“Forest bathing” or “shinrin-yoku”, a Japanese term for taking an immersive stroll in the woods, has become increasingly popular as a way of benefiting from the healing effects of nature. Encouraged by the Japanese government in the 1980s as a way of preventing lifestyle diseases and encouraging forest conservation, there is now a plethora of research on its benefits.92 These include renewed vitality, strengthened immunity, weight loss, longevity and greater levels of peace and happiness. The evidence is now so overwhelming that many countries are following suit and encouraging doctors to prescribe forest bathing as a preventative medicine to cut healthcare costs.
So, what exactly is behind the secret power of trees to make us feel so much healthier and happier? One answer is “phytoncides”. Trees give off scents from the essential oils they produce to protect them from bacteria, insects and fungi. When we take a walk in the woods, the fragrance of the forest does all sorts of wonderful things to our bodies. Firstly, inhaling phytoncides calms us down by activating the vagus nerves (the main nerves of the parasympathetic nervous system). Secondly, it boosts the immune system and increases cancer-fighting “natural killer” (NK) cells. In fact, studies have found that NK cells are higher for weeks after just a couple of walks in the woods. Other research has found that even the simple act of infusing a room with essential oils such as sandalwood, cedarwood or eucalyptus has a similar effect as being in a forest. There is real science behind these benefits and a chemical basis for the calming effects of nature.
In tandem with these health benefits, there is a spiritual element to “shinrin-yoku”, as forest bathers become more mindful of the subtleties of nature. The idea of forest bathing is to take in the serene atmosphere and use all five senses to perceive the delicacies around you—the colours of the leaves, the sounds of birdsong, the touch of the grass on your feet, the fragrance in the air, the flavours of forest fruits. This kind of “present moment” awareness is a way of slowing your mind down, leading to greater calmness, mental clarity and a sense of connectedness. These kinds of nature experiences have been encouraged by spiritual teachers for millennia. Today, alternative healers, mindfulness practitioners, nature-based therapists and shamanic healers encourage people to feel more connected to nature and to themselves by perceiving their environment in a more immersive, spiritually uplifting way, thus fostering an awareness of the sacredness of life.
Comments