{"id":15329,"date":"2019-08-01T15:41:57","date_gmt":"2019-08-01T19:41:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/?p=15329"},"modified":"2024-07-10T14:00:27","modified_gmt":"2024-07-10T18:00:27","slug":"forest-bathing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/forest-bathing\/","title":{"rendered":"Forest Bathing – A natural prescription"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Spending time in nature can boost your energy levels<\/a>. We can take the benefits of nature a step further.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shinrin Yoku – taking in the forest atmosphere<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Forest bathing is not all that new, but maybe new to you. \u201cShinrin-yoku is a term that means \u2018taking in the forest atmosphere\u2019 or \u2018forest bathing.\u2019 It was developed in Japan during the 1980s and has become a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine. Researchers primarily in Japan and South Korea have established a robust body of scientific literature on the health benefits of spending time under the canopy of a living forest<\/strong>. Now their research is helping to establish Shinrin-yoku and forest therapy throughout the world.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is forest bathing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are wondering what forest bathing is<\/strong>, or how it differs from hiking in the woods, the best description I have found was written by author, Rona Berg<\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Forest bathing is magical and medicinal<\/em>. The point is to slow down and pay attention, to become attuned to nature. It is not hiking; it is not a workout; it is not striding purposefully toward a two- or four- or eight-mile marker. It is about being mindful, in the moment, feeling the roughness of bark and snapping twigs, inhaling the forest smells, heightening awareness of your surroundings, appreciating nature and absorbing the peace that can be found there. It is cleansing, in a metaphysical way, and offers tangible, physical benefits. It creates the sense that new beginnings are possible as every bud, lichen, and bit of new growth in the forest makes you feel reborn or at least evokes the feeling that you can begin again where you are.\u201d writes Rona Berg after a <\/span>Forest Bathing experience<\/span><\/a> at <\/span>Blackberry Farm<\/span><\/a> near Knoxville, Tennessee.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Reading her take on Forest Bathing made me crave time in the woods<\/strong>. Magical. Medicinal. I agree.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children are natural forest bathers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As a child, I spent long hours in the woods behind my home. Playing with my dog \u201cUno\u201d or watching at the forest bed. Taking off my shoes to plant my feet on the moss, lying on rocks, watching clouds, and just breathing in the fresh-cut hay. My cousins and I spent many afternoons and weekends building homes with fallen branches, sweeping pine needles from rocks, and skipping stones across the pond.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyone can benefit from Forest Bathing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Japanese have known for years that spending mindful time in the woods is beneficial for body and soul. Now western doctors \u2013 and royals \u2013 agree\u201d says Harriet Sherwood in the article <\/span>Getting back to nature: how forest bathing can make us feel better<\/span><\/a>. Apparently, the <\/span>Duchess of Cambridge often indulges herself in Forest Bathing<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Back to Nature<\/span><\/a>, was, according to her co-designers, inspired by \u201cforest bathing<\/em>\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, you see? Even those with everything partake in nature therapy! I've always said self-care doesn't have to be expensive<\/a> and it doesn't need to involve a spa!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forest Bathing – A natural prescription for the stressed out, overwhelmed, and anxious<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health Benefits Associated with Forest Bathing<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe <\/span>Japanese practice of forest bathing<\/span><\/a> is proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress hormone production, boost the immune system, and improve overall feelings of wellbeing.\u201d Does this even come as a surprise anymore, considering that most of us spend the majority of our time squared in by four walls <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are constantly recharging our phones; rarely recharging ourselves. No wonder we are so often fatigued and in a sad state of mind!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBeing in nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality, refresh and rejuvenate us…even a small amount of time in nature can impact our health. A two-hour forest bath will help you to unplug from technology and slow down. It will bring you into the present moment and de-stress and relax you.\u201d According to the article \u2018<\/span>Forest Bathing\u2019 Is Great for Your Health. Here\u2019s How to Do It\u00a0<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"ForestMore benefits of <\/span>Exposure to forests and trees<\/span><\/a>:<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n