A slow walk through the woods listening to the birds, watching a fish swim through the rippling water, smelling fragrant lavender and touching a pinecone, well, that nature walk sounds a lot like forest bathing.The term “forest bathing” emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a physiological and psychological exercise called shinrin-yoku, which means “forest bathing” or “taking in the forest atmosphere.”
According to National Geographic:
“In the 1990s, researchers began studying the physiological benefits of forest bathing, providing the science to support what we innately know: time spent immersed in nature is good for us. While Japan is credited with the term “shinrin-yoku” the concept at the heart of the practice is not new. Many cultures have long recognized the importance of the natural world to human health.”
Today many parks and nature and wellness centers offer guided forest bathing or forest therapy walks with trained facilitators such as Brian Joyner, groundskeeper at Kendal at Oberlin.
“I’m a nature enthusiast,” says Brian, who brought his enthusiasm to Kendal last year and recently led a forest bathing program in the Courtyard Garden, home to colorful plants, birds, butterflies and a pond.
“Forest bathing slows you down. Even when I facilitate, I slow down and become more grounded,” says Brian, who is leading two forest bathing programs at Miller Nature Preserve in Avon next month.
Long-time resident Nancy Garver signed up because she was curious, “It was a relaxing hour that swiftly went by and a true delight of guided thoughts in one of Kendal’s most beautiful places. I would do it again,” Nancy says.
Research has found that practicing mindfulness, or being in the present moment, can help reduce stress and anxiety, and being in nature can boost our mental and physical health, so mindfully walking in the forests has the ability to calm and nurture us.
While researchers conducting studies specifically on forest bathing say there isn’t enough data to come to any firm conclusions, the research that does exist is promising, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Studies have found that forest bathing:
“Forest therapy can have a positive impact on the oxygen levels in your brain,” explains Cleveland Clinic clinical psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD. “That’s because you’re surrounded by trees and vegetation that engage in photosynthesis. The result: Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the air. As you breathe in the fresh air within a forest, you’re inhaling oxygen-rich air, which can support proper oxygenation of your blood and subsequently benefit your brain function.”
Rachel Duncan, Kendal grounds manager, was excited to learn of Brian’s passion for forest bathing.
“The health benefits of being surrounded by trees and green spaces are well documented by tens of thousands of published articles! When I first learned of Forest Bathing I knew immediately that it would be a fabulous program for our community. It fits in beautifully with our arboretum and designation as a Tree Campus Healthcare facility,” she says.
If you want to learn more about forest bathing Brian suggests picking up a copy of “Your Guide to Forest Bathing: Experience the Healing Power of Nature” by M. Amos Clifford, founder of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs.
Here are some DIY tips for forest bathing from Forestry England: