What is forest bathing all about? Have you heard people talking about it and assumed that it simply means swimming in the forest? So, I’ll need my swimming costume?
Or perhaps you know it’s based on walking in the woodlands and thought isn’t it just a walk in the woods that I do all the time with the dog/family?
This blog will help you understand what this ancient practice of forest bathing, otherwise known as Shinrin Yoku, is all about and will give you five reasons why you should give it a try at Forest Retreats based at Hill Farm, Tintern.
This ancient practice was first documented in Japan in 800BC by the Shinto religion, who believed that everything in nature has a kami (spirit or qi). It’s resurgence took place after the Second World War when Japan became urbanised and mental and physical health problems increased.
The practice is a sensory and mindful adventure in the woodlands, taking typically around 2.5 hours, connecting you to the environment focusing on sight, smells, textures and tastes to take you into a deep sense of relaxation. These results are well documented and forest bathing is now increasingly being prescribed by health professionals around the world.
5 reasons to try Forest Bathing at Forest Retreats:
Better Sleep!
We all know how important sleep is to our mental and physical health, and forest bathing is scientifically proven to increase the quality and length of your sleep. A 2 hour walk in an urban park improves sleep by 5%, a 2 hour forest walk in the morning will give you 10% more sleep and a 2 hour forest walk in the afternoon gives you 15% more sleep! Forest Retreats ventures into our ancient woodlands in and around Hill Farm and Barbadoes woods – yes, it is pronounced the same way as the country! I don’t know about you, but it makes me want a nap on a Barbados beach thinking about it – but let’s do the next best thing here at Hill Farm! Our guests who take part in forest bathing on our retreats often have a nap in our cozy yurts after forest bathing and have their best night’s sleep that night!
Reduces blood pressure and improves mental health
In a world of high stress, anxiety and increasing levels of depression, forest bathing is just the ticket. Forest bathing reduces blood pressure, works as an antidepressant, and boosts your immune system. The Institute of Forest Bathing run their accredited training course here at Hill Farm and are talking to government departments about rolling out forest bathing as a first response to patients suffering from depression and anxiety. Forest bathing is prescribed by health professionals in countries such as Japan and South Korea. Guests come back from forest bathing in a transcendental state – it’s truly satisfying to see.
Increases natural killer cells, which help fight cancer
NK Cells are natural killer cells in the body that fight cancer – vitally important eh! Forest bathing can double the number of NK cells in the body and can last for 30 days! Such a great complement to medical treatment, forest bathing is both preventative and restorative.
Boosts immune system
Forest bathing is not only relaxing but also immune boosting. Autumn/Winter is a great time of year for forest bathing, during cold and flu season, to give your immune system a boost. We run Shinrin Yoku and brunch mornings throughout the winter.
Boosts creativity and problem solving
Spending time in nature boosts creativity and problem solving. Here at Hill Farm, we host all kinds of retreats that incorporate forest bathing including walking and writing retreats as well as yoga and poetry. We have been so impressed with some of the writing inspired by our ancient woodlands.
As you can see, forest bathing is much more than a walk in the park. It increases good quality sleep, immunity, cancer fighting cells and creativity. Here at Forest Retreats based at Hill Farm, Tintern we have the perfect setting for this ancient practice, nestled in nature and overlooking the Wye Valley. We run residential and day retreats and offer a free space on all our retreats for people who have a financial barrier to trying out this practice that takes you back home to nature.
To find out more visit forestretreats.co.uk/forest-bathing and we look forward to guiding you!
Hayley and Tom
Forest Retreats and Hill Farm
