[Report on how to stimulate local economy using forest therapy and on effect of forest therapy in Akazawa].

In 2006, the Akazawa National Forest was accredited as a base of forest therapy. On the assumption that forest therapy is effective for the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases, we started a project to prove the medical effectivity of forest therapy. We also attempted to find a way to stimulate the local economy using forest therapy. As an application of forest therapy for local economy stimulation, we established a clinic in the Akazawa National Forest and offered medical advice and suggested hiking routes. About 150 people visit this clinic each year. We are also offering forest therapy in combination with a complete medical check up. We measured the concentration of the amylase in the saliva from the group who underwent forest therapy and from another group who carried out the same task in the city as a control. We found a significant difference between the two groups. We also measured the levels of 8-OHdG and HRV before and after the forest therapy. In the people who showed a markedly high oxidative stress before the therapy, we observed a significant decline of oxidative stress. It was difficult to measure the effects of forest therapy objectively. However, through this project, we consider that we will be able to obtain some positive effects that will support the usefulness of forest therapy. We still need to continue our research and collect data to prove its usefulness.