Forest Bathing

The sun winking through a thousand shades of green, the refreshing pine scents, the healing energy of trees and water… Spending time in this fascinating ambiance of the forest, in other words, in the heart of mother nature, is a sincerely valuable therapy that can awaken our senses and refresh our beings.

Forests, also called the “lungs” of the planet, have been breathing life to our bodies for millions of years. And ostensibly, their support is not just supplying us with oxygen. Indeed, these micro ecosystems, each being another gem of nature, also contribute to our lives by carrying us to the serene flow of the present, helping our bodies relax and our souls unwind, and our minds to realize the knots hidden inside our conscious with their wisdom. And experiencing the therapeutic effects of these ecosystems is called Shinrin-Yoku, or Forest Bathing in the wellbeing universe… Now, let’s explore this therapy more closely.

What is Forest Bathing?

We can define forest bathing, which derives from the expressions “shinrin” meaning “forest” and “yoku”, which stands for “bath” in Japan, as taken in the forest atmosphere through all senses. Put it more broadly, we can say forest bathing is a therapy where we mindfully immerse ourselves in nature to help purify our physical, mental and spiritual health from the negative effects of urban life including stress, air and noise pollution.

Should we think of it as a physical activity, we can compare forest bathing to a kind of hiking trip in the forest. However, this activity must not be confused with other outdoor exercises which generally include activities to increase our adrenaline and blood pressure levels, for purposes like strengthening our muscles and accelerating our digestion. On the contrary, a Forest Bathing therapy is meant to invite us to walk aimlessly and unhurriedly by being aware of the present time, to take deep and meditative breaths and lower our blood pressure, and to meet with our own inner selves in the heart of nature. So much so that sometimes slowing down and pausing – leaning against a tree or sitting on the grass – can be of greater importance and value than walking itself.

Where, how and for how long we will forest bath are also essential parts of the practice. The forests that we will ‘soak in’ should first of all have sufficient biodiversity and different water resources to appeal to all of our senses of sight, touch, smell, taste and hearing. It should also be as far away as possible from sound, soil and air pollution. Its paths should be safe and suitable for trekking. And it should allow us to be “exposed” to nature for at least two hours, which is deemed the needed minimum duration to be able to absorb its benefits, as per scientific studies.

Forest bathing requires us to stay away from all stimulating factors of modern life, including techno-social elements, too. Meaning, we should at least mute our mobile phones and forget about their existence for a while and also leave our cameras at home until another trip.

Let us further remind you that experts advise you to forest bath with the guidance of forest therapists who are members of the international Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT).

Benefits

Forest bathing offers many benefits going beyond relaxing our muscles, each having been proven by scientific studies;

Strengthens our immunity. Trees and plants emit aromatic oils called phytoncides into the air to protect themselves from germs and pathogens. According to scientific research, inhaling phytoncides for at least two hours increases the number and activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells and anti-cancer proteins, including perforin, granulysin and granzymes A/B. Moreover, forest bathing for two days and regularly helps protect these immune cells even during the next month.

Improves our mood. Many scientific studies have found that forest bathing reduces negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, and anger by lowering our blood pressure and stress-related cortisol and adrenaline levels, and instead increases feelings of vitality and compassion. In fact, it’s been deduced that the higher the stress level, the greater the positive effects of forest bathing would be!

Enables us to focus and do so mindfully. The stressful routines of city life can drain our minds, driving us into Directed Attention Fatigue. Forest bathing, on the other hand, interrupts the exhausting mechanical functions of our brain and aids us to concentrate on the colors, actions, sounds and smells of nature. This encourages us to clear our minds from the toxic thoughts that have somehow turned into a vicious cycle, and to focus our thoughts and feelings more clearly and patiently on the things that we need to pay attention to.

Contributes to reducing pain and our speed of recovery. According to a study conducted at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, watching nature scenes and listening to their sounds can help reduce pain even in an operation as severe as a bone marrow biopsy. It has also been observed that patients who stay in rooms with forest view recover faster than others, with fewer postoperative complications.

A Few Examples of Spa & Wellbeing Centers Where You Can Experience Forest Bath

This eco-therapy type, which was recommended by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, in 1982 and adopted since then as a lifestyle in Japan is now acknowledged and especially after the pandemic, is being increasingly practiced throughout the world. Nowadays, you may in fact experience a forest bathing trip in the guidance of forest therapists at many Spa & Wellbeing centers all around the world. That way, you may find it easier and more feasible to cross the “Threshold of Incorporation” and transit from the timeless dimension of the forest to the ordinary course of daily life,  thanks to the social activities such as tea rituals organized by your spa at the end of your trip.

NG Sapanca, Turkey

Offering spa treatments with the mission of “sharing not just a therapy, but the code of a good life” at its Aliva Spa area, NG Sapanca has been organizing meditative forest bathing walks in Sapanca forests with the view of Sapanca Lake since 2017, accompanied by its expert therapist.

 Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam

As a fruit of the cooperation with the GreenViet Center for Biodiversity Conservation bridged by the hotel’s resident biologist Le Quoc Thuong, Six Senses organizes forest bathing excursions during which you can not only enjoy the dazzling mountain views but also get to chance upon the endangered langurs who are under the protection of the hotel.

Okcs Retreat Iki Kairi, Japan

Offering a wide range of spa treatments with the healing of the natural hot spring waters of the lush Iki Island, Iki Kairi can be an interesting choice for those who want to experience more authentic forest therapies such as firefly tours and astronomy lessons under the guidance of the hotel’s naturalist, Hisashi Okubo.

Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa, UK

At Armathwaite Hall in Keswisk, residing in the World Heritage site Lake District, you may, in addition to amazing spa treatments, also experience a forest bathing therapy starting with a reflecting meditation session and continuing with the view of stunning Bassenthwaite Lake led by the hotel’s expert therapists, under two-hour or two-night programs.

We hope you include this precious therapy, taking place in the heart of mother nature, in your self-care rituals. Meet you again in articles on different treatments and therapies…