FOREST
BATHING
Forest Bathing history begins in Japan
Forest Bathing started in Japan in the early 1980s as a physiological and psychological exercise called shinrin-yoku literally translated "taking a bath in the forest". Overtime it became a Japanese ecotherapy, it's popularity soon spread to the rest of the world with establishment of Forest Bathing Institutes in U.S, Europe and Japan conducting certification courses. Forest Bathing is not just for nature-lover; it's for everyone who desire to dial-down from everyday lives or intend on rejuvenating their mind, body and soul or just practicing ikigai. Learn to bottle forest with essential oils if its not easy for you to visit one regularly.
A STUDY ON SHIRIN-YOKU (FOREST BATHING)
How do we exactly do forest bathing? Breathing in goodness as we take a slow walk.
Children living in urban cities should be encouraged to go out to nature - their bodies & brains will soak up the benefits! Natural chemical release from plants has positive effects on our immune system and it will last at least a week when we spend 2 to 3 hours in nature.
Failing to find a forest nearby in urban cities. Bring your forest indoor.
Bottle forest with essential oils.
01
Spring (Mar -May)
Central Japan, Nara, Aimoro, Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto with cherry blossom in bloom. Weather is mild perfect for hiking and trekking.
02
Summer (Jun - Aug)
Weather is usually warm and humid, dense green forests, rivers and waterfalls for wandering around. Try Nagano, Kagoshima, Izu, Okinawa and Aomori.
03
Autumn (Sept - Nov)
The perfect season to witness the infamous fall season all around Japan. Perfect for nature exploration. Suggest Kyoto, Aomori, Hokkaido and around Japanese alps.
04
Winter ( Dec - Feb)
Most hiking routes around Japan are closed due to uncertain snowfall especially up north. Central and southern Japan are accessible. Mount Hongo in Osaka or Mount Hieri in Kyoto is quite magical.
How to get the best out of forest bathing?
Disconnect from your mobile. Put it on Airplane mode. Bring a bottle of water - you need to be well hydrated. Step into your park or forest and start taking deep breath as you stroll. As you stroll - yes go slow - your nose will detect fresh scent of leaves, trees and earth - beware of dog or animal poo though. Find a tree that calls out to you and lay out a mat. Sit there with you back against the tree trunk and look around you, listen to the sound of insects or the wind. Feast on your eyes on floral you don't see everyday.
Make sure you bring the following:
1. Mat to sit.
2. Bottled water.
3. Hat to shade from harsh sunshine.
4. Insect repellent.
5. Wear loose fitting clothes for comfort.
6. Proper shoes.
7. Plastic bag to throw any rubbish in case you use tissues etc., Do not litter the forest!
You probably think how can such simple actions yield so much health benefits.
All I can say is IT IS SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN!
