What is Forest Therapy?
Forest therapy is the practice of being in the presence of nature – specifically trees – for the purpose of improving our health and wellness.
The practice is known in Japan as Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to “forest bathing.”
Forest therapy has been inspired by ancient Shinto and Buddhist practices. It is theorized that humans feel more at home in forests because that’s where our species evolved over many millions of years, even though most people now live in urban environments.
Individual health benefits are believed to come from inhalation of phytoncides, which are essential oils found in wood, many plants, and some fruits and vegetables. Phytoncides are a natural aromatherapy available to anyone who spends time in nature.
Improvements to mental and physical health have been observed and documented through extensive and ongoing physiological and psychological testing over the past four decades.
Who uses Forest Therapy?
Anyone can benefit from forest therapy. Although it is used in many environments as a specific treatment for mental health, it also has proven benefits for physical health and wellness.
Extensive physiological and psychological testing in Japan, where Shinrin-Yoku, or “forest bathing,” has been widely practised for decades, shows that forest therapy can lower blood pressure and heart rate, and can decrease blood cortisol and stress levels. It promotes higher counts of natural killer cells that fight disease. It results in better cognition, more energy, and more happiness.
Forest therapy also generates a peace of mind that allows participants to be able to cope more readily with the challenges of their daily lives.
Although anyone can take part in forest therapy simply by finding a trail through the woods, walking with a trained therapy guide is a special experience. The guide will encourage and invite walkers to let their senses absorb and appreciate what they see, hear, and feel.
History of Forest Therapy
Forest therapy’s roots are found in ancient Shinto and Buddhist practices. Our own deep roots come into play too. Even though many people now live in urban environments, our species evolved over many millions of years in forests, and this may be an important reason why we feel so comfortable in the woods today.
The practice as we know it became popular many years ago in Japan, where it is known as Shinrin-Yoku, or “forest bathing.” It became part of that country’s national public health program in 1982, and since then it has been widely studied for its physical and mental health benefits. The results of these extensive tests have led Japan to establish many designated therapy trails.
Amos Clifford, a therapist and guide in California, introduced forest therapy to North America. Clifford founded the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, which describes forest therapy as “a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion and forests and other natural environments.”
Trained therapy guides now work with forest therapy in mental health environments, with the goal of making it a more widely understood and accepted practice in Western society.
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