The Japanese Practice of Forest Bathing...
London, January 2025
Written by Alex Bäuml
- An inspiring quote from William Blake that is very near and dear to our hearts: The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing which stands in the way. Some see nature all ridicule and deformity, and by these I shall not regulate my proportions; and some scarce see nature at all. But to the eyes of the man of imagination, nature is imagination itself. As a man is, so he sees.
Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing”, is a Japanese practice that encourages individuals to immerse themselves in nature to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is the act of walking slowly through the forest while consciously engaging our five senses, calming our minds and bodies, and nurturing our health.
Developed in the 1980s in response to rapid urbanization and technological advancements in Japan, shinrin-yoku emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of spending time in forests. We instinctively know that being in nature makes us feel relaxed, and forest bathing clarifies these intuitive effects through scientific research.
We were introduced to the phrase “forest bathing” by Dr. Yoshifumi Miyazaki in his enlightening book Walking in the Woods: Go Back to Nature with the Japanese Way of Shinrin-yoku. The essence of shinrin-yoku lies in engaging all five senses while wandering through the forest. Participants are encouraged to listen to the sounds of nature, appreciate the beauty around them, and breathe in the fresh air rich in phytoncides — natural compounds released by trees known to boost immune function and reduce stress levels. We realised then that we had been avid practitioners of forest bathing long before we even knew that there was a term for what we were experiencing.
This prompted us to ponder on what other intrinsic and natural practices we engage in that are official named and performed customs somewhere else in the world. We therefore have a special gratitude for shinrin-yoku, for opening our eyes, ears, and hearts to all the possibilities of well-being across cultures, continents and languages.Studies indicate that spending just a few hours in a forest can lead to significant improvements in psychological well-being. Being present in nature fosters mindfulness, allows individuals to disconnect from stress and connect to the world.
The health benefits of shinrin-yoku include:
- Boosting immune system functioning
- Lower cortisol levels
- Reducing stress levels, anxiety, and depression
- Regulating the nervous system
- Enhancing focus and concentration
- Increasing energy levels
- Improving sleep quality
The compelling scientific research and observed results led the Japanese government to incorporate it as a cornerstone of mainstream preventative healthcare, resulting in the creation of 64 designated “healing forests” to highlight the positive effects of nature on public health.
One uniquely wonderful aspect of shinrin-yoku is its physiological adjustment effect, meaning that the practice has individualized effects. For example, a person with high blood pressure may experience a decrease in blood pressure, while someone with low blood pressure might experience an increase.
Having held our own forest bathing sessions as itmotf Experiences, we have felt firsthand the deep peace, genuine nourishment, and profound wonder. Our hosted experiences have been filled with ample moments of joy, reflection, gratitude, and extraordinary communion with nature, and with each other. We are incredibly thankful for the opportunity to have shared this practice with our community and we excitedly look forward to continuing these Experiences.
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