What is Forest Therapy?
When was the last time you spent an extended period of time in nature? Maybe it was on a camping trip, a long hike, or perhaps hunting or fishing. Do you recall how you felt during that time? There is research that demonstrates that merely seeing the colors green and blue can cause our bodies to relax.
Forest Therapy is an innovative modern health solution that draws on nature’s ability to calm us down. It is inspired by Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of “taking in the forest,” or, “Forest Bathing.” It is a research based practice that supports health and wellness through guided, slow, sensory walks in forests and other natural environments to promote the well-being of both people and the land. You will notice that I use Forest Therapy and Forest Bathing interchangeably. This may help you to understand why. The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT) approach to Forest Therapy is three-fold. One is Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku that was developed in Japan; another is the emerging field of ecotherapy, the principle that reconnecting to nature can improve physical and mental health and encourage people to discover new solutions to long-standing problems; and a third, is the aim to re-ignite a love for the more-than-human world of nature in hopes that people will experience nature as alive, sentient and sacred. This approach releases grief, kindles hope, and makes possible bright moments of joy.
During a Forest Bathing walk the trained Forest Therapy guide uses a clearly defined sequence of events and invitations in partnership with the forest which allows participants to slow down, allow the senses to open, and to experience the environment using all of the awakened senses to deepen the reciprocal relationship between participants and the forest. This supports the wholeness and well-being of both.
The invitations are open-ended. There is no expectation for how to participate or what you experience or receive. Rather, you spend time in silence, listening and feeling with a quiet and accepting presence. You become reconnected with your senses and your innate creative potential is tapped, which allows the imagination to awaken.
You can read more about Forest Bathing in this article from the LA Times: What is forest bathing? Think hiking, but with an extra dose of reflection.
Why and How Does One Practice Forest Therapy?
Why is Forest Therapy a practice that I should consider?
We all have stresses in our lives. Who wouldn’t like to be less stressed? But why would I want to invest time and money in this practice? Simply stated, to improve the health of body, mind, and spirit. People have become more stressed, anxious, and depressed and are increasingly suffering from chronic health conditions. The pandemic we are facing has created a multitude of physical and mental health issues and our social lives have been in upheaval. Forest Therapy provides a pathway for us to step into a stress-free realm and to immerse ourselves in nature in order to rest from all that consumes us in our daily lives. What’s So Great About Forest Bathing? (The Science Behind Stress Relief) is a great video in which Dr. Tracey Marks, Atlanta based psychiatrist, explains it very well.
What is a forest bathing walk?
Shinrin Yoku walks are more about being in the present moment and not a destination to be reached. It is not a hike or exercise. It is not a one-time event. Developing meaningful relationships occur over time, even our relationship with nature. We are nature but over time, we have forgotten that. By returning again and again we remember our origins and our connection to nature, and to each other. Forest Bathing, therefore, is best thought of as a practice like yoga, exercise, or daily walking.
Why do I need a guide?
Forest Bathing with a trained guide is the best way to fully experience the practice and to understand how to go about it. Guides trained by the ANFT complete a rigorous six-month training course. They fully understand the practice and bring considerable skill to offering invitations, facilitating sharing, creating thresholds, hosting tea ceremonies, and much more. Using the yoga comparison, anyone can do yoga at home and there are many books and videos that explain the postures and how to move from one to the other. However, if you want to have the best experience and gain the full benefits of the practice, you will want to work with a certified instructor. The same goes for Forest Bathing. The forest is the therapist, but the guide opens the doors to the full benefits that the forest offers.
Exposure to Nature Provides Many Health Benefits
“Nature itself is the best physician.”
–Hippocrates
Ben “Crow” Page, ANFT Trainer and Guide writes in his book, Healing Trees A Pocket Guide to Forest Bathing: “NATURE IS HEALTH Forest Bathing is healthy plain and simple. You don’t need a prescription and you don’t need a doctor’s supervision. There are no negative side effects, and there’s no way to overdose. It’s pretty intuitive, really. Nature is good for us. Relaxation is good for us. Giving our brains a break from thinking is good for us. Being in nature both facilitates and accelerates the body’s innate ability to heal itself.“
Known Health Benefits
- Boosts Immune System
- Increases Energy
- Lowers Blood Pressure
- Reduces Inflammation
- Improves Sleep
- Healthy Digestion
There is extensive research that shows the multitude of health benefits gained by being in nature; particularly, by practicing Shinrin Yoku – Forest Bathing. Here are just a couple of articles where you can learn more. Why Forest Therapy Can Be Good For Your Body And Mind, Time among the trees may help improve your health. (Cleveland Clinic). And this one: Ontario doctors set to turn over a new leaf with program that lets them prescribe ‘nature’ to ailing patients (The Star).
Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
Besides healing the body, nature heals the mind. Just as our bodies need rest, our minds need it as well. We are bombarded daily by information, rapidly changing situations, stimuli and stresses from a multitude of sources from the time we wake up until we fall asleep. Just as our bodies have limits to what it can withstand, so too, our minds.
Stress hormones can build up in our bodies and we as a society have become more sedentary and fail to get rid of stress hormones. This can have a toxic impact. Some people have become accustomed to and even addicted to stress. Stress addiction is linked to anxiety, depression, poor digestion, headaches, insomnia, heart disease, weight gain, attention disorders, and memory loss.
Many people struggle to calm the mind. Even at rest, their minds continue to be active in an endless cycle. We as a society have forgotten how to relax, how to let go and just BE.
Forest Bathing calms the mind. Through the sequence of events and invitations by a trained guide, it connects our bodies to the natural world around us and relaxation can be achieved.
Mental and Emotional Benefits
- Reduces Stress & Anxiety
- Improves Memory & Cognitive Function
- Increases Focus
- Enhances Creativity
- Improves Mood
- Relaxation
Here are a few articles on the topic: Forest bathing: how returning to the trees can decrease symptoms of anxiety (Mental Health Today), Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review (International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health), and Can forest therapy enhance health and well-being? (Harvard Medical School).
All Beings are Interconnected
Forest Therapy promotes a greater sense of connectedness. Jacques Cousteau once said, “People protect what they love.” A heartfelt, embodied relationship with nature naturally leads to a love of nature and recognition that we are nature.
“the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the Wild Geese,
harsh and exciting,
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.”
–Mary Oliver from “Wild Geese”
The disconnection from the world, both the more-than-human and the human, from the present moment and even from ourselves and our bodies that we are experiencing in the current age is a result of alienation. By relying on technology and digital means of connection, we are feeling increasingly lonely and isolated from the world. Forest Therapy addresses this problem by helping us to remember our interconnectedness with each other and nature.
“Health does not occur in isolation, but rather in a network of relationships.” says Ben Page, in his book: Healing Trees A Pocket Guide to Forest Bathing. The therapy occurs in the relationships that are tended on a Forest Bathing walk, be it relationship to self, others, the more-than-human world, or beyond. With Forest Therapy comes a greater sense of compassion and away from apathy, greed, and selfishness. This becomes the solutions for health of people and the planet.
Psycho-Spiritual Health
- Connected
- More Alive
- More Present
- Joy, Love, Empathy
- Insight, Awe, Perspective
- Forgiveness, Grief, Reconciliation
- Self-acceptance, Transformation
- Purpose, Empowerment
- Dreams, Wholeness
Offerings
Which Option is Right for You?
After reviewing the options below, contact me for additional details such as location, cost, and to schedule your walk or retreat. The general location of the walks are in the Central Region of Pennsylvania.
Individual Walk
An individual walk is for anyone who would prefer a solo walk with the guide rather than with a group. For the purpose of the safety of the guide, certain criteria must be met for an individual walk to be arranged.
Couples Walk
A couples walk is offered to couples who wish to experience a walk with their partner. They will experience individual invitations as well as partnership invitations.
Group Walk
Groups can schedule a walk or you may join a scheduled Nature's Balance Forest Therapy group walk. Location of group walks will be determined by the group's needs and chosen by the guide. In the case of a group requesting a walk, the location will be determined in collaboration with the group leader. For information about upcoming group walks follow us on Facebook or email me using the links below.
Nature Balance Retreat
If you think you would benefit from an extended period of rest and relaxation unplugged and free of the stresses of the world, get in touch and I will work with you to set up your own personal wellness retreat. We have a cabin rental and camping facilities on the property and can personalize your experience according to your needs. It will include a three-hour guided Forest Bathing walk each day.
Contact and Follow
What to Expect and How to Prepare
A Forest Bathing walk is not a hike, there is no destination, it is merely a slow-paced stroll/wander/sit while experiencing nature with all of the senses. The senses are the gateways towards thoughts and emotions. The distance covered is minimal. You need not be in great physical shape to participate. Your guide will take into consideration each participant’s capabilities.
Here are some suggestions that will allow you to arrive to your walk prepared. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather. It’s best to dress in layers at any time of the year. The only time a walk will be cancelled is for dangerous weather situations like a lightning storm, strong winds, or an ice storm. If it is raining, wear rain gear and bring an umbrella. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. If needed, bring a walking stick or cane. You may bring anything you need to care for your body, e.g. water, sunscreen, sun glasses, a hat, a cooling towel, tissues or handkerchief, bug spray, hand or foot warmers (for cold weather walks) a portable stool if you need one. (Sitting mats are typically provided by your guide). Snacks will be provided at the end of your walk, but if you need to carry something with you to maintain your comfort or health, feel free to bring it along. You want to try to travel light, but sometimes participants have particular needs, which is fine. Do what is right for you.
FAQs
How long will it take?
A walk typically takes about three hours from the point of arrival until you depart. The walk itself takes about 2-2.5 hrs. Occasionally, an abbreviated version of a full walk is offered under certain circumstances (particularly in cold winter months) which takes roughly an hour or so.
Can I have my cell phone with me?
You may bring your cell phone, however, the best experience for all is to turn off electronic devices or put them on Airplane Mode for the duration of the walk. You may check messages before or after the walk. There will be time for taking photos before and after the walk as well. The point is to be immersed in nature and away from technology. The best options is to leave it in the car.
Can I bring my dog?
Having a dog along with you on a hike is great, however, caring for a dog on a forest bathing walk would detract from the experience for yourself, and for others. Please leave your dog at home.
Can I bring my young child?
If you are doing a walk for yourself, having a child along will likely distract you from your intention. We can arrange for a separate walk or walks for and with children.
Testimonials
