NATURE REDUCES STRESS - FOREST THERAPY

Forest therapy is a form of activity used to pursue health benefits from the forest. The term "forest therapy" is often used reciprocally with the terms "forest bathing" and "Shinrin Yoku", which was coined in Japan in 1982 based on ancient traditions, an effort to help Japan's stressed out office workers with an aim to reduce blood pressure, stress hormones (cortisol) , improve concentration , focus and memory, and boost the immune system. 

Urban city life doesn’t really give us a lot of opportunities to be completely present in the moment. The concrete jungles that we built for ourselves, silently took away that liberty. Time and again, our body and mind give us signals, to slow down a bit, maybe even take a pause and understand the power of now, the benefit of mindfulness.

After Various scientific researches it has been proven that Forest Therapy or Forest bath is a wellness path to prevent disease, by simply visits to a natural area. They are Mindful, slow walks not a hike or brisk walk. 

These Forest Therapy Walks when done in a relaxed way there proven to have effects which are calming, rejuvenating. A Forest Bathing walk when don under guidance of a certified Forest bathing guide have restorative and calming benefits. 

 FOREST THERAPY BASE

A “Forest Therapy Base” is an area located in a forest where the relaxing effects have been observed based on scientific analysis conducted by a forest medical expert. Moreover, it is an area where nature merges with society permitting people to come together and partake in some social activity surrounded in a natural environment. 

In order to be certified as a “Forest Therapy Base”, an appropriate forest location must be properly maintained such that visitors can effectively receive “Forest Therapy” and enjoy the physiological and psychological benefits. Also, a certified “Forest Therapy Base” needs to have more than two “Forest Therapy Road”. 

FOREST THERAPY TRAIL 

A walk in the woods is not only good for you physically, it’s also good for you psychologically. Studies show time spent in nature reduces mental fatigue and irritability, cortisol levels, and stress. 

There are nearly two dozen certified trails around the world that guide visitors to engage with nature in ways that benefit their health and foster deeper exploration. Forest therapy trails are typically a mile or so long with little change in elevation, access to water, and a diversity of plants, including coniferous trees. 

Most are on unpaved dirt paths, an immediate visual and tactile clue that you’re not in an urban environment. To give you some ideas for activities one can enjoy while practicing “Forest Bathing”, there are relaxation techniques such as mindful meditation or yogic breathing in the forest. 

Also, physical fitness programs involving forest walking and Nordic walking. There are also quaint towns and villages nestled in these forests where that we can enjoy hot springs and healthy local meals prepared using fresh local ingredients. Some places also provide health consultation in cooperation with a physician. 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF FOREST THERAPY 

- Reduced Stress

- Lesser mood swings

- Optimized blood pressure

- Better sleep patterns

- Balanced blood sugar levels

- Increased count of NK Cells (Natural Killer cells that fight cancer)

- Better intuition

- Rush of energy

- Enhanced interpersonal relationships 

Nature enthusiasts and forest therapy guides are coming out to the forefront to take us back to our own roots we forgot long back. Its time we stop by and “Just breathe”.  

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