“Forest Bathing: Lupuna”: Study Shows Positive Effects on Well-Being

(eap) A study carried out on behalf of Thermengruppe Josef Wund (Josef Wund thermal spa group) on the effects of the “Forest Bathing: Lupuna” wellbeing experience in the “Immersive Sky” at Therme Euskirchen (Germany), which sends visitors on a multi-sensory journey into the Amazon rainforest, shows positive effects on physical and mental wellbeing. The results indicate that immersive technologies and natural elements can go hand in hand to promote profound well-being, according to the thermal spa group.

© Thermengruppe Josef Wund

Opened last spring, the Immersive Sky at Therme Euskirchen (read also our article in EAP 3/2024) combines images, sounds, scents and gentle vibrations to create an experience for the senses. In October 2024, neuroscientists from the wellness innovation consultancy White Mirror conducted a study with 23 test subjects. Various parameters were measured before and after their visit to Immersive Sky, including heart rate and heart rate variability, electrodermal activity, oxygen saturation and cortisol levels in saliva. In addition, the participants completed questionnaires before and after their visit in which they were asked to document positive and negative emotional states.

Dr. Tasha Golden, an expert in health research and former research director of the “International Arts + Mind Lab” at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, advised on the evaluation of the results, which can be viewed in full here on the Therme Euskirchen website along with further information on the methodology. Positive physical and mental effects were observed, including deep physical relaxation, a reduction in anxiety and nervousness and greater clarity of thoughts and calmness in the participants after they had completed their “digital forest bathing” session.

The Josef Wund thermal spa group, who received a number of awards for the Immersive Sky (including an EWA Professional Award) is also working on technology-based wellbeing experiences at other of its associated locations: for example, guests at the Thermen & Badewelt Sinsheim will be able to enjoy soundscapes in the tropical sauna there, some of which are based on AI-generated compositions and are intended to combine the human body, nature and technology (c.f. EAP news of 18 Dec 2024). ■