J Korean Biol Nurs Sci.  2022 Nov;24(4):227-234. 10.7586/jkbns.2022.24.4.227.

Efficacy of Forest-Thermal Combined Therapy for Anxiety and Stress among Smoking-Cessation Attempters

• Chae Y
• Lee S
• Kim Sy
• Choi J

• KMID: 2536682
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7586/jkbns.2022.24.4.227

Abstract

Purpose
Smoking is a way of coping with anxiety and stress. This study aimed to identify the effects of forest-thermal combined therapy on anxiety and depression in smokers who desire to quit smoking.
Methods
Thirty participants were included in the study, 15 in the experimental group and 15 in the control group. Those in the experimental group participated in a three-day forest-thermal combined therapy program. The program includes forest walks, meditation and thermal therapy in the charcoal kiln.
Results
Before and after the program, physiological indicators such as cortisol, heart rate variability, and serotonin anxiety level using the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI), and stress level using the psychosocial well-being index (PWI) were measured in both groups. The differences in STAI (p = .012) and PWI (p = .006) scores between the experimental and control groups were statistically significant. However, cortisol, heart rate variability, and serotonin were not significantly different between the two groups after the program.
Conclusion
These results show that forest-thermal combination therapy effectively reduces anxiety and stress in smokers. It suggests that forest-thermal therapy can potentially increase smoking cessation rates.

Keyword

Anxiety; Forest; Stress; Thermotherapy; Smoking