Forest Bathing: the Benefits of a Walk in the Woods

Forest Therapy or Nature Therapy consists of calmly, relaxed, and contemplatively immersion in nature.

The purpose of the walk in the forest is to experience deep contact with nature and with yourself while enjoying the beneficial effects a natural environment has on the body.

Spending time immersed in clean air, in the greenery, and in the coolness of trees and plants provide both physical, mental, and emotional benefits.

Origin of the Forest Bathing

The Shinrin-Yoku practice was developed in Japan in the 1980s, was promoted with major investments by the government after realizing the positive impact this practice had on people.

As reported by the president of the Forest Medicine Society in Japan and author of the book “Shinrin-Yoku: The Art and Science of Forest Bathing”, Dr. Qing Li, “Shinrin-Yoku is in effect a preventive medicine.”

The main reason forest therapy has success is that, despite being “designed” to live in contact with nature, we spend most of our time indoors, depriving ourselves of the benefits that only being outdoors can give us. That’s what Forest Bathing does, reconnect us to nature.

Forest Bathing isn’t just strolling across the woods, but walking consciously, for at least a couple of hours, enjoying the sensations around us like sounds, smells, and appreciating the calm of the forest.

The Shirin-Yoku practice allows people to free the mind. It enables the body to relax thanks to the combination of gentle movements and precise breathing and meditation techniques that oxygenate the body.

After its enormous success in Japan, where today counts about 5 million practitioners, Forest Bathing spread all over the globe, starting with Eastern countries like Thailand and Korea, to the Western continent of Europe and America.

The benefits of Forest Bathing

According to Tokyo’s Nippon Medical School studies, a clear difference emerged between those who usually walk in the city or a forested environment.

Those who walk in the woods are less stressed, depressed, or with hostile attitudes towards others. Forest Bathing seems to increase their level of mental relaxation and facilitating the approach to life itself.

Other studies have shown how the practice of forest bathing has a strong influence on NK, or lymphocytes, also called “natural killer” present in the immune system, whose in charge to control and block viruses and cancer cells, thanks to the substances released by the trees, the monoterpenes.

Taking some time to chill in the woods also has several other benefits related to physical activity and the time spent away from stressful situations like work.

For example, walking in the forest:

• helps develop creativity;
• improves muscle-strength;
• improves body oxygenation;
• increases respiratory capacity;
• increases in cardiovascular functions;
• improves heart rate and blood pressure regulation;
• increases the ability to concentrate;
• reduces the levels of stress or fatigue;
• improves of mood and self-perception;
• helps to prevent and to reduce depression.

Tips and advice to enjoy Forest Bathing

The best time to try Forest Bathing is summer, when many broad-leaved trees, pines, and firs, which are great allies of the respiratory system, are at the peak of their seasonal development and naturally release most beneficial essences.

Before jumping into a Nature Therapy adventure, make sure to wear suitable clothing and footwear. Gather information about the forest you are visiting and see if guided activities can help you make the most out of your experience.

Forest bathing is also a great activity to meet new people or bond with friends and family members for a unique experience in the nature that children will appreciate too.

Don’t forget to respect nature, no trash in the wilds or damaging plants, and enjoy your bath in the forest!