Forest Bathing Benefits: Nature’s Way to Rejuvenate the Mind and Body

The concept of forest bathing originated in Japan in the 1980s and the Japanese term for it is shinrin-yoku, where shinrin means forest and yoku means bath. The term was coined in 1982 by Tomohide Akiyama, the Director of Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries at that time. Forest bathing is the practice of immersing yourself in a forest or a natural setting and mindfully experiencing nature through all your senses. It was started by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as a part of the public health initiative to promote the health benefits of spending time in a natural environment. The purpose of promoting this practice was to boost overall wellness in society. Here is more about the history of forest bathing, how to practice it and its amazing benefits on overall health.

Forest Bathing History and Facts

Forest Bathing Benefits

  • The country of origin of forest bathing is Japan, but the practice has garnered popularity in many parts of the world, and is known by different names. It is particularly popular in California, United States.
  • The idea behind forest bathing can be traced back to very olden times. Pliny the Elder, a Roman author and naturalist has said that the smell of the coniferous forests can help those with illness to achieve a good recovery.
  • During the Middle Ages, terpenoids present in the forest atmosphere were used to treat certain diseases, thus harnessing the forests for wellness.
  • In the 19th century, other countries like Japan, Finland and United States promoted forest therapy as a practice that benefits overall health.
  • The Finnish Forest Association and Finnish Forest Therapy Centre encourages forest therapy and gives organized activities to forest goers.
  • Tomohide Akiyama knew about the studies which concluded that forest bathing was therapeutic, and he knew of the findings in which phytoncides and essential oils emitted by certain plants and trees were seen to have positive effects on health. So, he established shinrin yoku as a recognized practice, promoted its benefits and set guidelines for its systematic implementation.
  • In 2009, the Korea Forest Service opened Saneum National Recreational Forest, the first therapeutic forest, and since then till 2020, they have opened 32 therapeutic forests in the region.
  • The US Forest Service promoted forest therapy and there are certified guides for the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, who conduct 2-hour sessions in Peurto Rico’s EI Yunque Rainforest.
  • Simply put, forest bathing is the practice of soaking in nature while breathing deeply and people of all age groups (children and adults) can use it as a tool to de-stress and boost overall health.

How to Practice Forest Bathing

Forest Bathing Benefits

Most people think of forest bathing as taking a walk in a forest, while some others think of it as swimming in a lake in the wild. However, traveling through a forest or engaging in some sport or other activity in a forest setting may not necessarily be forest bathing. In the practice of forest bathing, you should be present in a forest or a natural environment, and take a multisensory experience of nature. Totally immersed in the natural setting that you are in, you should absorb the peaceful and positive vibe it exudes.

Forest bathing can include hugging a tree (wrapping your arms around a tree), touching the bark or leaves, smelling the leaves or flowers, listening to the sounds of birds, insects or the rustling of leaves, tasting the crisp air while breathing, or just observing the trees of different types and heights, thus appreciating nature’s beauty and tranquillity. It is about establishing communication with nature through all your senses, and mindfully immersing in the forest experience.

Benefits of Forest Bathing

Forest Bathing Benefits

  • In some studies conducted to test the health benefits of forest bathing, it has been found that participants experienced a decrease in pulse rate, reduction in blood pressure, and lowered cortisol levels, after walking in a forest for some hours.
  • In some experiments conducted to see the benefits of forest bathing, it has been found that the practice can lead to increased natural killer cells (NK cells) that are useful in fighting infections, thus boosting the immune system.
  • It has been observed that inhaling the air in a forest setting increases the uptake of negative ions in air, which help enhance health, uplift the mood and lead to better cognitive functioning and higher energy levels.
  • The fresh air and natural beauty in a forest setting can help you get rid of tiredness and increase vitality. Forest bathing can help you feel rejuvenated and full of energy.
  • Inhaling the phytoncides and organic compounds emitted by trees, improves respiratory system function and may reduce the symptoms of asthma.
  • The natural surroundings can boost your mood, reduce negative feelings and thus improve your mental state.
  • Soaking in the positive energy of a natural environment such as a forest has been linked with increased concentration and creativity. It can help improve focus and enhance problem-solving skills.
  • Spending time in the forest lets you slow down, gives you a break from your busy schedule, takes you away from the noise in an urban setting and due to the absence of information bombarding your senses, you feel refreshed.

Is Forest Bathing Same as Forest Therapy?

No, they are different. Forest therapy is intended to serve as an adjunct to conventional treatment for certain diseases, and is administered by a trained practitioner. It includes the application of certain techniques to use nature as a therapeutic tool. Forest therapy is a nature-based intervention that aims to improve an individual’s physical, mental and social health using nature as a tool.

While giving forest therapy to an individual, the practitioner takes into consideration, the individual’s physical health, mental state and social setting and includes activities of communication with nature, as also mindfulness and expressive arts, as part of the treatment.

So, while forest bathing is a practice that harnesses nature’s power for stress relief and improved mental well-being, forest therapy is led by a practitioner and employs nature as a therapeutic tool.

The common link between forest bathing and forest therapy is the tranquil vibe experienced in the proximity of nature which is used to boost wellness. This was an overview of the facts about forest bathing and the health benefits of this practice. Come to think of it, a forest gives you an ideal environment to self-introspect, spend some time with yourself and meditate in the serene greens, thus proving to be an ultimate revitalizer. Being in a forest and experiencing the energies there through all your senses can be a great way to rejuvenate your mind and body. When in a forest, you are surrounded by clean air, and wrapped in golden silence, observing the beautiful colours in nature’s palette. You experience nature’s abundance and purity and bathe in its calm. You come out filled with positivity and gratitude. That’s the magical power of forest bathing.

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