So-called forest bathing is one of the latest wellness trends, but it’s actually not so recent a phenomenon. The practice has its origins in Japan, when shinrin-yoku was coined in 1982 and became a part of the country’s national health regime. The concept is straightforward and involves spending some leisure time under trees, which allows the person to feel rejuvenated and refreshed.
Spending time outside to improve one’s health isn’t new; in fact, it’s an ancient concept. But forest bathing adds another layer to the idea by including a meditative, mindful approach to enjoying time in the woods.
Rather than a brisk hike, the practice involves leaving all electronics at home, and allowing the senses to become fully in tune with the surroundings, including the sounds of the birds, the wind in the trees and the feel of the earth beneath your feet.
More and more, guided tours are available to help initiate the practice. Events and organized forest bathing excursions helped people tap into this therapy. Even just a short experience can have health benefits: One study showed forest bathers showed a reduction in their systolic blood pressure from 141 mmHg down to 134 mmHg after four hours in the forest.
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