Forest Bathing: A study in Três Picos State Park, Rio de janeiro Brazil

The influence of the forest environment on human populations is reflected in a series of aspects of its use as raw material to promote well-being, added to the traditional knowledge accumulated over generations. Among the new practices and approaches to the use of plants, which add to the growing practice of Forest Therapy, is Forest Bathing, or Shirin Yoku. This study seeks to identify new forms of interaction with the natural environment, discussing the dynamics of the means and purposes of using the forest to promote health. The aim is to evaluate the aforementioned therapeutic approach applied to the Atlantic Forest. The work aims to analyze the health and well-being benefits perceived by visitors in their use of the Jequitibá Trails in the Três Picos State Park in profile analyzes of mood states (POMS) in students and users of its trails. The mountainous region of the state of Rio de Janeiro served as the location for the installation of numerous environmental therapy institutions, even though it is not directly related to Forest Bathing, this study seeks to carry out a historical survey of the therapeutic use in the region as a therapeutic site still used today by the Navy Brazilian. Finally, we seek to offer subsidies that enable Forest Therapy to join the list of Complementary Integrative Practices in Health, following the trend of global research and public policies that increasingly add therapeutic value to forest environments.