The term “Forest Bathing” comes from the idea of healing with nature. Literally meaning “Bathing in the Forest,” it originated in Japan and has since spread across the world, known for its benefits and simplicity.

But what does it really mean? What are its benefits? And most importantly, how do you do it? Everything you need to know about this unique “bath” and the essential information to prepare for it.

Forest Bathing: What is Japanese Shinrin-Yoku?

Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku, originated in Japan in the 1980s as a remedy for a growing “epidemic” of stress spreading across the Land of the Rising Sun.

Over the last 40 years, this practice has gained increasing significance, becoming a legitimate therapy that Japanese doctors prescribe to their patients.

General Characteristics and Reasons

Shinrin-Yoku involves spending time in complete immersion in nature, mindfully, slowly, and without worries. This immersion engages the senses and becomes a sort of meditation in harmony with the surrounding environment.

The main characteristics include:

• surrounding yourself with nature, as untouched and dense as possible
• taking time for absolute tranquility
• interacting with the landscape through your senses by seeing, smelling, and touching
• engaging in activities that connect your spirit to the environment (meditation, yoga…)

The leading proponent of this practice is Dr. Qing Li, a physician at Nippon Medical School in Tokyo and president of the Society of Forest Medicine. In his reference text, *Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness*, he explains how our society suffers from a nature deficit and how this negatively impacts the psyche, leading to negative feelings.

He estimates that the average person spends 93% of their time indoors and that just a few hours of “Forest Bathing” can improve the quality of life for those who practice it.

The Benefits of Forest Bathing

Since its first application at a medical level, many studies have revealed the benefits of this activity—from stress reduction, the reason for Forest Bathing’s inception, to boosting the immune system.

It’s widely known that spending time in nature improves mood, but it turns out that there are solid reasons behind this, which we’ll explore further.

The benefits of Shinrin-Yoku are many and go far beyond the general sense of energy and vitality commonly associated with nature walks:

• reduces stress levels by lowering cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone. At the same time, endorphins, which are responsible for happiness, are released. This means a dual benefit: reduced stress and a counter to anxiety and depression;
• positive impact on the cardiovascular system by lowering blood pressure;
• boosts the immune system through the inhalation of phytoncides. These molecules are naturally emitted by plants and help strengthen the immune system by increasing the number and activity of NK (Natural Killer) cells. These cells are vital in fighting diseases and infections;
• improves concentration and memory, which are among the first to suffer from mental fatigue in closed environments.

This impressive list makes it clear why Forest Bathing has been increasingly recommended by Japanese doctors and many international experts in recent years.

Is Shinrin-Yoku Really Good for Your Health?

How can something as “simple” as Forest Bathing bring such significant health benefits? This question has been asked many times over the last 40 years, leading to studies and research that not only support this practice but also definitively establish a connection between environment and health that has empirically marked all human history.

The aforementioned Dr. Qing Li has presented a comprehensive study, conducted since 2004, on the benefits of Forest Bathing, highlighting the already mentioned advantages and explaining how fully immersing oneself in nature can achieve them.

Additionally, it’s interesting to mention a specific study, also scientifically based, on how phytoncides have a beneficial effect on the production and activity of NK cells.

Clearly, a practice that is both powerful and completely accessible has become highly interesting at a medical level, leading to research that spans various directions in its support (if you want to learn more, check out the Global Wellness Institute study).

According to the studies, the response is unanimous: the connection between nature and humans is beneficial not only spiritually but also directly for physical health. To further emphasize this connection, apart from Forest Bathing, a study was conducted in which hospital patients with rooms overlooking a natural environment showed faster recovery and fewer complications during their stay. Here’s the full study on Science.org

How to Practice Forest Bathing

Like most activities, Forest Bathing can be practiced at various levels: alone, in groups, or guided by experts who help people fully enjoy the power of this activity.

Regardless of the chosen method, some common points are worth noting.

Take Your Time

To fully benefit from the healing power of Forest Bathing, it’s crucial to take all the time you need, approaching this activity without rushing. So, it’s okay to carve out time between commitments, but do it so that there’s no clock or alarm marking the minutes spent in nature—let the needs dictate the timing.

The human battery often recharges at unexpected times.

Choose the Right Location

The more unspoiled the environment, the better. Immersing yourself in a natural setting like a forest or woodland yields the best results, but even a peaceful walk in a city park can be a solution.

The key is finding a place where you can connect with the landscape with as few disturbances as possible.

Engage Your Senses

Walking among trees is already helpful, but taking deep breaths, touching plants and bark, and truly connecting with the environment is the key to this experience.

Letting nature’s aromatherapy and the sounds it offers cradle you goes beyond a simple relaxing walk.

Breathe

It may seem obvious, but focusing on mindful breathing can further amplify the benefits of this practice.

Just like in meditation or yoga, connecting with your breath helps better align your body and spirit. In this case, breathing also means filling up on valuable phytoncides.

In addition to these essential tips, it’s always important to be well-prepared for this type of experience, wearing comfortable, sporty clothing and being mindful of the environment we traverse. Nature provides us with a free and simple remedy—let’s respect it by not causing harm.

Can You Practice Forest Bathing in the City?

Not everyone has easy access to forests or woodlands, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up this type of activity. Although with some differences, Forest Bathing is possible even in city parks and green spaces often found in suburban areas.

The therapeutic action discussed in this article comes from the natural environment and is simply amplified by its size or remote location. You might even create your own small urban oasis to benefit from nature’s contact.

In this sense, healing gardens are emerging—spaces specifically designed to promote overall well-being.

When Vacation Meets Forest Bathing

Often, when we talk about vacations or holidays, we use the phrase “unplugging,” but perhaps we should reconsider and talk about reconnection and recharging instead.

The healing power of nature is at the heart of our philosophy at Friland. When choosing locations for our tiny houses, we always aim to find a balance between immersion in the environment, sustainability in our presence, and complete relaxation.

So why not try Forest Bathing starting with a small getaway? Recharge your batteries, heal your body and spirit by taking a well-deserved break from the speed and frenzy of life, and re-embrace nature’s slow yet flowing rhythms.

Discover the perfect destination for Forest Bathing with us.