What is Forest Therapy?
Forest therapy was developed based on the original Japanese practice of forest bathing (also known as Shinrin Yoku). In the 1980’s the Japanese began noticing an increase in diseases like cancer, diabetes and a decline in mental health. They made the correlation when the boom in technology-related careers led many to work at a computer indoors day to day. They began researching the benefits of spending time in nature and found that through the practice of forest bathing, many began to see a reduction in these health conditions.
Forest therapy is a slow wander through the forest using guided invitations to reconnect with yourself and nature. These guided walks are generally 2-3 hours in length and involve no more than 1 mile of walking. Your guide will walk you through a practice that allows you to slow down, engage in your senses and notice the things we often miss when we are hiking to a destination. These walks can be adapted for those with mobility needs and are usually on an easy trail. In between invitations we will gather and explore your experiences in a way that feels most comfortable and safe for you.
Benefits
Research has shown the following benefits of engaging in forest bathing:
-Increased immune function:
While spending time in nature, we naturally breathe in an organic compound produced from the trees called phytoncides. Phytoncides increase our NK (white blood) cells which help to fight off diseases such as cancer.
-Lowered blood pressure:
Research has shown that spending time in nature can naturally lower blood pressure levels. Studies done on forest bathing checked an individual’s blood pressure both before and after and showed a marked decrease after spending time slowing down in nature.
-Lower stress levels: Forest bathing helps to lower cortisol levels, the stress causing hormone. Cortisol is responsible for increasing inflammation levels and therefore diseases in the body. By engaging in sensory invitations in nature, our minds tend to relax and feel soothed, allowing us to lower stress levels.
-Improved mood
In addition to physical health improvements, forest bathing has been shown to lower anxiety and depression levels, naturally leading to improved moods and a sense of calmness. -improved quality of sleep
Spending time in nature also improves the quality and length of sleep by naturally regulating our circadian rhythms.