Enter the Virtual Forest

Abstract

One of the many challenges of this urbanization is significantly reflected in the distribution of urban green spaces, which may still not meet the needs of all inhabitants and preclude the many benefits that urban green spaces bring to mental health. From this perspective, Shinrin-Yoku emerged a traditional Japanese practice known as forest therapy (FT) or forest bathing (FB), as a natural health treatment. Using virtual reality, in addition, makes it possible to reproduce scenarios or environments that, in certain contexts, it would be almost impossible to recreate in real life. Thus, VR can provide opportunities and allow many more people to benefit from the best therapies and positive outcomes. It's important to note that the research on this union is still in its early stages, however, exploring this field represents, in many ways, a unique opportunity for healthcare, and would reach a wider population, providing the best possible therapy for everyone who could benefit from it.