Read the article below, then choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D) for questions 1–8. Put a cross ( ) in the correct box. The first one (0) has been done for you. TASK 4 Shinrin-yoku makes its way to Europe Every day, exept when it’s raining heavily, Dr Qing Li heads to a park near the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo where he works. It’s not just a pleasant place to eat his lunch; he believes spending time under trees is a critical factor in the fight against diseases, of the mind and body. Once a month Li spends three days in forests near Tokyo, using all five senses to connect with the environment and clear his mind. This practice of shinrin-yoku – literally, ‘forest bath’ – has the power to counter illnesses including depression, anxiety and stress, he says. And soon it could be prescribed by British doctors. Recently, Woodland Trust, the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK, suggested that forest bathing should be one of the non-medical therapies and activities recommended by GPs’ surgeries to boost patients’ wellbeing. According to Stuart Dainton of the Trust, “Forest bathing’s an opportunity for people to take time out, slow down and connect with nature.” Shinrin-yoku was developed in the 1980s in Japan. Although people had been taking walks in the country’s forests for centuries, new studies showed this activity could reduce blood pressure and improve concentration and memory. A chemical released by trees, called phytoncides, was found to boost the immune system. As more research highlighted the benefits of shinrin-yoku, the Japanese government integrated it into the country’s health programme. World shinrin-yoku expert Li believes, “It’s a preventative medicine, not a treatment”. People spend their lives increasingly indoors, he said. About 80% of Japan’s population lives in urban areas, and the average American now spends more than 90% of their time indoors. But we are designed to be connected to the natural world. Li advises for the practice of shinrin-yoku, “Make sure you’ve left your phone and camera behind. You’re going to be walking aimlessly and slowly. You don’t need any devices. Let your body be your guide. Listen to where it wants to take you and take your time. You’re savouring the sounds, smells and sights of nature and letting the forest in.” Gary Evans, who set up the Forest Bathing Institute in the UK, said, “People initially think they’ve been doing this all their lives: going for a walk in the woods. However, a better way to think of forest bathing is that it’s mindful time spent under trees for health and wellbeing purposes.” A typical session lasts three hours and begins with an explanation of the history and science of shinrin-yoku. “Then it’s about sensory exercises,” said Evans. “We try to hold people’s attention in the present moment, to give their bodies and minds a chance to slow down. We move very slowly, touching the trees, looking at colours and patterns, and breathing deeply. We end up lying down under trees and looking up through the branches.” Looking at nature helps to stop thoughts spinning in the head. After a slow start, interest in forest bathing has taken off, Evans said. GPs have expressed interest in prescribing shinrin-yoku. The Forest Bathing Institute is training people to become shinrin-yoku guides. “There’s a growing recognition by the medical profession of the value of forest bathing. But we’re 40 years behind Japan. We need doctors and scientists here to study the physiological and psychological impact.” One UK study found that exposure to trees, the sky and birdsong in cities improved mental wellbeing. The benefits were still evident several hours later. A recent study of 585 Japanese people said city dwellers were “constantly exposed to stressors” and that “urban living is associated with increased risk of health problems”, including anxiety and depression. It concluded, “The psychological benefits of walking through forests are very significant ... Urban planners should pay more attention to maintaining and increasing accessible greenery in urban areas.” The positive effects of nature could be a simple, accessible and cost-effective method to improve urban residents’ quality of life and health. 183 E Preparing for final exams Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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