Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)
Forest Bathing focuses on pleasurable experiences as a gateway into the relaxation of the body and a deepening of the connection with the natural forest environment.
We are offering guided therapeutic Forest Bathing Events in our enchanted forests, containing natural streams and access to the shore of a big pond on our 100 acres property, followed by beverages and a snack cooked on our rustic firepit in our ancient apple orchard.
Health benefits of Shinrin-Yoku
The Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, also called Forest Bathing, is good for both the physical and mental well-being.
Shinrin-Yoku has been shown to lower the heart rate and blood pressure. It is also beneficial to a person’s parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxes your body after periods of stress and danger and balances out the sympathetic nervous system that is responsible for the fight or flight response and revs up our adrenaline and heartbeat in times of stress.
Shinrin-Yoku therefore lowers the stress level and reduces anxiety. It can also aid in the treatment of PTSD as a Forest Bath focuses the mind towards the natural environment and improves mindfulness focusing on the existence in the moment and aiding in the management of reactions to stressful situations that have caused mental trauma in the past.
Forest baths also boost the immune system and help a person to recover from an illness faster.
Shinrin-Yoku causes a person’s body to produce hormones that improve sleep quality and thereby gives more energy.