Forest Bathing

Why Forest Bathing?

Our ancestors did not consider themselves to be anything other than Nature. As such they accepted the role of nurturing, protecting and supporting the planet and all that regard it as home.

However, as time has moved on, the human race has evolved lifestyles which are eroding that role of respectful connection, the consequence of which are damaging to the world on and by which all living things rely.

As the impact of disconnection becomes more obvious, a re-awakening to respectfully connect back to the duty of nurture, protect and support is emerging. Resulting in the re-emergence of practices that slow us down, so that we can re-balance and heal.

Slowing down enables us to truly see, feel, hear, taste and touch i.e. opening to our senses and becoming aware of what is around and within.

Quoting Lily Tomlin

"For fast-acting relief try slowing down."

Forest Bathing the Practice

Forest Bathing is one of the slowing down practices that guide in reconnecting with self and with nature.

Slow mindful walking through woodland or any natural space, gives Mother Nature the chance to support us as our whole being finds its way back to self, health & harmony in body, mind and spirit.

Quoting John Muir

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks"

Every Forest Bathing session will be different in content and experience influenced by:

• the experience, knowledge and skills of the leader

• the location, seasons and weather

• the group dynamics

and so on

How does Forest Bathing restore health?

Ongoing scientific Forest Bathing research have found that there are indeed positive benefits to health & wellbeing:

• Stabilising: blood pressure, blood sugars, mood

• Reducing: stress, pain, recovery time

• Improving: cardiovascular, metabolic & immune systems, mental focus, memory, sleep, vitality

• Emotional balancing: depression, sadness, grief, anger, anxiety and other 'negative' emotions

• Aids: weight management

and so on

The reports appear to agree that the effects will last approx. 30 days after a Forest Bathing session, but as with anything holistic, taking part in regular sessions will increase the benefits for long-term health & wellbeing.

Check out the research

There are many publications, websites, research papers, etc. on the practice and benefits of Forest Bathing (Shinrin Yoku) and just spending mindful time in Nature.

Here are some I read when I started the practice:

"Into the Forest" by Dr Qing Li (Penguin Life: Penguin Books) ISBN 978-0-24

"The Nature Fix" by Florence Williams (W.W Norton & Company) ISBN 978-0-393-35557-4

Forest Medicine Therapy Society in Japan - https://fo-society.jp/forest-therapy-society/

The Association of Nature & Forest Therapy (US) - some research & science papers - https://anft.earth/research/

Nature and Therapy UK (my training) - https://natureandtherapy.co.uk/