Japanese Forest Bathing

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aromatherapy, benefits of Nature, forest bathing, forests, house plants, Japanese forest bathing, natural high, relaxation, shinrin-yoku, trees

The Japanese have a tradition of visiting forests in order to heal themselves of various ills or just to relax and de-stress.  They call it Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing.”

There are countless studies showing the positive effects of being in a natural place, namely a decrease in stress, anger, and depression.  Nature calms and enhances our nervous system, and increases hormones that fend off obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

According to Prevention magazine, “A Japanese researcher has zeroed in on airborne antifungal and antibacterial compounds called phytoncides. Inhaling these seems to boost a type of white blood cell that attacks tumors and viruses. (People living in heavily forested areas of Japan have lower rates of mortality from several types of cancer.)”

For those of us who don’t live near a forest (like all us city folk), how can we get the benefits without moving or taking a vacation?  Scientists say we can still get that natural high from visiting a park, preferably one with plenty of trees, and immersing all your senses in the experience.  (In other words, skip the phone and earbuds.)

Closer to home, you can grow houseplants, or just look at pictures of gorgeous natural scenes.  Aromatherapy, particularly cypress essential oil, can also work wonders on your nerves.

I don’t know about you, but I think I need to invest in a couple more houseplants and go on some hikes with my kids.