From the paper forest｜Events and news

10/24｜Guest article in the October issue of CO.med

Nature connection in constructed spaces

Biophilic design: An exciting concept with numerous health benefits

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek in Co.med｜Specialist magazine for complementary medicine｜October 2024

In her latest article, forest health expert Dr. Melanie Adamek, director of the IM-WALD-SEIN® Institute for Forest Medicine and Forest Therapy in Munich, explores the concept of biophilic design. She demonstrates how integrating nature into architecture and interior design not only enhances well-being but also provides measurable health benefits. This innovative approach furthers the movement towards more sustainable and healthier spaces for living, working, and healing. Dr. Adamek also shares practical tips for implementation and highlights fascinating studies that demonstrate the health advantages of reconnecting with nature in built environments.

09/24｜The IM-WALD-SEIN® Institute for Forest Medicine and Forest Therapy in action

München tut gut reports on being in the forest

Forest bathing: a special experience of nature that is good for body, mind and soul

Editor Eva Walig immerses herself in the healing power of the forest with the IWSI

Can spending time in the forest really strengthen our immune system and reduce stress levels? Editor and presenter Eva Walig asks herself this question in the TV program “München tut gut” (Munich benefits you). Together with forest health expert Dr. Melanie H. Adamek and Sabine Oberg, psychologist and forest therapist at the IM-WALD-SEIN® Akademie, Eva embarked on an eventful journey into the world of forest bathing.

During their time together in the forest, the participants explored the profound effects of being in the forest on our well-being and experienced numerous impulses and exercises that allowed them to immerse themselves even deeper in the healing atmosphere of the forest. Eva Walig's conclusion: „A special experience of nature that is good for body, mind and soul.“

IWSI Director Dr Melanie H. Adamek comments: „It was an exciting shoot and a relaxed experience where everyone was able to experience the forest in their own way. We had a lot of fun and Eva managed to impressively summarise the highlights of our three hours of forest bathing in a very watchable 13-minute clip. It is a true masterpiece, in which the forest certainly played its part, because the intense experience of nature not only strengthens our health and resilience, it also stimulates creativity.“

Treat yourself to a break from everyday life and immerse yourself with us in this wonderful TV report of münchen.tv!

08/24｜IM-WALD-SEIN® Institute for Forest Medicine and Forest Therapy

Welcome to the team!

Together for incorporating nature-based therapy in preventative health care and rehabilitation

Munich, August 2024, the IWSI welcomes new members

With immediate effect, the team of the IM-WALD-SEIN® Institute for Forest Medicine and Forest Therapy (IWSI) is enriched by three new, highly qualified members. This marks a significant step in our continuous growth and increasing presence in health policy circles. We warmly welcome Hanka Knoche, Prof. Dr. Volker Nürnberg, and Dr. Didona Weippert!

As a long-standing member of the Management Board of BAHN-BKK, Hanka Knoche has successfully developed the statutory health insurance fund into a health prevention-focused institution. Hanka Knoche works with the IM-WALD-SEIN® Institute for Forest Medicine and Forest Therapy, because she is convinced that its preventative medicine approach belongs in the national prevention plan. She is passionate about exploring new paths under the conditions of New Work.

Business administration professor Dr. Volker Nürnberg is a world leading expert regarding current health topics. The health care specialist advises on strategies that improve health policies, personnel and employer issues, as well as digitization. Prof. Dr. Volker Nürnberg supports the IWSI and its innovative approach with full conviction, because “the consequences of urbanization, the increase in mental illness, and burnout are all tackled effectively in the forest setting.”

As doctor with in-depth experience in clinic management, Dr. Didona Weippert, MD, MBA is convinced that forest medicine and forest therapy enrich the prevention and treatment of numerous illnesses. As “preventative medicine is still in its infancy in Germany,” she is working with the IWSI to ensure that this segment also finds its way into outpatient care and  rehabilitation clinics in the future. 

“By expanding  our team, the IWS Institute will not only continue to grow, but also strengthen its influence in health policy circles. With their extraordinary experience and unique expertise, our new colleagues will make a significant contribution to taking our institute to a new level. In addition, their commitment will provide major help in the establishment of forest medicine and forest therapy according to the IWSI® method in medical care. I am particularly pleased about that!” - IWSI Director Dr. Melanie H. Adamek

08/24｜Abstract ｜26th IUFRO World Congress in Stockholm

Forests & Society towards 2050

T4.15 Healing Power of Nature: Forest Therapy in Action

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek presented the concept of forest therapy according to the IM-WALD-SEIN® Method

“What a great, intense week, full of impressive research projects from all over the world. Key theme was the role of forests in a sustainable future. Lectures, workshops and presentations covered everything from new methods in forest management to the latest findings on climate change and the healing power of forests and nature. The discussions focused on innovative approaches to create a greener world together. I am delighted to have attended the IUFRO World Congress 2024 in the beautiful City of Stockholm. It was a great week full of inspiration, valuable exchange and new insights!”

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek, Head of IWSI, Munich, took part in the session T4.15 Healing Power of Nature: Forest Therapy in Action with her presentation Co therapist forest: the IWSI method brings forest therapy into health care and rehabilitation. She presented details on the cooperation project on IM-WALD-SEIN. Top Expert with Sana Clinics Sommerfeld, which brings forest therapy according to the IM-WALD-SEIN® method into medical care and also on how the IM-WALD-SEIN® method motivates individuals to improve their personal health care.

“The conference offered great opportunities to connect with experts and practitioners from different countries and disciplines. The discussions generated many new ideas and collaborations. I was impressed by the great response to our work and am delighted that I succeeded in sparking the audience's enthusiasm for our commitment within just three minutes,” comments Dr. Adamek.

07/24｜Guest article in the July issue of CO.med

(Re)connecting with nature as a therapeutic tool

Forest therapy in geriatric medicine. Typical examples and practical integration

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek in Co.med｜Specialist magazine for complementary medicine｜July 2024

The close contact with nature that many older people experienced in their youth offers interesting approaches for geriatric medicine. At a time when older people are typically faced with various (chronic) health problems, intellectual loss, increasing immobility, loneliness or feelings of isolation, reviving these memories can be a source of joy, relaxation and comfort. The (re)connection with nature can also be used as a therapeutic tool to improve health, well-being and quality of life in old age.

06/24｜Podcast on forest therapy

Podcast interview in Naturheilkunde Kompakt

Forest therapy for more vitality and well-being

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek in conversation with Yasmin Niederstenschee

What are the health benefits of being in the forest? What are the areas of application of forest therapy? How important is qualified training for the use of forest therapy on patients? The podcast episode on the healing power of the forest answers these and many other important questions. Of course, you will also learn how you can use the forest as a place of retreat for yourself. It also covers the differences and similarities between the terms forest therapy, forest medicine and forest bathing. So, immerse yourself in the wonderful and healing world of the forest!

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek said: “I am delighted with the many clever questions and discussion approaches in this interview. The conversation with Yasmin Niederstenschee was entertaining and I enjoyed it a lot. I hope that the topic reaches many health and therapy managers in politics, medicine and society and, above all, that it achieves the importance it deserves in health prevention.”

06/24｜26. IUFRO-World Congress in Stockholm

Forests & Society towards 2050

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek invited as expert

From the 23rd-29th of June, the 26th World Congress of the International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO) will be held in Stockholm, Sweden. The organization's focus is on promoting global research cooperation on topics involving forests and trees, their use and their role in sustainable development.

The IUFRO World Congress is held every five years with around 2,000 participants. It is one of the largest global forestry events and has been held every five years since 1893. It brings together scientists and stakeholders from all parts of the world to discuss scientific and technical issues on priority areas of forest research, policy and management. The scientific content is interdisciplinary and integrative.

The headline of this year's congress is “Forests & Society towards 2050” and and considers the drastic changes expected by 2050 due to climate change, population growth, globalisation and a growing world economy, all of which will put pressure on forests and their management.. The year 2050 is also a milestone on the way to realizing the vision of the Convention on Biological Diversity “living in harmony with nature” and the goal of achieving net zero emissions.

With its focus on the contribution of forests to the 2030 Agenda and the related Sustainable Development Goals, the 26th IUFRO World Congress in Stockholm in 2024 will help streamline forest research agendas, promote dialogue and cross-sectoral cooperation, and highlight the multifunctionality of forests and their services.

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek: “The congress week offers participants an excellent opportunity to discuss the important role of our forests and I am very pleased to participate in the session: T4.15 Healing Power of Nature: Forest Therapy in Action with a presentation 'Co therapist forest: the IWSI method brings forest therapy into health care and rehabilitation'. This is an excellent forum for innovation, forward-looking dialogue and to lay the foundations for cooperation in the future.”

03/24｜New book on forest bathing, Shinrin Yoku, Im-Wald-Sein is published

Practical guide with 50 invitations

M. Amos Clifford: Your guide to forest bathing, Shinrin Yoku, Im-Wald-Sein. Experience the healing power of nature

Munich｜March 2024

This book is an extremely successful wake-up call and guide to reconnecting with nature, which can be a positive and important part of our lives in every situation and phase of life. It can be healing, or even transformative. The decisive factor is the willingness to engage with it. And this is precisely where the work of M. Amos Clifford is rooted. It opens us up to the experience of being in the forest and creates a framework in which the forest and all elements of the natural world can work. And vice versa, of course, because as the author so aptly puts it: “The healing of people and the forest happens together or not at all. The medicine that brings healing lies in the relationship.”

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek comments: “A wish has come true. The first German edition of Your Guide to Forest Bathing by M. Amos Clifford will be published by OPTIMUM Medien & Service in March 2024 under the editorship of the IM-WALD-SEIN® Institute for Forest Medicine and Forest Therapy. Amos and the ANFT (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programmes), which he founded, are pioneers in the establishment of relationship-oriented forest therapy - a groundbreaking, fundamental approach for humans. It focuses on people as natural beings and anchors them in the multifaceted network of relationships with their existential environment and the 'more-than-human world'. I wish the book great success and its users many new insights and inspiring experiences in and with nature.”

02/24｜Guest article in the January issue of CO.med

IM-WALD-SEIN® City Offices

Munich｜February 2024

The IM-WALD-SEIN® City Offices’ Biophilic Coworking is launched. The biophilic design experts at the IM-WALD-SEIN® INSTITUTE FOR FOREST MEDICINE AND FOREST THERAPY (IWSI) have created an ideal setting for anyone who wants to work at a personal desk, hold meetings, workshops or conferences in a relaxed atmosphere under a forest canopy in the heart of Munich. Flexible rental models have been adapted to the needs of users to make mobile working easy and the ergonomically equipped ambience, characterized by biophilic accents, makes it a pleasure.

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek comments: “Home offices have established themselves in Germany's everyday working life. Even after the end of the pandemic, around a quarter of the working population works, at least occasionally from home. Remote work is expected to increase. However, working from home is not an ideal place to work for everyone, even in professions that at first glance appear to be easy to carry out from home offices.

With the IM-WALD-SEIN® City Offices, the biophilic design experts at IWSI have pursued the concept of using biophilic aesthetics to consciously design an interior with a multisensory proximity to nature, in which people can subconsciously connect with nature in the workplace. This creates a sense of well-being and inspires the mind. The workstations are ergonomically designed to a high standard, and a fully equipped office kitchen offers everything you need for a quick coffee on the balcony or a chat under the ideas tree. If you need a short break, you can relax in the hammock in the forest capsule. It is a great project!”

12/23｜Cooperation between IWSI and INFOM

Another milestone for forest therapy in Germany

The IM-WALD-SEIN® INSTITUTE became the GERMAN CHAPTER of INFOM

Munich｜December 2023

The IM-WALD-SEIN® INSTITUTE FOR FOREST MEDICINE AND FOREST THERAPY (IWSI) is now the German section of the International Society of Nature and Forest Medicine (INFOM). Dr. Melanie H. Adamek, director of the IWSI, comments: “I am very pleased about this cooperation. Another exciting task awaits us. Through constant exchange with the Japanese parent company, we are expanding our first-hand knowledge and our network of experts. This will enable us to make an even better contribution to the dissemination and establishment of science-based forest medicine and forest therapy in German-speaking countries in the future.”

The German Model of Forest Medical Treatment

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek invited as an expert

From the 26th to 28th of May 2023, the First Forum on Forest Health will be held in Wuzhishan, jointly organized by the Newspaper of the People's Political Consultative Conference, the Committee on Population, Resources and Environment of Hainan Province, the Hainan Provincial Health Commission, the Hainan Forestry Bureau and the Wuzhishan People's Government.

The goal of the forum is to convey to the world the Chinese concept of building an ecological civilisation and to promote the rich and unique forest health resources of Wuzhishan. At the same time, it aims to create a platform for exchange and dialogue between governments, industries, academia and researchers. Experts, scholars, heads of relevant government departments, industry organisations, enterprise representatives, media representatives and other representatives will be invited to discuss the new model and new path of forest health industry development and promote the high-quality development of the national forest health industry.

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek: “It is a great pleasure and honor for me to present our model of forest medicine and forest therapy with a video presentation in this important environment and to contribute to the international development of the future topic of forests and health.”

09/22｜International Congress in Croatia

Snaga Sume｜Forest Power Croatia

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek als Keynote Speaker in Zagreb

Being In The Forest - The Natural Answer To Psychological Stress And Lifestyle Related Diseases

From 12th to 14th September 2021, the first International Croatian Forest Therapy Congress will take place in Zagreb. The delegations include the best of the best. In addition to renowned experts from Japan, South Korea and the USA, Dr. Melanie H. Adamek will represent the IM-WALD-SEIN® INSTITUTE FOR FOREST MEDICINE AND FOREST THERAPY with a lecture and a workshop as keynote speaker. Her topic: Being In The Forest - The Natural Answer to psychological stress and lifestyle diseases.

Is Shinrin Yoku just a new trend or a comprehensive health strategy? What are the real benefits of a relaxing break in a forest? Better blood quality through healthy forest air? In September 2017, our forest bathing experiment by 12 Shinrin Yoku pioneers in the forests of north-west Croatia answered many exciting questions.

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek: “I am delighted that a personal wish has become reality with this congress - not least thanks to the dedicated work of Jasna Vukas. I am particularly pleased to be able to talk about the effects of being in the forest, especially in Croatia. In 2017, we investigated the use of forest therapy in a tourism context with our forest bathing experiment. In three typical forest environments in the north-western Croatian mountains, we used Prof. Dr. Qing Li's studies to investigate how a relaxed stay in the forest affects our immune system, our mood and our physical well-being. We wanted to find out about the phytoncides and terpenes that are abundant in the forest. How and why are they good for our health? Our pioneering experiment was scientifically advised and supervised by Prof. Dr. Angela Schuh and Gisela Immich from the Chair of Public Health at LMU Munich and Prof. Dr. Daniel Rukavina (✝︎) from the University of Rijeka. It led to astonishing results, which are published in the compendium 'IM-WALD-SEIN. The natural answer to psychological stress and lifestyle related diseases. Discovery of a preventative healthcare concept'.”

Being in the forest as a form of medicine

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek in Co.med｜Specialist magazine for complementary medicine｜August 2022

Long COVID is a complex and diverse disease that, according to experts, affects around ten percent of all adults who have contracted COVID-19. Forest therapy as a complementary medical measure can help treat these long-term effects if the possibilities of conventional medicine and naturopathy are combined in a holistic approach.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FOREST THERAPY: HEALING WITH NATURE

The importance of forest therapy in rehabilitation

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek talks about the clinical application of forest therapy

From July 7th to 9th, 2022, the University of British Columbia's Department of Forestry will present a three-day virtual event focusing on forest therapy research, its institutional context, and an overview of effective implementation.

On July 8, Dr. Melanie H. Adamek is invited to the Health Session as a panelist and will speak on the topic: Forest medicine in medical care?

Significance of forest therapy in the rehabilitation of patients with post-COVID conditionsA cooperation project between IWSI and Sana-Clinics Sommerfeld, Germany. Dr. Melanie H. Adamek says: “The list of keynote speakers is impressive and I am very proud that our institute has been invited to participate in this impressive conference. Sign up and discuss the future prospects of a practice that promotes mental, physical and social well-being!”

XV WORLD FORESTRY CONGRESS
Building a Green, Healthy and Resilient Future with Forests

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek represents the IM-WALD-SEIN Institute

Forests: an integral part of our existence

From the 2nd to 6th of May 2022, the XV World Forestry Congress will take place in Coex, Seoul. It will provide a critical opportunity for the global forestry community to consider the state and future of forestry, particularly in the context of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, while striving to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Congress will highlight the essential role of forests in the global sustainable development agenda - which includes the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Global Forest Goals (GFGs), the Paris Climate Agreement, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, and the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework - and it will identify key actions and recommendations to strengthen this role.

Guided by six sub-themes, the congress will help to ensure that forests are an integral part of discussions, and the decisions on sustainable development due to their importance for the health, well-being and stability of the planet and its peoples.

Dr Melanie H. Adamek comments: “I am very pleased to represent our institute at this outstanding international congress with our contribution: 'Promoting forest medicine and therapy in a contemporary world: practical approaches and the role of professionals and stakeholders', and I am looking forward to future-looking topics, discussions and speakers. It is unfortunate that the congress is to be online due to the pandemic. I would have loved to have travelled to Korea again. It is a fascinating country with great people.”

92nd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Hygiene

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek speaks at International Symposium

The role of forest therapy in post-Covid times

On the 21st of March 2022, Hyogo College of Medicine in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, will host an international symposium on the role of forest medicine in times of Covid 19 as part of the 92nd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Hygiene. It will be chaired by Dr. Qing Li, Clinical Professor at Nippon Medical School and President of the Society of Forest Medicine, and Dr. Masayuki Shima, Professor at Hyogo College of Medicine and President of the 92nd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Hygiene. Speakers from Japan, China, South Korea, Canada, Italy, England and Germany will be taking part.

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek comments: “I am delighted to have been invited to speak at this exciting symposium, to see my acquaintances again, although unfortunately only virtually this time, and to meet new experts. I will be representing Germany alongside Chief Physician Dr. Volker Liefring, Sana Rehabilitationsklinik für Orthopädie Sommerfeld. Our topic: 'The role of forest medicine in post-COVID-19 health management and disease prevention'.”

Position taken

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek takes over the management of the IM-WALD-SEIN® Institute for Forest Medicine and Forest Therapy in Munich

Munich｜June 2021

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek took over the management of the IM-WALD-SEIN® Institute for Forest Medicine and Forest Therapy (IWSI) back in November 2020, and the course is now set for further growth. She says: “We have used the last few months to further differentiate our services and have found additional partners who actively support our commitments. We are looking forward to many exciting projects, especially in the field of medical care.”

The IWSI is an interdisciplinary, international association of people who are committed to the application and further development of evidence-based and science-based forest medicine and forest therapy. The institute currently comprises eight specialist areas that address different target markets with tailor-made programs and are supported by the IM-WALD-SEIN Academy.

From feeling to science

BEING IN THE FOREST: Health from nature

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek in Co.med｜Specialist magazine for complementary medicine｜May 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has probably made every person realise how important a strong, flexible and powerful immune system is for our health - and also for our entire social life. A healthy lifestyle with sufficient sleep, for example, is the best way to maximise the flexibility of the immune system. The health-promoting and immune system-strengthening effects of forest bathing or Shinrin Yoku are still completely underestimated in many places.

From Shinrin Yoku to forest therapy

The healing powers forests

Dr. Melanie H. Adamek in PraxisMagazin｜The medical journal for naturopathy｜11/2020

It is well known that being in the forest has a positive effect on our immune system. The significant health-promoting effects of forest bathing, or Shinrin Yoku, have been studied and proven by renowned scientists. One of the positive effects is that the number and activity of our NK cells, the natural killer cells of our immune defence system, can increase by more than 30 percent through a well-guided stay in a forest - even if we are in the forest for the first time. The recommendation is therefore: “Activate your inner doctor. Utilize the enormous healing powers of the forest, especially in times of a virus pandemic.”