Enhancing Health in the Forest of Samsun Mountain Arboretum
The Dangjin City Health Center, led by Director Park Jong-kyu, developed the 'Enhancing Health in the Forest' program to provide tailored health management for patients requiring health care. This program was conducted from September 23 to November 20 at the Samsun Mountain Arboretum under the guidance of forest healing therapist Lee Kyung-ae.
This program consists of various forest healing experiences and walking activities aimed at improving the immune systems of chronic disease patients, including cancer patients. A total of 15 cancer patients, 20 chronic disease patients, and 20 individuals managing obesity participated in the program.
Once a week, participants engaged in specialized forest programs such as drawing a map of their hearts, forest meditation, walking along forest paths, and forest yoga, each lasting two hours.
At the forest library, participants enjoyed an activity where they rubbed fallen leaves together, creating a lively atmosphere as they tossed the leaves into the air. This activity is one of the experiences offered in the 'Enhancing Health in the Forest' program.
Rubbing leaves is said to allow beneficial low-frequency sounds to be absorbed by the skin. Additionally, the unique scent and sound produced while rubbing the leaves help calm the mind and enhance the sense of connection with nature, thereby reducing stress.
Activities like leaf rubbing and tossing provide a playful way to relieve stress and foster emotional stability in nature.
After moving to the forest library, participants expressed themselves using natural materials. They creatively crafted their own faces, emotions, and thoughts using various materials collected from Samsun Mountain, such as flowers, leaves, and stones. Each participant successfully expressed their individuality, resulting in impressive artworks.
Participants also shared their completed works and engaged in activities to freely express their emotions.
One participant remarked, "Through art activities with natural materials, I developed my imagination and creativity, while gaining sensitivity to nature and emotional stability. It was a special experience that awakened my senses and allowed me to naturally express my inner world through art."
Next was a Pilates session aimed at obesity prevention. Due to the sudden drop in temperature, the static Pilates session was transformed into a dynamic dance session to generate warmth in the body.
All participants enjoyed the fresh air of Samsun Mountain while engaging in aerobic exercises to lively music. Although they were breathless trying to keep up with the instructor's movements, they released their stress by sending the word 'chronic' soaring into the sky.
Participants were visibly exhausted from their efforts but concluded the 'Enhancing Health in the Forest' program by enjoying food and health tea prepared by a culinary expert.
Lee Kyung-ae, the center director of Amiforest Center, which developed and operates the forest healing program, stated, "The main causes of death in Dangjin City are cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Cancer patients experience significant psychological distress during chemotherapy and radiation treatment, making psychological and emotional care essential. I hope the forest healing at the arboretum aids in emotional stability and physical recovery, and that obesity management can help prevent cardiovascular diseases early on."
Participants returning from the forest experience program wore expressions as bright as the autumn leaves coloring Samsun Mountain. It is wonderful to have an arboretum nearby that enhances the health of Dangjin citizens.
Meanwhile, the forest healing program has been validated through three years of clinical trials and research supported by the Korea Forest Service, receiving very positive feedback from participants in the first half of the year.
No comments yet.
