Have you ever had the experience of delving into a new topic or idea only to find "stuff" about it coming at you from all directions? Since plant medicine has evolved for me from being a serious interest to a nearly all encompassing focus this has been happening to me...a lot.
One example is the therapeutic practice of FOREST BATHING. Since I'm especially drawn to woodsy places, they had me at "forest," so when I came across a book by that name, Your Guide to Forest Bathing by M. Amos Clifford,
I ordered it immediately. Some months later, the practice was also introduced in a course I was taking on the healing power of trees. The book I had ordered was sitting untouched on my ever expanding book shelf, so it was time to really take a deeper dive.
The concept of finding healing solutions to the slings and arrows of modern life by immersing oneself in nature is nothing new. But Forest Bathing, also known as "shinrin yoku," is considered a recognized form of restorative therapy in places like Japan and Korea. Doctors in these countries actually write prescriptions for it as part of a patient's follow up. There are designated forest areas that are approved for this purpose where such patients are directed for their therapy.
This practice is not the same as walking, hiking or mountain biking on forest trails. Those are therapeutic in themselves as they encourage healthy exercise and breathing fresh air. In contrast, forest bathing involves moving slowly, stopping frequently and using all of the senses to actually connect to your surroundings.
There is no consideration for agendas that involve clocking a certain amount of miles or mastering challenging terrain. Those who are serious about an optimal forest bathing session are encouraged to leave cell phones, fitness trackers, and even hiking boots behind.
It's best done as a solitary practice, rather than as part of a couple, family or walking club. However, there are trained guides such as Clifford himself who lead forest bathing groups. Their participants are directed to keep a considerable distance from each other to maximize each individual's personal experience.
If you're thinking it all sounds more appealing to barefoot, tree hugging types
(although both are encouraged), then it may surprise you that science has backed up the benefits of forest bathing as well. Clifford tells us that in Japan, group participants are directed to take their blood pressure and salivary amylase count before and after the process. Results indicate positive impacts on stress levels.
Forest bathing is something that is ideally accomplished in a forest setting of course, but it may also be done in a quiet park or even in your backyard garden. For those who want more official structure, Clifford provides guidelines. He includes a list of recommended "Steps in the Optimal Flow" that begins with setting an "intention" to forest bathe and concludes with a "tea ceremony" involving what he calls "trail tea," made with (safe to ingest) herbs gathered along the trail or brewed ahead of time.
Studies have shown that forest bathing can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, strengthen immunity, promote mental clarity, lift moods and improve sleep. The results can last for a week or even longer, so a consistent practice is encouraged. Here's a short video designed to encourage forest bathing guides. It's narrated by Clifford and includes comments by therapists and experts who promote the benefits:
If you are intrigued by this concept, there are a lot of resources to investigate. The website mentioned in the video is the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. Check it out!
M. Amos Clifford is the founder of this group, and his book on the subject is a quick and informative read. There is so much I could share that I have a difficult time deciding which quotes are the most convincing. I did find it especially thought provoking when he writes that: "Our bodies are remarkable self-healing organisms when in a balanced state. It's worth wondering if the forest should be our primary physician, with doctors in support roles, to be called upon in the increasingly rare instances they are needed." Sounds appealing to me!
I agree with him that maintaining emotional and physical balance is the sometimes elusive key to health and well-being. There are many nature-based solutions to help us achieve such homeostasis, and regular forest bathing is certainly one to consider. You may recognize the following suggestions from a series of commercially produced cards and posters by Your True Nature.
As always, thanks for letting me share my thoughts and journey with you. I welcome your input, so if you want to submit a comment, scroll down to the bottom of this post. If you are interested in booking a personal session, you can do this here:
You can also contact me via email at: my.plant.allies@gmail.com
For now, here's wishing you wellness, wisdom and bloomin' vibes!
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