Forest Therapy

  • Forest Therapy is based on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku (or forest bathing). The practice of Forest Therapy involves a number of invitations that support you in building a deeper connection with yourself and the natural world. These invitations (that are just that, simply invitations) allow us to awaken our senses and reap the benefits that the forest has to offer.

  • The term “biophilia” refers to the hypothesis that humans have an inherent need to connect with nature. Humans are hardwired to be attracted to nature. Needless to say, our bodies relax when we are in the natural world. Subsequently, our attraction causes all of our senses to be engaged. This allows us to be present and relaxed in nature.

    During the 80’s, Japan went through a societal change when people began to move to cities and work indoors. They noticed a spike in physical and mental illness. The Japanese government wondered how the health of Japanese people could be improved if people simply went outside. The Japanese government put a significant amount of funding into research about the effects of trees on people. The term “shinrin- yoku'' was coined to describe this process. Shinrin - yoku directly translates to forest bathing. The scientists discovered that trees emit a chemical called “phytoncides''. This natural chemical helps the trees fight off fungi, diseases, insects, predators, etc. It turns out that phytoncides are beneficial to humans too. Being exposed to phytoncides causes an increase in Killer “N” cells which are the cells that boost our immune system, and kill foreign and cancer cells.. This research also discovered that being in nature reduces cortisol levels, stress, and anxiety levels, and increases relaxation, creativity, and focus. Humans are hardwired to be in nature. Our bodies relax when we are exposed to the forest. Therefore the practice of forest therapy is very beneficial to the health and well-being of humans.

  • Being in nature poses a number of benefits for the human body, including:

    • Lowering Blood Pressure

    • Lower Cortisol Levels

    • Reduce Heart Rate

    • Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression

    • Increased production of “Natural Killer” cells

    • Improved immunity

    • Improved attention and focus

    • Improved Creativity

  • If you are interested in attending a walk, email me. Once our walk is confirmed, I will send a confirmation email to all participants. This will include a waiver (attached here, I will provide it at the walk), and a reminder regarding the location/address of the walk and where to meet.

    On the day of the walk - Check the weather. Walks can last anywhere between 2-3 hours and we don’t move much. Dress appropriately for the predicted whether; when in doubt dress in layers, and closed-toed shoes. We will meet at the specified location, where I will give you a copy of the waiver to sign. Once everyone has arrived we will begin our walk.

    The walk will consist of a number of “invitations” that are simply that. I will invite you to acknowledge and appreciate the forest and connect to your senses.

    Feel free to bring a backpack to carry extra layers, water, bug spray, sunscreen, etc. Remember that you don’t need much for these walks.

  • Here are some resources that may be helpful in understanding the practice of Forest Therapy

    Association of Nature and Forest Therapy

    • https://www.natureandforesttherapy.earth/

    Can Forest Therapy Enhance Health and Well-Being?

    • https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-forest-therapy-enhance-health-and-well-being-2020052919948

    What is Forest Bathing and Forest Therapy

    • https://foresttherapyhub.com/what-is-forest-bathing-and-forest-therapy/

    The Dirt on Forest Therapy

    • https://forestsontario.ca/en/article/the-dirt-on-forest-therapy