Forest Bathing

Apr 4

A Natural Therapy

Forest bathing has become a thing recently. It’s not about washing yourself in the woods, but about soaking in the atmosphere of nature with your senses.

The practice originated in Japan in the 1980s as shinrin-yoku, meaning "forest bathing" or "taking in the forest atmosphere", and became part of its national health program.

Here I root out the reasons why we should all take to the woods!

Benefits of Forest Bathing

Forest bathing can help you de-stress, boost your immune system, lower your blood pressure, and improve your mood and creativity, according to various studies.This is down to the aromatic oils released by the trees known as phytoncides. These botanical compounds can also help us sleep and improve our attention levels.

What is Forest Bathing

Forest bathing involves slowing down, spending time and actively connecting with your surroundings - it’s a form of **mobile meditation**, where you are conscious and contemplative of everything around you, and not distracted by your thoughts or devices.
You need to find a natural setting with trees, preferably away from noise and crowds, turn off your mobile phone and any other devices then spend at least 20 minutes there, **walking slowly and gently**.
You can enhance your forest bathing experience by **using your five senses** to notice the colours, shapes, sounds, smells, and textures of the forest, and by breathing deeply and mindfully. Take in your surroundings, how does the forest environment make you feel? Try to avoid thinking about your to-do list or issues related to daily life.

How to create an at home Forest Bathing Ritual

The most powerful aspect of Forest Bathing is breathing in the crisp, clean air, and inhaling phytocides.

But what if you live miles from a forest or wooded area, or simply don’t have time so wish to recreate the ritual at home? It is possible to enjoy the benefits of forest bathing through essential oils, which are rich in phytoncides. White Cypress, Rosemary, Cedar Wood Eucalyptus and Pine are some of my favourite oils. So if you are feeling woefully cooped up and detached from nature, why not try diffusing some of these oils or burning Flicker & Scents Forest Aromatherapy Wax Melts - a blend of Cypress, Sandalwood, Cedar Wood and Scots Pine that will release those phytoncides!