TOP SIX BENEFITS OF FOREST BATHING
What is forest bathing?
Shinrin-yoku is the process of taking in the forest through our senses. Developed in
Japan during the 1980s, it is now increasingly practiced across the world and is
gaining popularity in the United States.
The ancient technique combines walking slowly in a forest with mindful breathing
and opening your senses to your surroundings. The practice has been proven to
provide a positive impact for both body and mind. It connects us with the healing
power of nature by providing calming, rejuvenating and restorative benefits.
1. Reduces your stress
Forest Bathing, is good for both physical and mental wellbeing. It is proven to
reduce stress hormone production, improve feelings of happiness and free up
creativity, as well as lower heart rate and blood pressure, boost the immune system
and accelerate recovery from illness.
2. Improves your mood
Connecting to nature can be linked to happiness and mental wellbeing. Spending
time in nature releases hormones that relate to the pursuit of joy, increasing your
mood and lowering anxiety.
3. Increases creativity
In one study by David Strayer, a psychology professor at the University of Utah,
participants saw a 50% improvement in creative problem solving after three days
immersed in nature with all access to modern technology removed.
4. Boosts your immune system
The health secrets of trees seem to lie in two things—the higher concentration of
oxygen that exists in a forest, as compared to an urban setting, and the presence of
plant chemicals called phytoncides—natural oils that are part of a plant’s defense
system against bacteria, insects, and fungi. Studies have proven these plant
chemicals help our bodies fight diseases. Exposure to these substances can have
measurable health benefits for humans. Physiological stress is reduced, for
example, and both blood pressure and heart rate are lowered. Evergreens—pine,
cedar, spruce, and conifers—are the largest producers of phytoncides, so walking
in an evergreen forest seems to have the greatest health benefits.
Evergreen Forest
5. Reduces high blood pressure
Forest Bathing has been proven to reduce blood pressure, an important factor in
maintaining a healthy heart.
6. Accelerates your recovery from illness
In cities, air quality is not too great, and even the suburbs are still exposed to
pollution from vehicles and factories. Forest bathing offers the chance to get away
from all that pollution, which is beneficial for the body.
1)Which of the following does Forest bathing do?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Improve mood
Increases recovery from illnesses
Lowers blood pressure
All of the above
2)Phytoncides are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
A type of tree
A type of cat
Blood pressure
natural oils that are part of a plant’s defense system against
bacteria, insects, and fungi
3)Where did Forest bathing develop?
1.
2.
3.
4.
United States
Australia
Norway
Japan
What is the name of the forest that seems to have the greatest health
benefits?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Tropical
Evergreen
Temperate
Boreal