Natural Mindfulness and Forest Bathing

Forest Bathing, or more specifically, 'Shinrin-Yoku' is the Japanese practice of walking slowly through the woods without a particular destination in mind.  Since the phrase was coined, scientists in Japan have found that there are definite health benefits, including positive physiological and psychological reactions to spending time mindfully in nature.  They found;

• an increase in 'natural killer (NK)' cells which fight infections and tumours,

• increased activity in the parasympathetic nervous system which led to increased relaxation of the body,

• reduced activity in the sympathetic nervous system which led to reductions in stress levels,

• reduction in blood pressure and reduced feelings of stress.

Forest bathing calms overstimulation of the senses from urban and artificial environments and promotes calm, peace, and relaxation and helps us to connect with our true nature.

In our forest bathing sessions, we will look at the history of forest bathing, we will touch on the research into the health benefits and then we will get out there and bathe - no swimming costumes needed!