Health Spotlight for May
The Benefits of Forest Bathing
Every month, The BIG Oak will spotlight an element of health to focus on for each month. Here is a look at the focus for May:
Forest Bathing Explained
Forest bathing is based on the practice of immersing yourself in nature in a mindful way to reduce stress and gain a multitude of health benefits including physical, mental, emotional and social. Forest bathing is based on a Japanese practice called “shinrin-yoku” literally meaning “forest bathing”. By immersing ourselves in nature and awakening our inner senses, humans can gain many benefits such as reduced stress, lowering depression, enhancing immunity and improved heart and respiratory health.
Many of these benefits are simply a benefit from reducing stress that occurs when humans establish a connection with trees, nature, or the physical environment around us. For people experiencing stress, depression, grief or anxiety, a connection with the earth can be the first step towards healing.
A relaxing location of trees and flowing water to connect with nature.
Potential Benefits of Forest Bathing
Strictly based on the reduction of stress, immediate benefits can be felt in regard to headaches, high blood pressure, heart issues, asthma and arthritis. When people feel stressed, cortisol (the stress hormone) is released in the body. Excess amounts of cortisol can lead to health problems like depression, weight gain, anxiety, heart disease, and memory problems. Studies have shown that spending time in nature or forests resulted in reduced levels of cortisol. Everyone will react differently by interactions with nature, but the science seems to back the philosophy. People that already feel a deeper connection with nature, trees and the environment, typically will have a more positive experience with health benefits.
Calming view underneath a maple tree looking at the fringe of a pond.
For More Information Regarding Forest Bathing
Forest Bathing is complex, and experiences can vary greatly. Forest Bathing is also known as forest therapy, nature therapy or ecotherapy. The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy has some great details explaining the process and includes information regarding training of guides and learning opportunities.
Their mission is to Support planetary health by nurturing heart-centered relationships between all peoples and the More-Than-Human World of Nature.
Check out their website at http://natureandforestrytherapy.earth/
A peaceful Minnesota woodland during mid September.
