Public opinion reflects new stance
The practice originated in Japan and is believed to be beneficial for both the body and soul.
Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku in Japanese, is a stress management technique that involves heading to a forest or another fauna-heavy location and using all five senses to reconnect with nature.
According to Dr. Qing Li, author of ‘Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness,’ forest bathing can be used as a preventative medicine against illnesses such as cancer, strokes, gastric ulcers, depression, anxiety, and stress.
This is because the practice has been shown to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, and aid sleep.
Forest bathing as a concept started in Japan in the 1980s, but Japanese people had already been enjoying walks in the forest for centuries.
As studies began to emerge that showed forest bathing could have tangible health benefits, the practice was incorporated into the country’s health program.
Benefits of forest bathing that were proven by studies included reduced blood pressure, lower cortisol levels, and improved concentration and memory.
Phytoncides, a chemical released by trees and plants, was also found to boost the immune system.
Now it looks as if shinrin-yoku may be incorporated into Western medicine, with talks of it becoming part of the ‘social prescribing’ movement in England's NHS.
The ‘social prescribing’ movement recognizes that health can be affected by a number of factors, many of which are not physical but social.
Social factors that can affect health include employment, housing, debt, social isolation, and culture.
Where traditional medical treatments do not help with socially-induced health problems, doctors are prescribing non-clinical activities such as volunteering and sports.
Now general practitioners in Surrey, England have expressed an interest in prescribing forest-bathing.
The Forest Bathing Institute is currently training people to become practice guides.
The practice of forest bathing was even a hit with Kate Middleton, who used her forest bathing experience as inspiration for the garden she designed at the Chelsea Flower Show in May 2019.
The answer to this is simple: everyone! With the average American now spending more than 90% of their time indoors, it has never been more important for us all to get out and reconnect with nature.
It doesn't matter if you don't have a forest nearby–simply head to any place where you can see trees, look at the sky, and hear birds singing.
If this is not possible, simply taking off your shoes in the park and feeling the grass between your toes will help you to de-stress.
The more time spent practicing, the better. But even a small amount of time spent in nature can have a positive effect on our health.
Firstly, find a spot in nature where you will be able to stroll around at a leisurely pace.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ location, so choose a place where you will feel relaxed–perhaps a place with which you have a personal connection.
Be sure to leave your cell phone and camera behind. There is no need for any devices during practice.
Start to wander freely, letting your body be your guide. Take your time–there is no final destination and it doesn’t matter if you don’t go anywhere at all.
The key to successful practice is allowing the forest to access all five senses.
Listen for the birdsong and look for the light rippling through the tree branches.
Smell the dampness of the soil, taste the moisture in the air, touch the trees, and dip your fingers in the stream.
The more deeply you manage to connect with the natural world, the more beneficial the practice will be.
See also: The enchanted forests that look like they're straight out of a fairy tale
Stress has long been recognized as a major contributor to numerous health issues, from high blood pressure to depression. While traditional remedies like exercise and sleep are commonly recommended, a fascinating practice from Japan has emerged as an effective form of stress relief.
Forest bathing, a mindful practice of immersing oneself in nature, is gaining attention for its powerful health benefits. Studies have shown that walking through woodlands can calm the mind, improve mood, and even provide long-term healing effects. In fact, experts like Kathy Willis, a professor of biodiversity, talk about the "direct link between your sense of sight and recovery rate," and argue that this practice could become a legitimate part of medical treatment, offering an alternative to traditional therapies.
Explore this gallery to learn more about forest bathing and how time spent in nature could help you feel better—inside and out.
Studies reveal direct link between nature and healing rates
Discover the benefits of forest bathing
LIFESTYLE Health
Stress has long been recognized as a major contributor to numerous health issues, from high blood pressure to depression. While traditional remedies like exercise and sleep are commonly recommended, a fascinating practice from Japan has emerged as an effective form of stress relief.
Forest bathing, a mindful practice of immersing oneself in nature, is gaining attention for its powerful health benefits. Studies have shown that walking through woodlands can calm the mind, improve mood, and even provide long-term healing effects. In fact, experts like Kathy Willis, a professor of biodiversity, talk about the "direct link between your sense of sight and recovery rate," and argue that this practice could become a legitimate part of medical treatment, offering an alternative to traditional therapies.
Explore this gallery to learn more about forest bathing and how time spent in nature could help you feel better—inside and out.