Forest Bathing

Current scientific findings are illuminating what humans intuitively know: nature has great benefits for the human brain and this is shown through increased happiness, health/well-being and cognition. Shinrin-Yoku, translated into English as ‘forest bathing', means taking in the forest atmosphere during a leisurely walk. It is a therapy that was developed in Japan during the 1980s, becoming a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine. 

SY is a traditional Japanese practice of immersing oneself in nature by mindfully using all five senses. During the 1980s, SY surfaced in Japan as a pivotal part of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine. The reported research findings associated with the healing components of SY specifically concern the therapeutic effects on: (1) the immune system function (increase in natural killer cells/cancer prevention); (2) cardiovascular system (hypertension/coronary artery disease); (3) the respiratory system (allergies and respiratory disease); (4) depression and anxiety (mood disorders and stress); (5) mental relaxation (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and; (6) human feelings of “awe” (increase in gratitude and selflessness).

Researchers, primarily in Japan and South Korea, have conducted studies on the health benefits of spending time amongst the trees, demonstrating that forest bathing positively creates calming neuro-psychological effects through changes in the nervous system, reducing the stress hormone cortisol and boosting the immune system. 

Every study conducted so far has demonstrated reductions in stress, anger, anxiety, depression and sleeplessness amongst the participants. In fact after just 15 minutes of forest bathing blood pressure drops, stress levels are reduced and concentration and mental clarity improve. Individuals living and interacting in green spaces (GS) report being more energetic, in good overall health and, have more of a sense of meaningful purpose in life.

There are now 44 accredited Shinrin-Yoku forests in Japan, with the research conducted helping to establish Shinrin-Yoku and forest therapy throughout the world. 

 5 Steps of Forest Bathing

  • Leave behind your phone, camera or any other distractions, so that you can be fully present in the experience. 

  • Leave behind your goals and expectations. Wander aimlessly, allowing your body to take you wherever it wants. 

  • Pause from time to time, to look more closely at a leaf or notice the sensation of the path beneath your feet. 

  • Find a spot to take a seat and listen to the sounds around you.

  • If you go with others, make an agreement to resist talking until the end of the walk, when you could gather to share your experiences.

 Forest Bathing in New York 

 https://www.urbanedgeforesttherapy.com/

https://www.vimbly.com/guide/nyc-explore-activities/nyc-forest-bathing-outdoors-adventure

https://www.culturedforest.com/

https://thedyrt.com/camping/new-york/harriman-state-park-ny

References

Paul B. Tchounwou et al.,    Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2016 Aug; 13(8): 781.Physiological Effects of Nature Therapy: A Review of the Research in Japan.

Hansen MM, Jones R and Tocchini L. Int J Environ Res Public Health2017 Jul 28;14(8):851. Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review.