Forest Therapy

Forest Therapy

Invite healing to your body and soul through building a relationship with nature

Forest therapists near you

How can forest therapy nourish you?

Forest therapy is the practice of spending time in nature with the intention of connecting with it in a way that invites healing. It involves taking the time to experience nature with the five senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch[1] and giving the forest access to our emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual being. 

This practice first originated in Japan in the 1980s[2], as a response to the public health crisis where Japanese officials turned to nature to try and counteract the dangers of stress, depression and burnout. In Japan, it is known as Shinrin-Yoku, with “shinrin” in Japanese meaning forest and “yoku” meaning bath. It is increasing in popularity worldwide, with Australian government departments promoting Forest Therapy as a means to “lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress, boost the immune system, and improve overall feelings of wellbeing[3]”.

While there are known benefits from being in nature, forest therapy is different from outdoor activities such as hiking or even bushwalking. More than simply an activity, it is intended to be a practice where one builds a partnership with nature[4] and learns to treat it with care and tenderness, instead of treating it simply as a resource from which to obtain benefits. 

The peak body for forest bathing in Australia is the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance[5] (INFTA), while an established international organisation with Australian presence is the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs[6]. Guides with INFTA certification are required to complete a six-month training course, so for a session of the best quality, choose a guide who is certified and accredited by a peak organisation. 

Benefits of forest therapy

The exposure to natural stimuli such as plants, woods, and water that comes with forest therapy is regarded as a health promotion strategy. A wealth of research verifies the psychological and physiological benefits of green spaces[7], while a 2017 literature review on forest therapy found that natural environments may facilitate positive health benefits[8] such as reduced heart rate and blood pressure, with some participants reporting a sense of safety and calm following their exposure to nature. 

This modality may also encourage improved wellbeing, given forest environments have been shown to enhance recovery from stress and fatigue which can assist in the prevention of depression and stress-related health problems[9]. Interestingly, a number of studies suggest that the benefits of forest therapy may be greater for people with known alcohol addictions[10] or depressive tendencies[11], with those with depressive tendencies showing significantly greater improvements in their mood states following the intervention. 

Forest therapy may also aid with specific conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), hypertension and mental health concerns. In elderly people with COPD, a study of forest bathing found that it reduced inflammation and stress levels[12], while other studies recommend it as an enjoyable complementary approach to controlling hypertension[13] for older adults. This was as one session recorded a reduction in the blood pressure, pulse rate and anxiety levels of those with pre-hypertension or hypertension, as well as a positive increase in mood. 

People who have been diagnosed with mental health disorders may also find forest therapy valuable. A 2019 Polish study considered the effects of Forest Therapy on people diagnosed and hospitalised with affective and psychotic disorders and reported that it had a positive effect on patients’ mental health[14]. Patients reported significantly lower levels of anxiety, depression and confusion and improved mood. 

While the majority of studies measured the immediate effects of forest therapy, a few studies considered whether it had lasting impacts and found sustained positive side effects[15]. One study reported that a reduction in blood pressure lasted for 5 days after a one-day forest therapy program, while another noted a decrease in blood pressure and an improvement in quality of life that lasted for 8 weeks after a three-day forest therapy program.

Forest therapy may assist in relieving symptoms related to:

Alcohol and drug addiction Anxiety Blood pressure Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Concentration, focus and problem solving Confidence and self-esteem Depression Energy and vitality Fatigue, burnout and exhaustion Heart conditions and heart attack Hypertension Inflammation and swelling Insomnia and sleep disorders Mental health Mobility and movement Motivation and procrastination Nervous system and neurological conditions Relaxation Respiratory and breathing issues Sadness Schizophrenia and psychosis Stress and tension Weight control and obesity Show all

What to expect from a forest bathing session 

Forest therapy can be enjoyed individually, or in groups with a guide, and the structure and activities that will be done differs based on the guide. A basic session usually lasts for a few hours, while some places offer forest therapy as part of a multi-day program. 

Generally, forest therapy includes activities such as walking through the forest at a gentle and steady pace, viewing and soaking in the landscape and actively noticing your surroundings. Your guide may lead you in relaxation, breathing or mindfulness activities, and invite you to take a seat in the forest to be still and cultivate awareness[16]. Some guided sessions may also include a sharing component, where participants can share what they are noticing, how they are feeling, or choose to remain silent. 

You are likely to be requested to turn off your mobile devices or refrain from bringing technology[17] or other distractions, so that you can fully engage in the experience. At the end of the session, you should quietly acknowledge all that the forest has given to you[18].

While forest therapy is a non-invasive, gentle modality which is unlikely to cause any adverse effects, it is always important to consult your medical professional before commencing. If you have an injury, health issue, or any concerns, do inform your guide who will be happy to address these and explore how the session can be adjusted to best suit your requirements.

References

  1. ‘Forest Bathing’ Is Great for Your Health. Here’s How to Do It | Time
  2. Getting back to nature: how forest bathing can make us feel better | The Guardian
  3. How forest bathing can bring you closer to nature | environment.sa.gov.au
  4. What is Forest Bathing and Forest Therapy | Forest Therapy Institute
  5. International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance | INFTA
  6. Home | Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs
  7. Medical empirical research on forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) | biomedcentral.com
  8. Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review | ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  9. A comparative study of the physiological and psychological effects of forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) on working age people with and without depressive tendencies | ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  10. Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review | PMC
  11. A comparative study of the physiological and psychological effects of forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) on working age people with and without depressive tendencies | PMC
  12. Health Effect of Forest Bathing Trip on Elderly Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | besjournal.com
  13. Effects of forest bathing on pre-hypertensive and hypertensive adults: a review of the literature | PMC
  14. The Effects of a Forest Therapy Programme on Mental Hospital Patients with Affective and Psychotic Disorders | PMC
  15. Effects of forest bathing on pre-hypertensive and hypertensive adults: a review of the literature | PMC
  16. Forest bathing: the Japanese wellbeing phenomenon hitting Australia | abc.net.au
  17. What Is Forest Bathing? All About Shinrin-Yoku | ELLE Australia
  18. Japanese nature therapy: A beginner's guide to forest bathing | ABC Everyday

Frequently asked questions

Forest Therapy is a deliberate and mindful practice of immersing oneself in nature with the intention of healing. It involves engaging with the forest using all five senses to foster a deeper connection with nature compared to a casual walk.

Forest Therapy originated in Japan in the 1980s as a response to the public health crisis. Known as Shinrin-Yoku, it was developed to counteract stress, depression, and burnout. Its popularity grew as a holistic approach to well-being.

Engaging in Forest Therapy has been associated with various health benefits, including lowered heart rate and blood pressure, stress reduction, boosted immune system, and an overall improvement in feelings of well-being.

Forest Therapy is accessible to everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. It doesn't require special skills; instead, it encourages individuals to be present and intentional while immersing themselves in the natural environment.

Techniques in Forest Therapy involve using the five senses—sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch—to engage with the natural surroundings. This may include mindful observation, deep breathing, and connecting with the environment on a sensory level.

Yes, numerous scientific studies support the positive effects of Forest Therapy on mental and physical well-being. Research has shown improvements in mood, reduced stress hormones, and enhanced immune function in individuals who regularly

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