Perhaps it was the provocative label that made me take note, but somehow the concept of forest bathing entered my awareness. Subtly it crept in, just an article here and a TV segment there, quiet, gentle, and very much like the subject itself.

Shinrin-yoku literally means "forest bath" but interpret that to mean being in nature, being around trees, and taking in the forest atmosphere. There is no actual bathing or nudity involved, well... unless you want it to, I suppose. I hope I didn't spoil it for you...

The Japanese government introduced the concept back in 1982 when it became part of the national public health program and Shinrin-yoku resonated with people. I get that. There is a certain emotion that comes over you when you're in a forest, more so in an old one. How do I describe it? I'm not sure that it's even possible with words, perhaps it's a calmness.

I have friends who aren't the slightest bit religious, but they need that week away in nature every summer. I call it their religion. It does something for them and they know it. We might all know it once it's pointed out. Perhaps this is the reason Japan now has 62 designated therepeutic woods, attracting 5 million visitors per year.

Now you might be thinking this is just the latest trend followed by the folks who wear Birkenstocks, eat granola, and smoke certain herbaceous weeds. It's not. What's fascinating is the amount of science going into its research, and it seems that science is proving what we have all instinctively known.

There is both a physical
and a psychological effect.

Within minutes of walking into a forest, your heart rate slows down and your blood pressure is reduced, stress hormones drop. Within an hour, symptoms of anxiety or depression improve while your heart rate is regulated. Your overall feelings of wellbeing are elevated.

I would understand your thinking this is just from exercise, but the trees are playing an important role. They emit antimicrobial oils call phytoncides. While these are designed to protect them from insects and diseases, they also help our immune system. Proponents of forest bathing also tell us your effort is not important. You can sit or walk to achieve results. Vigorous hiking and counting your steps is discouraged.

You also have fresh air. Trees, like other plant life, convert CO2 and sunlight into oxygen and they filter pollutants.

Between 2004 and 2012, the Japanese spent $4 million dollars studying the physiological and psychological effects of forest bathing. Forest Bathing seems to be catching on. A quick internet search shows it here in my community and others: "Introducing Forest Bathing," "Forest Therapy Walks,"When Nature is the Best Therapist," and "Forest Bathing Clubs." As I said, it sneaked in quietly.

On some guided walks, they pick leaves and berries to make tea at the end. That's not a necessary part. Neither is quiet contemplation. Just go for a walk.

The Japanese studies were quick to point out that you don't even have to go far. A quick trip to the city park will help you benefit from the trees and hopefully you take the opportunity to unplug while you're there. We spend far too much time behind computer screens and the chance to unplug and spend a few minutes of quiet contemplation is good for our mental health.

References

The Japanese practice of 'forest bathing' is scientifically proven to improve your health
The National Center for Biotechnology Information lists 122 full text articles, 19 scientific abstracts and citations involving Shinrin-yoku.

Images

All photos from Pixabay.com.

@kansuze