Forest Bathing Australia -The Benefits of (Shinrin-Yoku)
- Deb Carr
- Jul 6, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 20
The Benefits of Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)
Shinrin-Yoku Forest Bathingwas created in Japan in the 1980s to address overworking and related stress (and death). There's no water in this game; instead, it's entirely about travelling slowly through a forest. The goal is to use your senses to slow down and connect with nature.
Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to "forest bathing," is a practice that originated in Japan in the early 1980s as a response to the growing concerns surrounding overwork and its associated stress, which had become pervasive in Japanese society. The term was coined by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as part of a campaign to encourage people to spend more time in natural settings, particularly forests, to improve their mental and physical well-being. This initiative was particularly relevant during a time when the phenomenon of "karoshi," or death from overwork, was becoming alarmingly common, highlighting the urgent need for a remedy to the detrimental effects of a fast-paced, work-centric lifestyle.
Unlike traditional notions of bathing that might involve water and cleansing rituals, Shinrin-Yoku focuses entirely on immersing oneself in the forest environment. The practice does not require any specific equipment or preparation; instead, it encourages participants to travel slowly and mindfully through wooded areas, allowing them to fully engage their senses. The essence of forest bathing lies in the deliberate act of slowing down, taking deep breaths, and paying close attention to the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the natural world around them.
As individuals stroll through the forest, they are encouraged to notice the vibrant colours of the leaves, the rustle of branches in the wind, the earthy scent of the soil, and the subtle sounds of wildlife. This sensory engagement fosters a profound connection with nature, promoting a sense of peace and tranquility that can be difficult to achieve in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The practice is rooted in the understanding that spending time in nature can significantly reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and enhance overall emotional health.
Scientific studies have begun to support the benefits of Shinrin-Yoku Forest Bathing, revealing that spending time in forested environments can lead to reduced cortisol levels, improved mood, and even enhanced immune function. These findings underscore the importance of integrating nature into our lives, particularly in an era where urbanisation and technology often disconnect us from the natural world. Shinrin-Yoku serves not only as a therapeutic practice but also as a reminder of the intrinsic value of nature and the need for balance in our increasingly busy lives.
Shinrin-yoko Forest Bathing Australia
Here in Australia we have an abundance of national parks, rainforests, state forests and many councils have beauty nature parks to practise forest bathing.
While recognising its origins in the high-stress atmosphere of 1980s in corporate Japan, the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy has enthusiastically adopted forest bathing abroad.
Forest bathing has been demonstrated to lower blood pressure and stress levels and benefit the heart and lungs.
Shinrin-Yoku Forest bathing has several advantages, including:
Heart attack risk is reduced.
Obesity and diabetes are prevented.
More energy and a better night's sleep are two benefits.
Effects that helps improve one's mood.
Inflammation is reduced.
Skin that is clearer and more pleasant.
Muscle soreness is relieved using this product.
Anti-inflammatory properties.
What is the Process of Shinrin-Yoku Forest Bathing?
Slowing down to connect with the forest and oneself is the goal of forest bathing. Forest bathing guides who have been qualified by the organisation of nature and forest therapy are available.
The goal of forest therapy, according to this group, is to "slow down and become immersed in the natural environment."
Forest bathing can take several forms, including lying on the ground, meditating, picking forest foods, and observing the vegetation.
How Often Should You Go Forest Bathing?
The majority of the research found that people who went on forest bathing visits every one to four weeks benefited. It's best if you can go as often as possible. Positive effects were observed even in just seven days following a forest bathing trip and up to 30 days later.
Places for Forest Bathing
Select a location abundant with conifer trees, though any densely wooded area will do. Remember to bring natural mosquito repellent in summer if the forest is full of biting insects!
You can't relax if you're sweating, swiping at mosquitoes, or noisy youngsters are running around. Select a location with a pleasant temperature and minimum noise and distractions. Likewise, if you are afraid of animals or feel isolated and remote, this will not help you relax and soak up the benefits of forest bathing.
Earthing shoes can help improve the experience because the goal is to connect with the Earth and improve your surroundings' awareness. You can also remove your shoes and go barefoot, depending on the environment and circumstances. Wireless devices, mobile phone towers, and other modern-day technologies overwhelm our surroundings with electromagnetic radiation. Earthing and forest bathing allow us to re-centre our bodies and reset our natural electromagnetic fields.
If you don't have access to an entire forest, even standing beneath a single tree and deeply inhaling will improve your health to some extent. Place yourself on a healthy plot of grass. Visit a natural reserve. There's even some proof that gazing at a picture of a forest can be beneficial to your health, especially if you breathe in a woody essential oil, such as cedarwood.