Forests are indeed a great resource and give us a lot of things we need in order to exist. To name only a few, forests produce oxygen, detoxify the air we breathe, and cleanse our waters.
They supply us with clothing, shelter, and foods and the materials needed for tools and furniture. And, forests can also help us heal wounds and treat diseases.
Refreshing, calming, and soothing, forests indeed have an amazing healing power.
The Japanese people have long been aware of these benefits and nowadays, forest bathing has become more and more popular worldwide too. The bathing refers to the taking in of the forest through our senses.
Continue reading the article to find out more about this practice…
Forest Bathing Helps Us Improve Our Health & Well-Being
Forest bathing is not jogging, hiking or exercise. It stands for simply spending time in nature and deepening the connection with it by using our sense of touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing.
These senses are used when we smell the flowers, breathe in the fresh air, look at the trees, heart the birds sing, and feel the soft breeze on our skin. When we are able to open up our senses, we connect with the beauty of the natural world.
Brief History of Forest Bathing
In the early 80s, when forest bathing became popular, it was based on common sense and an intuition that spending time in the forests of Japan would be good.
The term forest bathing was coined by the then Director Genral of the Agency of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan, Tomohide Akiyama. He stated that people in Japan needed to get healing from the wonders of nature.
This was also a part from a campaign for the protection of the forests. Namely, if people would visit forests more and would therefore want to protect them more.
The Best Proven Benefits of Forest Bathing
- Elevates the energy levels
- Lowers depression, anxiety, and anger
- Strengthens the immunity
- Lowers stress
- Helps induce a feeling of calmness
- Decreases the blood pressure
- Reduces depression
- Strengthens the immunity
- Helps with weight loss
- Boosts the memory and focus
- Minimizes the blood sugar levels
- Enhances the metabolism
- Betters the heart health
And, when it comes to reaping the benefits of forest bathing, even a small amount spend regularly could boost your health. Unplug from technology and slow down. Forests help bring you into the present moment and relax you.
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