The Japanese consider it a true medical science: it Shinrin Yoku, a method for rediscover well-being immersing yourself in boschi (forest bathing). With some immediate benefits, such as feeling more active and relaxed and less stressed, and others in terms of prevention: a strong reduction in the risk of developing cancer, ulcers and cardiovascular diseases.
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BATHING IN THE WOODS
FOREST BATHING
BENEFITS OF FOREST BATHING
That nature represents a true panacea for our psychological and mental well-being is a fact, confirmed by science itself. Indeed, studies are flourishing that demonstrate the great benefits offered to our organism by direct contact with environments such as boschi, beaches and parks. Now a new opportunity awaits us all to reconnect with nature. This is the Shinrin Yoku o Forest Bathing, a practice of Eastern origin that is slowly spreading across the globe. Let's take a closer look at it.
FOREST BATHING AND THE FIVE SENSES
- Hearing. The background music of the forest, with its natural harmony, rebalances our hearing and purifies us from urban noise. A true form of prevention against noise pollution.
- Touch. Even simply touching a tree with your hands awakens the peripheral senses and improves spatial perception. Numerous scientific theories demonstrate that hugging trees can cure certain ailments.
- Taste. Many fruits from the plants we find in the woods can be beneficial and stimulating for our health. The important thing is always to proceed with caution, avoid taking risks, and seek guidance from an expert.
- Smell. In coniferous forests, as in mixed forests, biogenic volatile compounds, called B-VOCs, are emitted into the air, which have significant health benefits.
- Sight. Green is a color that stimulates the nervous system, relaxes, and relieves stress and anxiety. In this way, it facilitates digestion and strengthens the immunitary defense.
WHAT IS FOREST BATHING?
Shinrin-yoku, a term which in Italian can be translated as “taking advantage of the forest atmosphere” or “bathing in the forest”, is an art originating in Japan that is currently one of the first emerging trends in the wellness sector.
Forest bathing has been popular in Japan since the 1980s. The benefits are so extensive that this practice has become one of the cornerstones of preventative medicine. This is highlighted by Qing Li, world expert on the subject, president of the Forest Medicine Society in Japan and author of the book Shinrin-Yoku: The Art and Science of Forest Bathing. As the scholar, who has conducted numerous researches on the subject, explains, “People spend most of their lives indoors. For the Japanese, it's 80% of the time, and for Americans, as much as 90%. But humans are made to live outdoors. We were designed to be connected to the natural world.".
BENEFITS OF FOREST BATHING
Il forest bathing It is routinely prescribed to many patients. Experts have found that immersion in the vegetation of a wood or forest has a series of positive effects on various physiological parameters. Benefits include:
- Lowering blood sugar levels in the blood;
- The decrease in the blood pressure;
- A reduced risk of developing depression;
- Less stressful conditions, of anxious states and anger;
- An improvement in creativity;
- A strengthening of the immune defenses thanks to the increased production of natural killer lymphocytes;
- An increase in energy;
- A feeling of relaxation;
- An improvement in the quality of sleep.
FOREST BATH THERAPY
According to experts, the benefit isn't simply due to being surrounded by greenery, a condition that in itself is essential for our well-being. Forest bathing is considered a true preventative remedy, capable of engaging various systems in our body. When we're in a forest or woodland, we can enjoy the effects of monoterpenes, aromatic substances released by the leaves of trees, and phytoncides, essential oils present in the wood, which the trees release in volatile form to defend themselves from parasites.
A day's walk in a woodland environment It allows us to come into contact with numerous varieties of these natural elements, absorbing them in various ways: through breathing, ingestion, or skin contact. The combined action of these substances offers a relaxing and calming effect, while contributing to strengthen our immune system.
It is no coincidence that Shinrin-yoku is also recommended in recovery from an illness or surgery and as a practice for improve sleep quality.
SHINRIN-YOKU: A MINDFULNESS EXERCISE
As the journalist explains Annette Lavrijsen between the pages of the book Shinrin yoku: Rediscovering well-being with the Japanese art of forest bathing, Forest Bathing can also be compared to an intense exercise of Mindfulness, Why:
- "As a good teacher, nature shows us plants and animals committed to living in the here and now. By harmonizing with it, we can relax and be in tune with life, taking it as it is.";
- "Nature doesn't impose anything on us, it allows us to be ourselves without judging ourselves.";
- "Nature is like a breath of fresh air, which helps us to see thoughts and problems in a different perspective and to accept changes.";
- "In silence, nature invites us to self-reflection, bringing us into contact with our inner compass.".
Another book that well summarizes the benefits of forest bathing is entitled Forest therapy, edited by Federico Meneguzzo and Francesco Zabini (Italian Alpine Club publisher)
HOW TO PRACTICE FOREST BATHING
To get the most out of Forest Bathing, it is recommended to stay in the woods for at least four hours, walking about five kilometers.
With a few tricks, you can further improve the experience. It's a good idea to:
- Alternate walking with moments of relaxation and polysensoriality;
- To breathe deeply using the diaphragm, so as to absorb all the fragrances of the forest;
- Contemplating the shades of green and the entire surrounding nature;
- Surrender yourself to listening to the sounds of the forest;
- Touching the bark of the trees or better still hugging them, as you do with the Silvotherapy, an ancient art that helps you find balance by harnessing the positive energy of plants.
Ideally, you should repeat the "bath" for at least three consecutive days, especially during the time of year when the trees are most leafy, such as late spring. The experience can be done alone or with others. However, it is essential to maintain concentration, not to disturb the forest's balance, and above all, to respect it without causing any harm.
WHERE TO SWIM IN THE FOREST IN ITALY
In our country there are many places where you can practice Forest Bathing. In Piedmont, for example, at theOasi Zegna There are three dedicated trails available where you can immerse yourself in this extraordinary experience in contact with nature.
In Fai della Paganella, in Trentino, there is a Breath Park which offers themed itineraries in forest areas with a predominance of beech trees. These trees, with the red firs they take care of the anger and depression, and increase the level of attention. In Friuli-Venezia Giulia, in Natisone valleyForest bathing tours are available, including those with professional guides, for a day or an overnight stay. All organized by Malin-Mill, a forest therapy station.
But forest bathing is also freely practised in many forests scattered from North to South of our peninsula. The basic principle always remains the same: to dedicate oneself to aimmersive experience in the greenery, capable of stimulating a true physical and mental detox. Rediscover that sense of well-being that only contact with Mother Nature can give us.
APP FOR FOREST BATHING
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