SHINRIN YOKO

​

“And into the forest I go to loose my mind and find my soul” JOHN MUIR

​

​

The term shinrin-yoku was coined In 1982 by Tomahide Akiyama, then secretary of Japans ministry of agriculture, forestry and fisheries. Shinrin- Yoku translates to forest bathing.

 

Forest bathing is a contemplative practice of intentionally spending time with trees and can also be experienced as a type of meditation.

 

Meditation can ease psychological problems such as anxiety,ptsd,treat addictions and also promote the  healing of many physical ailments

​

The act of intentional, attentive time with trees can:

​

• Decreases fatigue and increases energy.

• Has immune system boosting, antiviral and anti carcinogenic benefits.

• Increase the ability to focus.

• Speeds up recovery from surgery or illness.

• Regulates the endocrine hormonal system.

• Lowers blood glucose.

• Enhances the ability to get a better night sleep.

• Increases brainwave activity in young adults.

• Positively affects elderly patients with chronic heart failure.

• When we go for a walk in the woods we feel better because we are breathing cleaner air and this can reduce symptoms of asthma.

• Exercising in a forest is more efficient because our bodies don't have to work as hard to take in oxygen, and also mildly cleanses our organs.

• Trees emit vibrations which cure headaches quicker than taking an analgesic- so go and hug a tree next time you have a headache if not before!

​

( CLICK HERE to return to the Eco therapy categories )