Skip to main content

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”.  

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

DURVA OR GRASS MAGICAL BENEFITS

So, what exactly is durva? The durva grass consists of three blades which represent the three principles of the primal Shiva , the primal Shakti and the primal Ganesha.  In Hindu pujas or worship, Durva or doob grass is primarily offered to Lord Ganesha to attract his blessings, remove obstacles, and ensure ritual success, symbolizing prosperity and purity. It is used for its sacred and purifying properties , believed to absorb and transmit divine vibrations . It is considered an essential offering in Ganesh puja and other ceremonies like havan and Abhishekam.  Mythological Story Of Durva  Once, a demon named Analasura caused havoc in the heavens. He emitted fire from his eyes and destroyed whatever came in his way. All the demi-gods fled and sought Lord Ganesha’s help against the demon. Ganesha assured them that He would finish off the demon and restore peace.  In the battlefield, Analasura started attacking Lord Ganesha with fireballs and eventually tried to gulp ...
Post a Comment
Read more

SPIRITUAL BENEFITS OF GUGGAL DHOOP

  Guggal dhoop is known to have endless benefits for the human body and soul as it has anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant properties which may provide respiratory relief and help manage stress. It is frequently used in all religious ceremonies because of its power to cleanse and remove negative energy from living and working spaces.  Guggal has been a part of ancient Indian traditions and Ayurvedic practices for centuries. It is often used in daily puja (worship rituals), havans (sacred fire ceremonies) to add fragrance . Its divine fragrance creates a sacred ambiance, ideal for meditation and prayers.  KEY SPIRITUAL BENEFITS PROTECTION: Guggal is associated with protection from negative forces , malevolent spirits, and the " evil eye " ( nazar dosh ).  CALMS MIND AND BODY: The soothing fragrance helps reduce stress, anxiety , and nervous tension, promoting a sense of inner peace, emotional balance, and general well-being.  Guggal dhoop can be used fo...
Post a Comment
Read more

KEEP ANXIETY AWAY WITH THIS MAGICAL TRICK - RUBBER BAND THERAPY

Also known as Aversion Therapy, Rubber Band Snap method or Rubber Band Snap Wrist Therapy. It is a quick and easy way to stop negative thoughts by snapping a rubber band on your wrist. This is one of the most common applications of aversive therapy in OCD, where the patient is asked to wear a rubber band on the wrist and is instructed to snap it every time he/she has any negative or obsessive thought coming to his/her mind. It results in a sharp pain which disconnects the obsession.  As anxiety and stress are very common issues these days, this interesting technique is also used to calm down anxiety, panic, stress, self-doubt or any unwanted thoughts. Snapping the rubber band might initially sting a little to some but consistent practice with help find success in calming unwanted feelings or behaviors.  If you want to try this method, make sure to choose a rubber band which you like the most and are ready to wear every day, also it should be comfortable wearing and not too ti...
Post a Comment
Read more