Have you ever heard of “forest bathing”?
I have to confess that the first time I heard of ‘forest bathing’ I thought it had to do with finding a forest (obviously) with some kind of water feature (i.e. a lake or very large stream) and going for a swim, hopeful that an encounter with the Loch Ness Monster was not on the cards.
Obviously, I was completely wrong….
Health benefits
As a medical herbalist, I’m a big believer in the healing power of nature. Spending time in green spaces has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, boost immune function, and improve mood. In fact, some studies have even found that forest bathing can increase natural killer cells, which help the body fight off viruses and cancer.
There is some clinical evidence that suggests that forest bathing can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, improve mood, and decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, spending time in nature can also lower blood pressure, improve heart rate variability, and boost the immune system. Interestingly, a pilot study by Song et al. (2015) suggests a walk in the forest environment has a ‘physiological regulation effect’ on blood pressure and pulse compared to walking in the urban environment. The authors also suggest that this might be because from an evolutionary perspective, humans are ‘made for nature’; meaning that direct contact with nature causes a decrease in any pre-existing stress.
It is important to note that the studies on forest bathing are still in the early stages and more research is needed to understand the full extent of its benefits and how it works. However, the research that has been done so far suggests that spending time in nature can have a positive impact on mental and physical health. But I think we all instinctively know how beneficial being out in nature can be for our health and well being!
But what exactly is forest bathing, and how do you do it?
It’s pretty simple, really. Just find a quiet, wooded area and take a leisurely stroll. Don’t focus on reaching a destination or getting exercise – just let your senses take in the surroundings. Breathe in the fresh air, listen to the birds chirping, feel the sun on your skin, and notice the colors and textures of the plants and trees.
If you really want to maximize the benefits of forest bathing, you can even try some mindfulness practices. Focus on your breath and try to let go of any worries or distractions. Pay attention to the sensations in your body and how they’re affected by the environment around you. You might even try meditating under a tree or doing some gentle yoga poses on the forest floor.
So, the next time you’re feeling stressed or anxious, consider taking a trip to the woods. As John Muir said, “The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness.” And who knows, you might just find that your mind, body, and spirit feel a little more at ease after a forest bath.
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If you have any questions please contact me: Laura Robinson, MSc, BSc(Hons), Dip.Herb.Med., MNIMH
Telephone/Whatsapp: +44 (0)7985 923707, Email: herbalscienceltd@gmail.com
Song, C., Ikei, H and Miyazaki, Y. (2015). Elucidation of a physicological adjustment effect in a forest environment: a pilot study. [pdf] Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4410245/pdf/ijerph-12-04247.pdf [Accessed 07 January 2023].