En begreppsanalys av shinrin yoku (skogsbad)

: en relevant naturterapi i distriktssköterskans hälsofrämjande arbete?

Abstract

Aim: The aim was to clarify the meaning of shinrin yoku by identifying the concept’s antecedants, defining attributes and consequences in order to possibly expand the district nurse’s health enhancing competence and treatment options. Background: Swedish healthcare is facing a number of considerable challenges and improvement requirements and investments are made to prevent illnesses and enlarge the primary care. In the future the distict nurse will probably work with second nature related ill health in a larger extent. More science illuminates the positive and health enhancing effects of nature and evidence shows that nature works relaxing and promotes recover after stress but also of the immune system. Paradigm changes is making room for nature in health care. Science has shown that the concept and nature therapy of shinrin yoku gives plenty of health enhancing effect but shinrin yoku’s definition is unclear and changes meaning depending on context which is confusing. Method: Walker and Avant’s concept analysis in eight steps. Findings: Shinrin yoku is defined by its attributes forest visit, slow walk, activating the senses, mindfulness, phytoncides and no achievement. Its antecedents are a forest-style environment, serenity, switched-off technology and guide. Consequences: shinrin yoku brings health enhancing effects in six different areas: heart and blood vessels, psyche and mood, the endocrine system, the immune system, the brain and the autonomic nervous system and inflammation. Conclusion: Shinrin yoku can be considerable from a public health perspective though it can be seen as a stress relieving factor as well as a health enhancing resource. The therapy can be used as prevention, complement or separate treatment depending on the needs. It is a holistic way of feeling better that makes the most of nature without harming it.