Forest therapy: Why a physician wants more doctors to train in nature-based medicine

Dr. Susan Abookire, a former hospital leader now certified as a forest therapy guide, is advocating for medical training programs to include nature-based practices like forest bathing. On a recent spring afternoon, she led 11 doctors and medical students through a two-hour session at Boston’s Arnold Arboretum, where participants engaged with the environment to reduce stress and improve health. The session began with guided exercises, such as imagining roots growing from their bodies into the earth and observing moving objects to deepen focus. Participants like Dr. Cat Newman and Dr. Eli Schwamm reported immediate relaxation, noting how the natural sounds and scents contrasted with the clinical environment of their hospital. Studies link forest therapy to benefits like improved cardiovascular health, brain function, and sleep. Abookire emphasized the systemic need to combine traditional medicine with nature-based approaches, arguing that such practices could become part of holistic healthcare. Dr. Michael Pang initially hesitated to touch plants due to concerns about safety, but he later embraced the experience, describing the flexibility of a pine branch as surprising. Dr. Michael Rosamilia reflected on the shift from workplace stress to a more calming, observational interaction with nature. The group discussed textures, sounds, and even encountered plastic trash, fostering a sense of connection beyond clinical interactions. Abookire aims to turn these participants into ambassadors for forest therapy, encouraging peers and patients to adopt similar practices. Her initiative is part of a growing movement among a small but dedicated group of doctors nationwide pushing to integrate nature-based medicine into medical education.