Benefits of Forest Bathing
What are the Benefits of Forest Bathing?
Trees and plants in forests or woodlands release antimicrobial essential oils called ‘phytoncides’. These protect plants from germs, but they can also help humans.
Phytoncides can boost our mood and immune system function, normalise blood pressure and heart rate. They can reduce stress and anxiety, improve concentration and sleep, and stimulate creativity. They may even help fight cancer and depression. And the benefits of a phytoncide ‘shower’ can last for weeks.
In the woods, looking up at the forest canopy i.e. the tops of the trees and how they meet together, there is a predominance of blues and greens, which are the colours most associated with relaxation and reduced anxiety.
In Japan, forest bathing is recognised as a clinical therapy and is actually prescribed to patients. However, woods bathing is regarded primarily as preventative medicine. It is frequently used in Finland and South Korea as part of a holistic health approach. There are currently 10 UK universities researching and tracking the benefits of forest bathing.
Research in Japan has shown that practising Shinrin Yoku could help:
Improve weakened immunity, with an increase in natural killer (NK) cells, white blood cells that attack tumours and infection
Improve levels of stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline
Improve blood pressure
Improve blood sugar levels
Improve sleep patterns
Improve concentration and memory
Improve HRV
Improve levels of feeling of wellbeing
