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What is Forest Bathing?<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n
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Shinrin-Yoku : The Japanese Wellness Trend<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n
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Nature Bathing, Eco-Therapy, and Forest Therapy \u2013 Alternative terms of Forest Bathing<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n
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Forest bathing impacts our well-being through sensory feelings<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n
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10 Reasons to engage in Forest Bathing<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n
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Forest bathing is scientifically proven<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n
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Respite from the busy city life<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n
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Helps you slow down<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n
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The magical phytoncides kill cancer<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n
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Promotes creativity and better mental health<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n
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Fosters natural healing<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n
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Reduces risk of heart attack<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n
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Prevents obesity and diabetes<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n
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Helps you sleep better<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n
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Anti-inflammatory terpenes good for sore muscles<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n
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How to get engaged in forest bathing?<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n
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Forest Bathing beyond Japan<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n
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Do you know Forest Medicine is an emerging discipline?<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n
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Can you do Forest Bathing without a forest near you?<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What is Forest Bathing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/a>It is not about having a shower amid greenery is not what describes a forest bathing but spending long and intimate hours inside the realms of natural forest and not amidst those cultivated by farmers. While you are inside lush green forests you open your flesh and mind and the whole sensory system to the forest and breathe in every iota of essence from the surrounding greenery.<\/p>\nYou touch the woods, smell the flowers and have intimate body contact with the green foliage.
\nIt is a common knowledge of botany that plants give off oxygen during the day. How good and beneficial would it be to be enveloped by an efficient oxygen supply natural source? It rejuvenates your entire system and feeds your cells and your respiratory system.<\/p>\nShinrin-Yoku : The Japanese Wellness Trend<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Forest-Bathing\"](\"https:\/\/drprem.com\/wellness\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2018\/02\/Forest-Bathing-16.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nForest therapy or forest bathing, a name by which it is popularly called, is a study originated in Japan and forms the very core of healing and wellness process. The concept is to soak up ourselves with all natural goodness in lush green woods and the natural surroundings.<\/p>\n
Mother Nature is the primary entity over here with whom we hold a quiet and harmonious rendezvous. An instant feel-good ambiance overwhelms us, the moment we step inside a natural forest cover. It brings us into fresh contact with life.<\/p>\n
Nature Bathing, Eco-Therapy, and Forest Therapy \u2013 Alternative terms of Forest Bathing<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Forest Bathing is also practiced in the name of nature bathing, eco therapy, forest therapy or wilderness therapy. Of these, eco-therapy may involve loosely structured nature activities guided by professionals or experts to measure outcomes.<\/p>\nOther evolving forms of nature bathing or nature therapy can be guided or done individually based on specific needs and situation. Nature bathing covers a bigger umbrella where it can imply spending time in beaches, parks with enough greenery, and other green spaces be in a city or country side.<\/p>\n
Forest bathing notion has been turning into a million dollar professional \u2018 forest therapy \u2018 where qualified professionals have a major role. In Japan, the areas designated for forest therapy are initiated in consultation with licensed professionals.<\/p>\n
The ultimate objective is to make people spend more time in nature. The therapeutic impact of nature has been widely recognized in wellness tourism with increasing number of travelers seeking nature-rick destinations.<\/p>\n
Forest bathing impacts our well-being through sensory feelings<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- A feast to our eyes, the green landscape, and the colorful flora<\/li>\n
- Enhances our olfactory senses \u2013 the aroma of leaves, flowers, and the earth<\/li>\n
- Soothing to our ears \u2013 the sound of flowing water and crackling of leaves, and twitter of birds.<\/li>\n
- Enhances the feel of touch \u2013 touching the tree trunk, foliage, and flower.<\/li>\n
- Treat to our taste buds \u2013 tasting fruits and other edibles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
10 Reasons to engage in Forest Bathing<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1.\u00a0 <\/strong>Forest bathing is scientifically proven<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nForest therapy research work has been highly pioneered by the land of the rising sun. The\u00a0Japanese government has spent $4 million in an intense groundwork for a long span from 2004 till 2013. Currently, the revelations of the government aided investigation projects lead to a wide database with over a hundred field surveys.<\/p>\n
The beneficial effects of forests on the health parameters of humankind are immense. It reduces blood pressure by 1.4% (blood pressure decreased significantly by approximately 7-8 mm Hg by Forest Bathing when compared to city walking Source: GWI), heartbeats by 5.8%, cortisol levels by 12.4% and sympathetic nerve functioning by 7 %. It eases out mental conditions<\/a><\/strong><\/span> too, reducing cases of trauma, melancholy, and tension.<\/p>\n
Forest Bathing reduced urinary adrenaline by 68% in females, according to a study. Reduction of this stress hormone can help to avoid several lifestyle related diseases. In males, there was a reduction in the hormone cortisol.<\/span><\/p>\n
The Exeter University led research showed people spending at least 120 minutes a week amidst nature are significantly more likely to report good health and improved mental wellbeing than those who do not spend time amidst nature on an average per week. Recently, it has emerged that Kate Middleton borrowed this concept of forest bathing or nature immersion in her debut garden Chelsea Flower Show named RHS Back to Nature.<\/p>\n
2. Respite from the busy city life<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\nWhen we compare these numbers with city dwellers, constantly struggling under the grind of work pressure and a claustrophobic environment, we feel pity. How well the jungle folks stand out when weighed up individual against an individual so far as health variables are measured! The benefits of Forest Bathing are so well recognized in Japan that it is included in the insurance coverage!<\/p>\n
3. Helps you slow down<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nIn this fast-paced world, there is a need to slow down. Shinrin-Yoku<\/strong> gives you this opportunity. You take time to appreciate things around. It can be possible only if you slow down ultimately diverting you from the daily stress.<\/p>\n
Talking to trees and breathing in the air filtered through green foliage seems a bit romantic but it certainly has great mind-calming attributes. It elevates mindfulness.\u00a0A forest entirely wrapped with natural bounties sets the stage right for such kind of realization.<\/p>\n
4. <\/strong>The magical phytoncides kill cancer<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Bald](\"https:\/\/drprem.com\/wellness\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2015\/03\/Bald-male-patient-with-cancer-talking-with-mature-doctor.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>On entering a forest, most of us have experienced a fresh floating aroma, a different kind. When we are close enough to the greens, we take in phytoncides, the aromatic chemicals given off by most of the trees, oils and vapor emissions that drift in the air in a jungle environment<\/p>\nThese chemicals have a perennial and favorable impact on the human immune system markers, promoting natural killer (NK) cells and increasing anticancer proteins by 40 %.<\/p>\n
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- Forest Bathing is beneficial for the immune system as it reduces stress.<\/li>\n
- The NK or the body\u2019s Natural Killer cells (immune cells) activity levels increase with forest bathing. It has been found that people having low NK activity have a high cancer incidence rate, but people with high NK activity show low cancer incidence rate. This is true for both men and women.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
NK improves the levels of anti-cancer proteins and induces death of cancer tumors\/cells.<\/p>\n
These groundbreaking findings in Japan had been the very backbone of the idea of forest bathing. They have been a powerful basis for the development of preventive medicine in Japan.<\/p>\n
5. <\/strong>Promotes creativity and better mental health<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"hiking](\"https:\/\/drprem.com\/wellness\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2015\/07\/hiking-1.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nA research paper introduced by Universities of Utah and Kansas in the US reported that a three days nature hiking heightened performance on creativity evaluations by 50 %. In a similar study conducted by the universities of Michigan and Edge Hill in the UK revealed that nature walks helped combat depression and stress significantly.<\/p>\n
Forest Bathing reduced anxiety, depression, anger, confusion, fatigue while improving the level of vigor, as was found in a Japanese study.<\/p>\n
6.\u00a0 <\/strong>Fosters natural healing<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Forest-Bathing\"](\"https:\/\/drprem.com\/wellness\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2018\/02\/Forest-Bathing-17.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nA rising number of doctors are prescribing\u00a0 forest therapy for maintaining good health and recovery of lost health. \u2018Park prescriptions\u2019 are on the rise not only for the sick and elderly but also healthy individuals and kids. This is almost a similar practice as in the pre-pharmaceutical era. Woodsy Swiss Alps and Adirondack wilds were recommended for taking trips to forest. Forest Bathing or Nature prescriptions should not be considered as a replacement for medical treatments but can be complemented with those.<\/p>\n
7. Reduces <\/strong>risk of heart attack<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"risk](\"https:\/\/drprem.com\/wellness\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/08\/risk-of-heart-attack.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nSeveral studies on health benefits of forest bathing have demonstrated its positive effects on blood pressure and heart rate. As you take a trip through the woods, your body\u2019s adiponectin levels rise that is anti-inflammatory to vessels of your heart reducing the risk of heart attack.<\/p>\n
8. Prevents <\/strong>obesity and diabetes<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nThe same anti-inflammatory effect of adiponectin works to prevent obesity and diabetes. In the US, many primary healthcare physicians advise forest bathing for obese kids as 1 out of 5 kids here are obese. Adiponectin regulates fat and glucose metabolism helping in managing weight and blood glucose. Plus, long walk in the woods burn calories and make you free from stress. To keep obesity and diabetes in check, one has to take frequent Forest bathing trips.<\/p>\n
9. Helps you sleep better<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nTaking deep breaths in natural locations revitalizes you. That is the reason people prefer vacationing amidst gorgeous nature. The same logic applies in forest bathing.\u00a0 Walking amid nature triggers those hormones that help you sleep better. With low stress and revitalization from nature, automatically you enjoy quality sleep.<\/p>\n
10. Anti-inflammatory terpenes good for sore muscles<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"sore](\"https:\/\/drprem.com\/wellness\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/08\/sore-muscle.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nMore than 40,000 terpene structures available have a profound effect on your joint and muscle health. Muscle inflammation causing neck and back pain can be healed through regular forest bathing. Few studies show it can be as good as exercises.<\/p>\n
How to get engaged in forest bathing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nForest bathing is made for all, old and young. If you are drawn to this wellness fad, the following would provide you the basic guidance:<\/p>\n
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- Grow your mindset to ensure that you will enjoy the forested ambiance.<\/li>\n
- Do not carry your mobile digital devices while entering the forest. Devote your heart and soul in the forest environment instead of getting distracted with the digital noise.<\/li>\n
- No need to give attention to your calorie burning or the time consumed in the walking trail. No need to hurry at all to cover up the trail fast. Relax, see and appreciate every moment of the trail.<\/li>\n
- You can also select a good spot in the forest to spend some time with the surrounding flora and fauna. Listen to the bird calls and insect buzz. Inhale the fragrance of the new blooms and foliages.<\/li>\n
- Observe the behavior of the animals around you. How the bird is behaving? Is the squirrel scared to see you? What the bird perched on the branch overhead is aiming at? Where the school of ants is moving? Observing such minute events brings in fresh waves of peace in your mind.<\/li>\n
- You can close your eyes or lie on the ground and keep listening to the sounds around you. The sound of the leaves dropping, the mild clatter of a brook or the cascading sound of the waterfall would keep your mind fully observed.<\/li>\n
- If you are traveling with friends and groups, avoid chit-chats. You can do this later but not at the moment when your body and mind are relaxing in perfect unison in the forest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Forest Bathing beyond Japan<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nForest Bathing is becoming a common wellness activity in other European and US destinations with spas and resorts offering innovative Forest Bathing and spa experiences.\u00a0Yoga, meditation programs<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0and endurance trails in the forest are being introduced.<\/p>\n
A resort in Finland is setting up glass igloos in the forest. Sweden\u2019s Lapland Forest provides another exotic experience of Forest Bathing. \u00a0High-end resorts in the US are not lagging behind in offering Forest Bathing programs clubbed with some other wellness activities.<\/p>\n
Do you know Forest Medicine is an emerging discipline?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"male-practicing-forest-bathing\"](\"https:\/\/drprem.com\/wellness\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/08\/male-practicing-forest-bathing.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nForest medicine is an interdisciplinary medicine, an offshoot of preventive medicine and environmental medicine that involve studying of the impact of forest on human wellness. The future of Forest Medicine is aimed towards expanding this concept in global wellness with more emphasis on preventative medicine.\u00a0 It also aims to establish this as an effective treatment for some life-style diseases and rehabilitation procedures.<\/p>\n
Can you do Forest Bathing without a forest near you?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Nothing to feel sad of. Even a stroll in a serene natural setting for example in a well-maintained park covered with greenery or a natural garden can make you relaxed and calm. People with more greenery in the neighborhood reported better well-being than those dwelling in concrete jungles.<\/p>\n