help, too. Plus, the forest air is packed with bioactive plant compounds that can really boost our immune system. Let’s make the most of this green healing power! Curious to learn more? Here are some helpful links to get you started:
More outside time for your well-deserved time out—whether in forest or city
BEING IN THE FOREST® DIY
The effective forest health training
Would you like more motivation or prefer not to venture into the green alone while discovering forest bathing inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku?
Forest health expert Dr. Melanie H. Adamek and mindfulness coach Anja Römer have created an authentic Shinrin Yoku audio guide that gently leads you step-by-step through nature, sharing proven techniques to help you relax deeply, boost your mood, and breathe more freely.
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.