Forest Bathing for Mental Health
“The art of forest bathing is the art of connecting with nature through our senses. All we have to do is accept the invitation.”
Mindfulness and Mental Health
At its core, a mindfulness practice aims to bring one’s awareness into the present moment and allow oneself to just ‘be’ with any thoughts, emotions, or bodily sensations that may present themselves. Mindfulness as part of mental health has been popular for decades. However, one lesser-known (at least in America) mindfulness technique is the Japanese practice of forest bathing to better one’s mental health. In 1982 the Japanese government, understanding the health benefits of the practice, officially coined the term Shinrin Youko (forest bathing) via the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.
But what is forest bathing and why are more and more mental health professionals turning to nature-based therapeutic interventions? Back in 1982, Japanese officials described the act as “making contact with and taking in the atmosphere of the forest.” Practitioners today adhere to a very similar definition which consists of the simple action of intentionally spending time in nature to absorb the healing properties of Mother Earth.
While some may balk at the idea that spending time in nature can actually improve our mental and physical wellbeing, the concept has ancient roots and scientific data to back up why forest bathing yields results. To begin, over six centuries ago the Greek doctor Hippocrates was the first to reject the notion that our mental and bodily healing was ultimately left in the hands of gods or supernatural forces. At his hospital, in around 310 BC, he noted that patients taking advantage of the properties gardens and wild areas developed a more promising outlook towards their own treatment and reported alleviation of many physical ailments that plagued them. This, Hippocrates wrote, was “the healing power of nature”. Closer to home, for those of us in America, all we must do is turn to the indigenous people of the country to see how nature and healing have always gone hand in hand. Traditionally, the “four sacred medicines”, sweetgrass, tobacco, sage, and cedar, are all naturally occurring ingredients that are still used by many members of the First Nation today to cure ailments of the mind, body, and spirit. Further, it is clear from historical writings that the concept of forest bathing was known to the Native Americans long before the moniker was placed on the practice in 1982.
But what really happens to us when we step out into nature? As soon as we enter the forest, our bodies are inundated with organic chemicals given off by the trees, shrubs, and even the fungus developing in the decomposing leaves. This chemical tidal wave surrounds us during the practice of forest bathing being taken into our bodies through our mouths, nose, skin, and even our eyes before being distributed around the body thanks to our circulatory system. For instance, chemicals like alpha and beta pinene, both antibiotic compounds, are found in pine trees, rhododendron, rosemary, and sage. Borneol acetate, abundantly found in many oily shrubs, has anti inflammatory agents, and camphor, with its anti-cancer properties, are being projected into the air by another naturally occurring chemical known as limonene. The limonene, found in a variety of trees, especially fruit trees, spreads the chemicals through the air and to us as limonene acts as a naturally occurring aerosol transport that launches the healing chemicals up into the atmosphere.
A Path for All
Since the early 2000’s the ideas of forest bathing and nature based therapies have received a great deal of study proving the validity and efficacy of the process and the results are positive. Forest bathing has been clinically proven to reduce anxiety, lessen frequency of panic attacks, lower blood pressure, and increase overall immunity. Due to its low physical impact, almost anyone can participate in the practice regardless of their mobility level. Studies also show that the benefits of forest bathing can begin to be seen almost immediately which is excellent news for curious beginners looking to learn more!
With that in mind, it’s clear that incorporating the mindfulness practice of forest bathing can be beneficial to everyone’s mental health. Whether you are ready to spend an hour and a half in the woods or would prefer to try ten-minute ‘mini-baths’ in your neighborhood park you will be establishing a deeper connection to your ancient roots, nature as a whole, and your own internal world.
