Forest Therapy

Forest therapy (FT) is an ancient modern therapeutic practice based off of the Japanese tradition Shinrin-Yoku, known as forest bathing.

Forest bathing and forest therapy have been scientifically proven to have many benefits on the mind, body and soul. Through decades long research, Yoshifumi Miyazaki, PhD a researcher in Japan, summarizes some of the benefits from engaging with forest therapy practices to include:

•  Improves weakened immunity, including an increase of natural killer (NK) cells
• increases relaxation through increased activity of the parasympathetic nervous system
• reduces stress through reduced activity of the sympathetic nervous system 
• reduces blood pressure after only 15 minutes, and lasting 5 days after 1 day of FT
• increase sense of wellbeing

             (Miyazaki, 2018)**. 

Forest therapy is a practice that allows participants to deeper their connection with themselves, with others, and with nature. While being led by a guide, participants will be invited to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the modern western world and take a moment in time to enter a space of calmness, tranquility, restoration, and connection. 

What it is not - it is not a hike or stroll through the woods. Forest therapy is much more than that. We will be intentionally traveling through the forest slowly, engaging our senses, and experiencing the abundance around us, so if you are wanting to go for a hike, this is not the time. 

As a guide in training*, I will lead you through a series of invitations, inviting you to participate in different mindful activities that entice all your senses. We will be walking together over a 2 or 3 hour period through the wilderness and be creating a safe space where we can all deeper our connection with nature. Participants will get personal time for self exploration throughout the walk and reconnect with the group in sharing circles when guided to do so. At the end, we will all come together and close our forest therapy session as a group. 

* I am a trainee Forest Therapy Guide through Global Institute of Forest Therapy (GIFT). To find out more about the training facilitator, please visit https://www.giftoftheforest.com/

**Reference: Yoshifumi Miyazaki. 2018. The Japanese Art of Shinrin Yoku - Forest Bathing. Published by Timber Press Inc., 133 S.W. Second Avenue, Suite 450, Portland, Oregon. Book. Page 34.