What is Forest Bathing / Shinrin-yoku?
"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better".
Albert Einstein
Shinrin-yoku is a term that means "taking in the forest atmosphere" or "forest bathing" was developed in Japan during the 1980s and has become a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine.
Shinrin Yoku is an evidence-based approach to encouraging people to engage with the natural world – particularly trees, and demonstrating through clinical testing and research the physical and immunological benefits of contact with Nature.
This is not exercise, hiking, or jogging. It is simply being in nature, connecting with it through our senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. Shinrin-yoku is like a bridge. By opening our senses, it bridges the gap between us and the natural world.
Watch a short film by the World Economic Forum on What is Japanese “Forest Bathing” and how it can improve your health.
The scientifically-proven benefits of Shinrin-yoku include:
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Boosted immune system functioning, with an increase in the count of the body's Natural Killer (NK) cells.
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Reduced blood pressure
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Reduced stress
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Improved mood
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Increased ability to focus, even in children with ADHD
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Accelerated recovery from surgery or illness
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Increased energy level
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Improved sleep
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We combine Forest Bathing (Shinrin Yoku) practices with creative and mindfulness exercises, helping to build a deeper connection with yourself and the wider natural world. Come and try it for yourself.
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Deborah holds a Diploma in Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing) from the International Society of Nature & Forest Medicine.
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