ABOUT

Forest Therapy

 Shinrin Yoku is also known as Forest Bathing, Forest Immersion, Forest Therapy. Different cultures use different terms. The aim is to immerse oneself in the forest to improve mental and physical well-being. Decades of studies have proven that Forest Therapy has therapeutic benefits. In many Asian countries, Shinrin Yoku therapy is recognised as a preventive medicine for stress related illnesses.

Forest therapy combines mindfulness techniques with the therapeutic benefits of nature.

Shinrin Yoku

  • Origin

    The disconnection with the natural environment was first recognised by Japan in the 1980s. In response to the ill effects of nature deprivation, and the need to protect the country’s forest, Tomohide Akiyama, the Japanese minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries developed the concept of Shinrin Yoku.

  • Core Element

    Shinrin Yoku is based on the concept of reciprocity. As people receive benefits from the forest, they develop a relationship with their environment which spikes their desire to protect it.

    Nature Forest Therapy Walk aims to develop a sense of being and belonging. It differs from nature walk, bush walking, societal walk or meditation walk. You journey quietly mindfully along a path, in attunement to nature.

  • Benefits

    Nature Forest Therapy benefits are actually backed up by science. A two-hour nature forest walk is the minimum to benefit as follows:

    • Reduce blood pressure

    • Reduce cortisol levels

    • Temper inflammation

    • Enhance the immune response

    • and more …

  • Principles

    When walking in a forest, you breathe the air which contains natural particles released by trees. These particles are called phytoncides or terpenes. They are the greatest treasure of the forest. They have many medicinal properties.

  • Who should join

    Everyone benefits from nature forest walks, especially if you feel anxious, worried, depressed, overwhelmed, or over-stressed.

    Regardless of your fitness or ability to walk, you can do it. You only need a willingness to slow down, and experiment with your senses.

  • When to practice

    • Any day of the year

    • On a rainy or sunny day

    • Easily accessible

    • Anywhere with trees

    • No equipment required

    • Free to access

Services

More On Benefits

Living in a stressful environment has consequences on the body and mind. Stress is the leading cause of a number of health problems, even leading to premature death. Stress leads to a built-in physiologic response to threats. Similarly being immersed in nature also brings about a physiologic response.

Research indicates that exposure to phytoncide particles (emitted by trees) help

  • Calm the nervous system

  • Enhance the mood

  • Increase energy level creating a positive feeling

  • Lift depression

  • Reduce anxiety

  • Improve sleep

  • Increase the ability to focus

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Ready to take the next step? Start your well-being journey with an enriching experience. It’s time: to Be You in Nature!