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“Shinrin” means forest and “Yoku” means to bathe.
The “forest bathing” practice is the act of immersing oneself in nature consciously, through all the senses, to gain a range of benefits for physical, mental, emotional, and social health.
Shinrin-Yoku is a practice that originated in Japan. In 1982, the Japanese Government realized that an epidemic called stress was rapidly taking hold, due to the hectic lifestyle in large cities, especially in Tokyo, and decided to implement a national health program.
Scientific research on the practice of Shinrin-Yoku began in the Akasawa Forest and lasted from 1990 to 2004. The studies showed that regularly immersing oneself in nature and establishing a connection with it strengthens the immune system, reduces stress, anxiety, depression, and anger, improves sleep quality, lowers blood pressure, enhances concentration, and decreases the levels of stress hormones.
What are the benefits of practicing Shinrin-Yoku?
It has been found that practicing Shinrin-Yoku for at least two hours also improves our immune system. Nature has a positive effect on both our mind and body. This has been confirmed by the number of white blood cells called “Natural Killer” cells, named for their ability to attack harmful cells such as viruses or cancer cells.
But how do these white blood cells increase in the blood? Thanks to the phytoncides emitted by the trees.
Payton means plant in Greek, and Cide means to kill.
Phytoncides are natural oils that trees produce as a defense mechanism to protect themselves from bacteria, insects, and fungi. They also play a role in the communication system between trees. Phytoncides increase with temperature and are more concentrated around 30 degrees Celsius. They vary from tree to tree, and the most common one in Japan is recognizable by the scent of cypress. The trees that produce the most phytoncides are evergreen trees.
When walking among the trees, we come into contact with the phytoncides, and exposure to them:
Increases the number of NK white blood cells and enhances the activity of cancer-fighting proteins.
Reduces hormone levels.
Increases the amount of sleep hours.
Decreases tension and anxiety.
Stimulates good mood.
Lowers blood pressure.
Increases the activity of the parasympathetic part of the nervous system, which is responsible for making us feel relaxed.
How to practice Shinrin-Yoku?
Practicing SY is much more than simply taking a walk in the forest! The secret lies in awakening all the senses, including the sense of intuition.
When I enter a forest, I ask permission to do so, and almost always I feel a positive and welcoming energy. I pause and start looking around. I walk slowly and gradually begin to breathe consciously, becoming aware of all my senses and my entire body.
It is very important to turn off the phone and, if with others, separate for a few hours so that each person is free to focus on the part of the forest that attracts them.
Practicing mindfulness, yoga (asanas and/or pranayama) is essential to help us connect with Mother Nature.
I look forward to seeing you at my monthly sessions; visit the “events” page.
