Shinrin-Yoku aka (Forest Bathing)
What is Shinrin-Yoku, aka Forest Bathing?
Simply put Shinrin-Yoku, or Forest Bathing, involves immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the forest or woodland whilst engaging each of your senses in a mindful capacity to benefit your wellbeing.
The core principle of Shinrin-Yoku or Forest Bathing is that you are present and in the moment and not distracted by technology, conversations or everyday stresses of daily life.
More than simply a walk in the woods, the practice of Shinrin-Yoku adopts principles of mindfulness and entails slowing down and applying an acute focus on what’s around us through a series of sensory invitations.
Shinrin-Yoku techniques can be learnt and applied by yourself.
However a qualified Forest Bathing or Shinrin -Yoku Practitioner will take time to explain the scientific research and health benefits and guide you through a series of gentle mindful invitations which focus on each of your senses, as you remain present and connect with nature, without thinking about time or direction.
The swell of scientific data globally supporting Shinrin-Yoku or Forest Bathing is very compelling, just some of the positive health benefits include a reduction in blood pressure, reduction in heart rate, reduction of stress, anxiety and a boost to immunity.
Shinrin-Yoku, otherwise known as Forest Bathing, involves immersing ourselves in the atmosphere of the forest or woodland, mindfully. In doing so research has shown that we engage our parasympathetic nervous system into a rest and digest state and has demonstrated:
💚 Significant reductions of cortisol levels, our stress hormone
💚 Depression, stress and anxiety scores improve, especially anxiety
💚 Reduced blood pressure and heart rate
💚 A boost to our immunity, as our Natural Killer cells are positively impacted
A core principle of Shinrin-Yoku is that we are present and in the moment, not distracted by technology or everyday stressors of daily life.
What happens during the session?
Welcome Talk – Introduction to Shinrin-Yoku aka Forest Bathing- Learn about it’s origin, background, scientific research and the physiological and psychological health benefits reported with Shinrin-Yoku across the globe
Shinrin-Yoku Class – Partake in a series ‘invitations’ to engage with each of your senses. These ‘invitations’ or mindfulness based activities can be done sat or lying down, standing or moving at a slow considered pace.
The core principle of Shinrin-Yoku or Forest Bathing is that you are present and in the moment and not distracted by technology, conversations or everyday stresses of daily life.
What to Bring?
- Sturdy footwear as terrain underfoot can vary as we explore the forest
- Long trousers to avoid nettle stings or scratchy branches
- Something to sit and or lie on may help you relax into the invitations and prevent a soggy bum
- Water and snacks
- Be prepared for the weather, sunscreen / waterproofs
- Curiosity and open mindset