Forest bathing, a Japanese practice of immersing in nature (Shinrin Yoku), lowers stress and blood pressure. How about virtual reality (VR) forest bathing? Could it produce similar results? Scientists in Germany are convinced it could.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Human Development (MPIB) and the University Medical Center have demonstrated that virtual forest bathing can improve emotional well-being, especially when it feels real.
Why it matters
Multisensory VR forest bathing significantly boosts mood, offering stress relief for people in clinics, cities, or anywhere nature is out of reach.
The study
- 130+ adults were stressed using negative images, then immersed in VR forest experiences.
- 4 versions tested: Full sensory (sight/sound/scent) vs. sight-only, sound-only, or scent-only.
How it works
Researchers made a 360° VR video in Europe’s largest Douglas fir forest, paired with real forest sounds and Douglas fir essential oil scent. Some participants experienced neutral visuals with isolated sounds/scents to test single senses.
- Sound alone outperformed scent or sight alone in mood recovery.
- Neutral visuals + forest sounds still reduced stress, proving hearing’s standalone power.
The big picture
The full sensory VR experience (sight, sound, scent) outperformed all other variations, producing—
- Stronger mood improvements.
- Deeper feeling of a connection to nature.
- Some boost to working memory. There were limited positive effects on working memory, the cognitive function that enables us to store, process, and retrieve information in the short term.
Notable: A related study found that nature videos alone reduce pain perception, underscoring nature’s underestimated power.
Yes, but:
Larger studies needed to confirm results and VR forest bathing doesn’t replace real nature, a proven (and prescribed) stress reducer and mood elevator.
What's ahead
Imagine the possibilities for stress reduction:
- Clinics/waiting rooms to ease patient stress.
- Urban interiors to prevent "nature deficit."
- Nature on display with images, sounds, and scents to uplift mood anywhere.
The bottom line
For stressed populations in sterile spaces, multisensory VR nature isn’t only immersive—it’s medicine.
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