FOREST BATHING

Forest Bathing started in Japan in the early 1980s as a physiological and psychological exercise called shinrin-yoku literally translated "taking a bath in the forest". Overtime it became a Japanese ecotherapy, it's popularity soon spread to the rest of the world with establishment of Forest Bathing Institutes in U.S, Europe and Japan conducting certification courses. Forest Bathing is not just for nature-lover; it's for everyone who desire to dial-down from everyday lives or intend on rejuvenating their mind, body and soul. Learn to bottle forest if its not easy for you to visit one.

PLACES TO LEARN ABOUT FOREST BATHING

International Society of Nature & Forest Medicine

Focus on forest bathing destinations in & around Japan. Find out more

Afar Travel Guides

Guides to planning Japan forest bathing trips. Helpful tips to ensure you get it right. Find out more.

Forest Bathing in Italy

Oasis Zegna in North Italy. Spend 3 days there & it was amazing. something to offer throughout the year. Find out more.

National Geographic

They call it secret mindful travel. Interesting article giving suggestion to different destination across the globe. Find out more.

A STUDY ON SHIRIN-YOKU (FOREST BATHING)

How do we exactly do forest bathing? Breathing in goodness as we take a slow walk.
Children living in urban cities should be encouraged to go out to nature - their bodies & brains will soak up the benefits! Natural chemical release from plants has positive effects on our immune system and it will last at least a week when we spend 2 to 3 hours in nature.

BEST TIME for FOREST BATHING IN JAPAN

Spring ( March - May): Central Japan, Nara, Aimoro, Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto with cherry blossom in bloom. Weather is mild perfect for hiking and trekking.

Summer ( June - August): Weather is usually warn and humid, dense green forests, rivers & waterfalls pleasant for wandering around. Try Nagano, Kagoshima, Izu, Okinawa & Aomori.

Autumn (September - November): The perfect season to witness the infamous fall season all around Japan. Extremely good time to explore nature. Suggest Kyoto, Aomori, Hokkaido and around the Japanese alps.

Winter (December - February): Most hiking routes around Japan are closed due to uncertain snowfall up north. Central & southern Japan are accessible. Mount Hongo in Osaka or Mount Hieri in Kyoto is quite a magical site.

More information can be found on International Society of Nature and Forest Medicine

TREES AS A CURE

Mr. Qing Li a Forest Medicine practitioner/teacher explains Forest Bathing and research findings. He spends
8 years conducting his research. He says deep breathing is critical when we are in forest - inhaling phytoncides help strengthen our immune systems. Incredible findings, do watch the video you will be impress how time with nature help us heal within.

Inhaling or diffusing Essential oils that has monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes (called phytoncides) properties such as alpha-pinene and limonene can provide the same therapeutical benefits. Your personal bottled-forest.