Forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku in Japanese) is a therapeutic practice from Japan that utilizes the immersion in forest surroundings to enhance health and wellbeing. It has its origins in the 1980’s in Japan as a response to the stressful lifestyle, where several scientific studies took place to explain how the forest offers the space for the mind and body to recuperate!
Mindfully experiencing the forest with all senses– observing the environment, listening to the forest sounds, inhaling the earthy scents, and feeling the textures of the trees – promotes a deeper connection to nature. This connection aids in lowering sympathetic nerve activity and increasing parasympathetic nerve activity, which fosters stress reduction and relaxation.
According to scientific studies when walking mindfully in the forest the human being is exposed to substances emitted by the trees like phytoncides and terpenes. These bioactive compounds, emitted by trees, boost the immune system and protect against infections and potentially cancer. The health benefits of forest bathing, include lowered blood pressure, stress reduction,improved heart rate variability, and strengthened immune system, on psychological level decreased feelings of anger, depression, and anxiety, better mood, and promotes a deep sense of relaxation and peace. This is achieved through the beauty and tranquility of the forest, which helps people feel more alive and connected.
The difference between hiking and forest bathing is that we’re going to move slowly. We don’t want to exert too much physically but rather connect mindfully with all our senses with the forest!
