Prevent Atopy in My Child in the Phytoncide-Filled Forest of Bulamsan...

Nowon-gu Operates 'Atopy Free' Program for Environmental Diseases at Forest Healing Center
Five Sessions from October 4 to October 22 for 100 Children at Atopy and Asthma Safe Schools

Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it is operating the '2024 Atopy Free Forest Experience' program at the Bulamsan Forest Healing Center.

The 'Atopy Free Forest Experience' program is a forest healing activity aimed at preventing atopy in children. It was first launched last year and resumed this year due to strong positive responses from users.

Since its opening in 2020 within the Bulamsan Healing Town, the Bulamsan Forest Healing Center has established itself as a healing landmark in the local community by utilizing its pristine natural environment to operate various specialized programs. It offers seven experiential programs such as Vitality Forest, Health Forest, and Five Senses Forest, four continuous programs for physical and mental health including menopause and old age, and special weekend programs like Healing Dream (林), providing a self-care space for modern people.

In particular, the ‘Atopy Free Forest Experience’ presents preventive measures through nature in modern society where allergic diseases are increasing. According to data from the Korea Forest Service, the atopy evaluation index of pediatric atopic dermatitis patients who participated in forest healing programs decreased from 15.9 points to 10.5 points. Based on this, the district plans to reduce children's stress and boost immunity by utilizing clean air and abundant phytoncides.

Walking Experience on a Loess Road

The program is conducted for 100 children enrolled in atopy and asthma safe schools. It will be held five times in total from October 4 to October 22 at the Bulamsan Forest Healing Center, where participants spend time interacting with the vibrant scenery, phytoncides, and the lively garden and forest of the Bulamsan Forest Healing Center together with forest healing instructors affiliated with the center.

The program consists of Green Green Barefoot Forest Healing, where participants experience nature barefoot on the lawn; Soft Yellow Water Healing, which includes warm baths with mugwort and sea salt at the water healing site, handkerchief dyeing, and play activities; and Pat Pat Rest Healing, where participants drink health tea for atopy prevention, rest and meditate in the forest, and practice breathing with a singing bowl.

The plan is to allow participants to experience not only atopy prevention but also comfort, enjoyment, and psychological well-being through forest healing.

Additionally, on October 23, with the 2024 World Forest Healing Forum being held in Korea, policy makers, forest healing instructors, and medical experts from over 20 countries including China, Japan, Taiwan, the United States, Canada, Australia, and European countries are scheduled to visit the Bulamsan Forest Healing Center to experience urban forest healing programs.

Mayor Oh Seung-rok said, "I hope that the healing programs utilizing the excellent natural environment of the Bulamsan Forest Healing Center will provide even temporary relief to children suffering from atopy," and added, "We will continue to operate various customized programs so that residents can maintain their health in harmony with nature."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.