Japanese "forest bathing" & terpenes

[Donn]

I just came across a mother lode of Japanese research on getting out in the woods and its effects on human physiology. They of course have their specific thing, called Shinrin-Yoku "forest bathing."

Here's a good round-up: Trends in research related to “Shinrin-yoku” (taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing) in Japan

About 1/3 of the way down, it gets into α-pinene, limonene, cedrol. Interesting passage:

One of the major components of wood scent, α-pinene, is generally detected in the air of coniferous forests. Tsunetsugu et al. investigated the effects of the concentration of α-pinene on human physiological responses. Dilutions were made to obtain 10, 100, and 500 μL of α-pinene in 30 L of air. The odor was emitted at a rate of 3 L/min from a position approximately 15 cm beneath the nose of the subjects. The 10 μL/30 L and 100 μL/30 L concentrations, which were rated as “slight odor” and experienced to be “slightly comfortable” in the subjective evaluation, caused decreased systolic blood pressure. However, the 500 μL/30 L concentration, which was rated as a “strong odor” and “slightly uncomfortable,” did not cause a decrease in systolic blood pressure although it did increase the pulse rate. The 500 μL/30 L concentration that caused the slightly uncomfortable experience was considered to induce dominant sympathetic nervous activity. It was also observed that the degree of increase in prefrontal activity was enhanced concomitant with the increase in the concentration of α-pinene. Collectively, these results indicate that a weak smell of α-pinene induces a relaxed physiological state, whereas a relatively strong smell of α-pinene induces a stress state.

 

[_tessarecting]

Very cool. Certain spores you kick up in the woods modulate serotonin reuptake. Post more.

 

[mojave green]

I notice they starting to pipe in smells through the ducting of some Vegas casinos.

 

[hyposomniac]

I notice they starting to pipe in smells through the ducting of some Vegas casinos.

Dollar bills, whiskey and shame?

 

[mojave green]

Dollar bills, whiskey and shame?

And hookers!