Forest-Bathing Anyone?

‘Shinrin-yoku’

Pictured: Sassafras, Dandenong Ranges National Park. Pic from Chris Rae Design — *Pictured: Sassafras, Dandenong Ranges National Park. Pic from* *Chris Rae Design*

In 1982 Japan launched a national health programme of ‘Shinrin-yoku’. Shinrin –yoku means spending time around trees and some people refer to it as ‘forest-bathing’ and is scientifically proven to improve your health. It’s not about jogging, working out or doing any other type of exercise outdoors, it’s just quiet contemplation near trees. Japan has been studying the physical and psychological effects of ‘forest-bathing’ and the benefits are not just about fresh air. They’ve found that trees emit oils as protection from germs and insects. These oils, called phytoncides, help our immune systems.

Studies found that forests lower our heart and blood pressure and reduce stress hormones. ‘Forest baths’ reduce depression while boosting energy. Some city-dwellers are even joining forest bathing clubs because forests are a balm for urban families, especially children and for those wanting to escape technology. Regular contact with nature really does improve our well-being and should be a cornerstone of preventive health care and maintenance in our society.

Australians are known as a nation of outsiders; citizens that love the outdoor life. While we’ve all probably known intuitively that nature is good for us, we now have scientific studies that are able to demonstrate the mechanisms behind the healing effects of simply being in wild and natural areas. I’m not talking about city parks and backyards here, I’m talking real wilderness areas. Of course if you can’t get to the forests or out into the bush, urban parks would be the next best thing.

*Pictured: Sassafras, Dandenong Ranges National Park*

The scientifically-proven benefits of Shinrin-yoku include

Boosted immune system functioning, with an increase in the count of the body's Natural Killer (NK) cells.
Reduced blood pressure
Reduced stress
Improved mood
Increased ability to focus, even in children with ADHD
Accelerated recovery from surgery or illness
Increased energy level
Improved sleep

Just as impressive are the results that we are experiencing as we make this part of our regular practice

Deeper and clearer intuition
Increased flow of energy
Increased capacity to communicate with the land and its species
Increased flow of eros/life force
Deepening of friendships
Overall increase in sense of happiness

Amplify your experience by

Choosing a forest or park with a good density of trees. For best results, trees should be a minimum of 5 metres tall on land with a tree canopy of over 10 percent and an area greater than 0.5 ha.
Absorb the forest through your five senses – smell, sight, sound, touch, and taste.
Avoid exhausting yourself. Rest if you feel tired, drink water or tea if thirsty.
Take your time. Sit and enjoy the scenery or read a book. The idea is to let the forest work its magic on you.
If possible, take a spa after the experience.
For optimum results, a two night/three day forest trip is best.
For a whole day of forest bathing, stay in the forest about four hours and walk about five kilometres. For half days, stay in the forest about two hours and walk about two and a half kilometres.