“I don’t know what I was expecting, but this was just what I needed.”
— Jenny J., forest bathing walk participant
A Tonic for Modern Life
The digital revolution has many benefits. It’s also separated many of us from our wildness. As a health journalist, I spend a lot of time in front of my laptop, so I’m always looking for ways to unplug and explore the natural world. That’s why I became a certified forest bathing (or forest therapy) guide from the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT).
Perhaps you’re like, you did what now? Let me explain.
In the 1980s, the Japanese government introduced shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) as part of a national public health initiative to address the rise in anxiety and other health conditions among the citizenry. Fast-forward and this practice has sprouted roots across the globe. It combines ancient wisdom with modern science, offering a holistic approach to improving well-being.
Healing Powers
Nature isn't just a scenic backdrop; it's an elixir for modern maladies. Drawing from the ancient wisdom of cultures worldwide, forest bathing holds that communing with nature can profoundly impact physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Ample scientific research also finds that living near or spending time in nature can improve mood and physical health, elicit positive emotions like awe, and reduce stress.
Inhaling the forest's natural compounds, called phytoncides, has been found to impact the human immune system’s natural killer (NK) cells, which release anti-cancer proteins.
Additional benefits of forest therapy include:
Stress Reduction: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and promote relaxation.
Mood Enhancement: Forest therapy can improve mood, decrease feelings of anxiety and depression, and enhance overall emotional well-being.
Immune System Boost: Phytoncides, natural compounds released by trees, are believed to have immune-boosting effects when inhaled during forest therapy.
Improved Focus and Creativity: Time in nature can enhance cognitive function, creativity, and concentration.
Better Sleep: Regular exposure to nature has been linked to improved sleep quality.
Connection with Nature: Forest therapy fosters a deeper connection with the natural world, increasing environmental awareness and appreciation.
If you prefer to verify a writer by reviewing the research yourself, check out a few of the findings.
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What Exactly Does a Forest Bathing Guide Do?
A forest bathing guide creates a container of serenity and community. They're trained facilitators who deftly lead individuals or groups into the heart of the woods, along a beach, or even remotely over Zoom or Google Meet, opening the door to a deep connection between humanity and nature.
They use the language of invitation to create space for sensory explorations and moments of reflection, crafting an experience that helps you connect with the forest and yourself.
ANFT trains students on “the Way of the Guide,” a formal program and pilgrimage into forest therapy guiding. Imagine a fertile training ground where aspiring guides learn the art of leading forest bathing sessions. They delve into the science behind it, ensure safety, and nurture the delicate connection between humankind and nature. It's where knowledge and intuition intertwine, fostering a new generation of forest therapy stewards.
Now, before you picture a therapist's couch set up amidst the trees, let's clear the air. While some might casually call forest therapy guides "therapists," it's crucial to understand that this isn't a substitute for mental health counseling. Instead, consider it a soothing therapeutic balm that complements wellness practices like yoga, meditation, or Qi Gong. The trees, flowers, birds, and squirrels won't diagnose you, but they have a unique way of working wonders for your body, mind, and spirit. The forest is the therapist. The guide merely holds space for interaction and community.
Forest = For Rest
Subscribe to my Substack to learn more about forest bathing and receive updates.
Connect with me to schedule a group forest therapy walk.
“That was such a great experience — made even better by the company we kept. Thank you for getting our day started off right.”
— Jill P., forest bathing participant
Subscribe to my Substack to learn more about forest bathing and receive updates.
Connect with me to schedule a forest therapy walk.