Forest Bathing in Virtual Reality
Research into the Japanese practice of forest bathing shows time spent in nature can lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress and boost the immune system. In the UK arts and culture are social prescribed to improve mental health and speed recovery rates. This session asks: Are positive health results possible when nature and art are mediated through our digital devices? Can artists, technologists and medical professionals collaborate to create digital content and experiences to mitigate negative mental health impacts associated with stressful urban lifestyles and social media? This session will also introduce OKRE, a new venture incubated by leading health research charity, the Wellcome Trust, to foster cross-sector collaboration and innovative ideas in entertainment and research
Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.
Catherine Allen
Limina Immersive
Iain Dodgeon
Wellcome Trust
Francis Runacres
Arts Council England
Alex Smalley
University of Exeter