‘Forest bathing’ is a Japanese medical method that helps people reduce stress and anxiety in a way that connects with nature.
Recently, connecting with nature and immersing in a green living environment is being directed by many people. Since then, the Japanese “forest bathing” method has received more attention and research.
What is “forest bathing”?
Forest Bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku, is a form of Japanese medicine that helps people relieve stress and anxiety. The term was first used in 1982 with the desire to encourage a healthy lifestyle while developing and protecting the country’s natural environment.
Basically, “forest bathing” is not really jogging, it’s simply a way of people immersing themselves in nature, can meditate, walk to enjoy the fresh air. As long as the tactile senses are expanded, connecting with nature, that is “forest bathing”.
What does “forest bathing” do?
Many sources said that “forest bathing” has many good uses for human health. If you are feeling anxious, stressed about work, then walking in the forest is worth considering.
According to the results of a study by the University of Chiba in Japan in 2010, the forest environment helps to reduce the levels of cortisol (the hormone produced when under stress) in the body. It has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, helping to lower blood pressure.
Forest bathing also activates hormones and processes that help improve sleep, reducing cortisol – a substance produced when people are stressed, tired, angry. Forest bathing calms your mind and heals.
For creatives, spending time close to nature improves cognitive functioning. Because when we release our souls into nature, our minds will be “purified” and become more alert, flexible and lucid.
In addition, being immersed in nature for a long time will help promote white blood cell activity in preventing and eliminating virus and tumor cells for the body. Poetically speaking, trees can heal our souls and our health.
Where can “forest bathing” be?
In fact, “forest bathing” is not as difficult as many people think. You can find a park near your house, temples with many trees or an eco-tourism area to “bathe in the forest”.
Or the simplest is to plant more trees on the balcony, using essential oils such as pine oil or Hinoki wood incense can help you sleep better and slow down over-stimulation.
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