A new study reveals that forest bathing doesn’t have to happen outdoors to be effective—when recreated in virtual reality with visuals, forest sounds, and natural scents, it can ease stress, improve mood, and even enhance memory.
一项新研究表明，森林浴并不一定要在户外进行才有效——当通过虚拟现实结合视觉、森林声音和自然气味再现时，它也能缓解压力、改善情绪，甚至增强记忆力。
Participants who experienced a fully immersive VR forest showed stronger emotional and cognitive benefits than those exposed to just one sensory input.
体验了完全沉浸式虚拟现实森林的参与者，在情绪和认知方面获得的益处明显强于仅接触单一感官刺激的人。
While real nature remains unmatched, this research opens the door for virtual nature therapy in places like clinics, waiting rooms, and urban spaces where greenery is scarce.
尽管真实自然仍无可比拟，这项研究为在绿色稀缺的诊所、候诊区和城市空间等地推广虚拟自然疗法打开了大门。
Nature Therapy Reimagined
重新定义自然疗法
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Human Development (MPIB) and the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) have shown in a recent pilot study that spending time in a virtual forest can enhance emotional well-being, particularly when the experience engages multiple senses like sight, sound, and smell.
来自德国马普人类发展研究所与汉堡-埃彭多夫大学医学中心的研究人员在一项初步研究中表明，置身虚拟森林，尤其是在视觉、听觉与嗅觉多重感官被调动时，有助于提升情绪健康。
Their findings were published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology.
他们的研究成果发表于《环境心理学杂志》。
In Japan, the practice of Shinrin Yoku, or forest bathing, is already used for therapeutic purposes such as reducing stress and lowering blood pressure.
在日本，“森林浴”（日语称“Shinrin Yoku”）早已被应用于减压、降血压等治疗目的。
In this study, the researchers set out to explore whether a similar benefit could be achieved through virtual exposure to nature, and whether the impact would be greater when more than one sense was stimulated at the same time.
在本研究中，研究者旨在探讨，通过虚拟接触自然是否能获得类似的疗效，以及当多种感官同时受到刺激时是否会带来更显著的效果。
To test this, they created a high-resolution 360° virtual reality video filmed in the Sonnenberg nature reserve near Parchim, Europe’s largest Douglas fir forest.
为验证这一点，他们拍摄了一段高清360度虚拟现实视频，取景于欧洲最大的道格拉斯冷杉林地——帕尔希姆附近的索嫩贝格自然保护区。
The video included natural forest sounds and the scent of Douglas fir essential oils.
该视频包含了自然森林音效及道格拉斯冷杉精油的香味。
Participants experienced the simulation either as a full multisensory session (with visuals, audio, and scent combined) or in simplified versions that focused on just one sense—visual, auditory, or olfactory.
参与者分别体验了完整的多感官模拟（结合视觉、听觉与嗅觉）或仅聚焦单一感官的简化版本（如视觉、听觉或嗅觉单一刺激）。
For the audio-only and scent-only experiences, a neutral virtual setting was used to avoid distractions from visual elements and to control for the effects of VR itself.
在仅限声音或气味的体验中，研究人员使用了中性虚拟背景，以避免视觉干扰，并控制VR本身带来的影响。
Multisensory VR Forest Study
多感官虚拟现实森林研究
More than 130 participants were first put into an acute stress situation using stress-inducing images.
研究人员首先通过引发压力的图片，使130多名参与者置于急性压力情境中。
Then, equipped with VR glasses, they experienced one of the four forest stimulation/ bathing variants.
随后，他们戴上VR眼镜，体验四种森林刺激/森林浴形式中的一种。
The results show that the combination of all three sensory stimuli led to a significantly greater improvement in mood and a stronger feeling of connection with nature compared to when individual sensory stimuli were presented.
研究结果显示，与单一感官刺激相比，三种感官刺激同时作用可显著提升情绪，并增强与自然的联结感。
In addition to positive effects on mood, there were also limited improvements in working memory – the cognitive function that enables us to store, process, and retrieve information in the short term.
除了情绪改善外，研究还发现参与者的工作记忆（即短期内存储、处理与提取信息的认知能力）也出现了轻微提升。
However, the researchers point out that the effects are area-specific and cannot yet be considered universally valid.
然而，研究人员指出，这些效应具有区域特异性，目前尚不能视为普遍有效。
Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm the results and provide a better understanding of the mechanisms behind the restorative effects of virtual nature experiences.
需要更大样本量的进一步研究，以验证这些结果，并更深入地理解虚拟自然体验背后的恢复机制。
Emotional Impact & Practical Uses
情绪影响与实际应用
“We can already say that digital nature experiences can absolutely produce an emotional effect – even if they don’t replace actual nature,” reports Leonie Ascone, lead author of the study and researcher in the Neuronal Plasticity working group at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE).
“我们可以明确地说，数字化自然体验确实能够带来情绪效应——尽管它不能取代真正的大自然，”该研究的第一作者、汉堡-埃彭多夫大学医学中心神经可塑性研究小组成员莱昂妮·阿斯科内说道。
Simone Kühn, head of the study and Director of the Center for Environmental Neuroscience at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, adds: “Especially in places with limited access to nature, such as clinics, waiting areas, or urban interiors, multisensory VR applications or targeted nature staging could support mental well-being.”
研究负责人、马普人类发展研究所环境神经科学中心主任西蒙娜·库恩补充说：“尤其是在难以接触自然的场所，如诊所、候诊区或城市内部空间，多感官VR应用或特定自然场景布置可助力心理健康。”
The images, sounds, and scents of nature offer previously underestimated potential for improving mood and mental performance in everyday situations.”
“自然的影像、声音与气味在提升情绪与日常认知表现方面，蕴藏着此前被低估的潜力。”
Kühn conducts intensive research into the effects of the environment on the human brain and, together with colleagues from universities in Vienna, Exeter, and Birmingham, was recently able to prove that just from watching nature videos, patients perceive physical pain as less intense.
库恩长期致力于研究环境对人脑的影响，并与维也纳大学、埃克塞特大学及伯明翰大学的同事们合作，最近证实——即便只是观看自然视频，患者也会感受到较轻的身体疼痛。
精选词汇
【immersive】/ɪˈmɜːrsɪv/ adj.
英文释义： Deeply engaging or involving.
中文解释： 沉浸式的，引人入胜的
例句：The immersive environment of the virtual forest created a profound emotional response.
虚拟森林的沉浸式环境激发了强烈的情感反应。
【stimuli】/ˈstɪmjʊˌlaɪ/ n.
英文释义： Things that provoke a response.
中文解释： 刺激物
例句：Simultaneous sensory stimuli can enhance cognitive engagement.
同步的感官刺激可增强认知参与度。
【cognitive】/ˈkɒɡnɪtɪv/ adj.
英文释义： Related to mental processes like thinking and memory.
中文解释： 认知的，思维的
例句：Cognitive functions such as memory and attention are influenced by environmental factors.
记忆和注意力等认知功能会受到环境因素的影响。
【simulate】/ˈsɪmjʊleɪt/ v.
英文释义： To imitate the appearance or character of something.
中文解释： 模拟，仿真
例句：The VR system was designed to simulate real forest experiences.
该虚拟现实系统旨在模拟真实的森林体验。
【olfactory】/ɒlˈfæktəri/ adj.
英文释义： Related to the sense of smell.
中文解释： 嗅觉的
例句：Olfactory cues can trigger vivid emotional memories.
嗅觉线索能唤起生动的情感记忆。
【acute】/əˈkjuːt/ adj.
英文释义： Severe and intense.
中文解释： 剧烈的，急性的
例句：Participants were placed under acute stress conditions prior to VR exposure.
参与者在进入VR体验前被置于急性压力情境中。
【therapeutic】/ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk/ adj.
英文释义： Having a healing effect; beneficial to health.
中文解释： 治疗的，有疗效的
例句：Forest bathing has long been considered therapeutic in Japanese medicine.
在日本医学中，森林浴长期被认为具有治疗作用。
【retrieve】/rɪˈtriːv/ v.
英文释义： To get back or recover.
中文解释： 取回，提取（信息）
例句：Working memory allows individuals to retrieve information in real time.
工作记忆使人们能够实时提取信息。
【underestimated】/ˌʌndərˈestɪmeɪtɪd/ adj.
英文释义： Not fully recognized or appreciated.
中文解释： 被低估的
例句：The power of natural imagery has been largely underestimated in mental health research.
自然影像的力量在心理健康研究中长期被低估。
【neuroscience】/ˈnjʊərəʊˌsaɪəns/ n.
英文释义： The scientific study of the nervous system.
中文解释： 神经科学
例句：Environmental neuroscience explores how surroundings affect brain activity.
环境神经科学研究环境如何影响大脑活动。
【restorative】/rɪˈstɒrətɪv/ adj.
英文释义： Having the ability to make you feel strong or healthy again.
中文解释： 有恢复作用的
例句：Spending time in restorative environments can significantly reduce psychological fatigue.
在具有恢复功能的环境中逗留可显著减轻心理疲劳。
【exposure】/ɪkˈspəʊʒə(r)/ n.
英文释义： The condition of being subjected to something.
中文解释： 暴露，接触
例句：Prolonged exposure to green spaces is linked to reduced risk of depression.
长期接触绿色空间与抑郁症风险降低有关。
【well-being】/ˈwelˌbiːɪŋ/ n.
英文释义： A state of being happy, healthy, or successful.
中文解释： 健康，幸福感
例句：Digital nature may contribute to emotional well-being in densely populated cities.
在高密度城市中，数字自然有助于提升情绪健康。
【neutral】/ˈnjuːtrəl/ adj.
英文释义： Impartial or not supporting either side.
中文解释： 中立的；中性的
例句：A neutral virtual setting ensured that no emotional bias was introduced.
中性的虚拟环境确保了不会引入情绪偏差。
【variant】/ˈveəriənt/ n.
英文释义： A different version or form.
中文解释： 变体；不同版本
例句：The study used several variants of the forest simulation to test sensory effects.
该研究采用了多种森林模拟变体来测试感官效果。
【perceive】/pəˈsiːv/ v.
英文释义： To become aware of through the senses.
中文解释： 感知；察觉
例句：Participants perceived the pain as less intense after watching calming nature videos.
观看自然视频后，参与者感知的疼痛强度有所降低。
【mechanism】/ˈmekənɪzəm/ n.
英文释义： A system or process by which something operates.
中文解释： 机制，结构方式
例句：Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms of nature-induced mood improvement.
需进一步研究自然改善情绪的具体机制。
【scenic】/ˈsiːnɪk/ adj.
英文释义： Offering beautiful views of nature.
中文解释： 风景优美的
例句：Scenic VR experiences can evoke strong emotional responses.
风景优美的虚拟现实体验可以唤起强烈的情感反应。
【evoke】/ɪˈvəʊk/ v.
英文释义： To bring a feeling or memory to mind.
中文解释： 唤起，引起（情感、记忆等）
例句：The scent of pine trees evoked childhood memories in participants.
松树的气味唤起了参与者的童年回忆。
【intensity】/ɪnˈtensəti/ n.
英文释义： The quality of being strong or extreme.
中文解释： 强度，剧烈程度
例句：The emotional intensity of the immersive VR forest was significantly higher.
沉浸式VR森林的情绪强度明显更高。
【pilot study】/ˈpaɪlət ˈstʌdi/ n.
英文释义： A small-scale preliminary study.
中文解释： 初步研究，试点研究
例句：The pilot study provided promising data for future research.
这项试点研究为未来研究提供了有希望的数据。
【induce】/ɪnˈdjuːs/ v.
英文释义： To cause or bring about.
中文解释： 引起，诱发
例句：Images were used to induce acute stress before the VR session.
在VR体验前使用图片诱发急性压力。
【allocate】/ˈæləkeɪt/ v.
英文释义： To distribute for a specific purpose.
中文解释： 分配，配置
例句：Researchers allocated sensory conditions randomly to participants.
研究人员将感官条件随机分配给参与者。
【novelty】/ˈnɒvəlti/ n.
英文释义： The quality of being new or unusual.
中文解释： 新颖，新奇
例句：The novelty of the experience increased participant engagement.
体验的新颖性提高了参与者的投入度。
【scarce】/skeəs/ adj.
英文释义： Insufficient in quantity or number.
中文解释： 稀缺的，缺乏的
例句：Green spaces are often scarce in dense urban environments.
在高密度的城市环境中，绿色空间通常很稀缺。
【enhance】/ɪnˈhɑːns/ v.
英文释义： To improve or make better.
中文解释： 增强，提高
例句：Adding scent to the VR setting enhanced the sense of presence.
在虚拟环境中加入气味增强了临场感。
【recreate】/ˌriːkrɪˈeɪt/ v.
英文释义： To make something again, as it was.
中文解释： 重现，再造
例句：The VR platform aimed to recreate the multisensory essence of a forest.
VR平台旨在重现森林的多感官本质。
【deprivation】/ˌdeprɪˈveɪʃən/ n.
英文释义： The lack or denial of something necessary.
中文解释： 缺乏，剥夺
例句：Chronic nature deprivation may lead to reduced attention and increased anxiety.
长期缺乏自然可能导致注意力下降和焦虑加重。
【resilience】/rɪˈzɪliəns/ n.
英文释义： The ability to recover from adversity.
中文解释： 弹性，恢复力
例句：Nature exposure may strengthen psychological resilience in stressful situations.
接触自然可能在压力情境下增强心理复原力。
【multisensory】/ˌmʌltiˈsensəri/ adj.
英文释义： Involving more than one sensory modality.
中文解释： 多感官的
例句：Multisensory experiences deepen user immersion in virtual settings.
多感官体验使用户更深入沉浸于虚拟环境中。
【validate】/ˈvælɪdeɪt/ v.
英文释义： To confirm or prove to be true.
中文解释： 证实，验证
例句：Larger trials are required to validate the pilot findings.
需要更大规模的试验来验证试点结果。
【interaction】/ˌɪntərˈækʃən/ n.
英文释义： Reciprocal action or influence.
中文解释： 互动，交互
例句：The strength of emotional response depends on user interaction with the VR scene.
情绪反应的强度取决于用户与VR场景的互动。
【staging】/ˈsteɪdʒɪŋ/ n.
英文释义： The presentation or arrangement of a scene.
中文解释： 场景布置，演示设置
例句：The careful staging of sound and scent increased realism.
对声音和气味的精心布置增强了真实感。
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