Forest Bathing Is the New Global Phenomenon in Nature Therapy

Shinrin Yoku

Shinrin Yoku means “forest bathing” or “taking in the forest atmosphere.” In 1982, the Forest Agency proposed Shrinrin Yoku as a different type of therapy which quickly took as picnicking under the cherry blossoms in April and March is a country wide pastime. Shinrin Yoku Forest Therapy combines leisurely walks underneath a forest canopy and focused meditation on capturing a deep connection with nature for mentoring.

The Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences in Japan concluded that forest environments lower concentrations of cortisol, reduce blood pressure and sympathetic nerve activity compared to city environments.

Additionally, forest bathing significantly reduces hostility and depression.  Chichibu-Tama-Kai is an ideal place to put practice  Shinrin Yoku as the mountainous landscape has the largest concentration of evergreen trees there.

Photo: Steven Depolo

Friluftsliv

Friluftsliv is a Norwegian word that originated in 1859 and exemplifies Norway’s cultural connection with nature. In fact, it may play a part in Norwegian’s overall happiness as Norway is the second happiest country in the world according to UN rankings. Friluftsliv translates to English as”free air life.” The term is associated with a way to describe a lifestyle of exploring and appreciating nature.

Photo: ersi via Pixabay

Many Norwegian high schools have a course named Friluftsliv incorporated in their school curriculum. The basic principle of Friluftsliv in the education is simple. By allowing children to play outdoors, similar to recess, forest bathing can be an elixir for kids who struggle to focus.

There is some flexibility in friluftsliv, but the consensus is that delving into nature shouldn’t be complicated. A great place to discover friluftsliv in Norway for yourself is Marka which is a vast untouched area that surrounds Orlso.

Photo: cosmospaceternal_8734 via Pixabay

Sēnlínyù

Sēnlínyù is Mandarin for “tree bathing.” Very similar to the Shinrin Yoku, the Chinese believe that a simple 40-minute brisk walk through a green canopy landscape can help subsided and reduced the infamous hormone cortisol, the stress-inducing hormone. Many trees release phytoncides which can increase the human body’s autoimmune response to infection or sickness.

Photo: cosmospaceternal_8734 via Pixabay

Additionally, the tree chemical has been proven to improve insomnia, boost energy levels, increase attention span and even lower blood pressure. It isn’t a surprise forest bathing is popular in the Mandarin culture as they are a firm believer that your environment plays a significant part in your health.

This is nature therapy at its purest – who can argue with the powers of nature to heal?

SOURCE: ECOPHILES