Forest Therapy Society | Authorization

We conduct psychological and physiological experiments in order to authorize “Forest Therapy” certification and “Forest Therapy Road”.
As a result, we have discovered that a body physiologically relaxes in a variety of environments.
We perform the physiological experiments in either natural forest locations and urban environments and measure a person’s response such as heart rate variability and the blood pressure of the participants. Using those collected data, we provide scientific evidence of the effects of forests on humans.

The Authorization is only in Japan now.

Criteria for Forest Therapy and Forest Therapy Road

Natural and Social Condition Criteria
Gratify the Five Senses	Sensible evaluation
	Richness of nature
	No harmful pollutants
	Maintenance and protection of natural environment
Environment and Facility	Management of setting of “Forest Therapy Road”
	Management of facility near forest
	Rest area, experience-based facilitation and disability friendly
	Safety management system and medical institutions
Access and Geographical Condition	Set target visitors or locals reflecting regional condition
	Accessibility for visitors with private car
	Parking lot

Accommodation Condition Criteria
Management	Management system for maintenance
	The promotion system of the administrative organization
	Explicitly stated forest facilities management and appreciate operation
	Local residents corporation system
Forest Therapy Menu	Policy on menu regarding Forest Therapy
	Menu identified specifically when in field
	Menu for covering accommodation
	Menu for covering health and med
Support from Local Residents	Service provider system
	Convenience of one- stop shopping for information
	Placement of Forest Therapy Guide
Future Vision, Sustainability and Expandability	Future plans, short-term (1 to 3 years) and long-term (more than 5 years)
	Sustainability and expand-ability of promotion system
	IPR such as advertisement methods
	Next leaders training as a part of expand-ability plan
Sales Point	Attractiveness of Forest Therapy proposal utilizing the local features

Experimental contents

Physiological Measurement Items

Psychological Measurement Items (Subjective Evaluation)

1.（HRV）Heart rate variability (HRV)
2.Blood pressure, pulse rate
By analyzing the fluctuation of the heart rate , the autonomic nervous activity is measured and divided into①Parasympathetic nerve activity (aggravates when relaxed)②Sympathetic nerve activity (aggravates when stressed)③Systolic blood pressure④Diastolic blood pressure⑤Heartrate⑥Pulse rate.
Blood pressure and pulse rate increases when stressed.

1.Examination for mood profile (POMS)
2.SD method (evaluate the impression of the forest)
3.Evaluation of the stress level
4.Evaluation of the relaxing level