What is Forest Bathing?

It is a mindful and relaxing experience, immersion of all the senses in the atmosphere of a forest. Forest Bathing or shinrin-yoku is a preventive medicine practice from Japan that has been proven to have many health benefits, like lowering cortisol levels, boosting the immune system and improving mood and mental well-being.

Benefits of Forest Bathing

Forest bathing, or "Shinrin-yoku," harnesses several natural elements that contribute to its health benefits. These include phytoncides, the natural soundscape, soil microbes, and the colour scheme of green and blue. Here’s an overview of these natural factors and their health benefits, supported by scientific references:

Phytoncides

Phytoncides are volatile organic compounds emitted by plants and trees. They play a significant role in the benefits of forest bathing:

Immune System Boost: Phytoncides have been shown to increase the activity and number of natural killer (NK) cells, which are critical for immune defence. Studies demonstrate that exposure to phytoncides can enhance NK cell activity and reduce the incidence of illnesses.

Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Effects: Phytoncides possess antimicrobial properties that can reduce inflammation and protect against various pathogens.

Microbes in Soil

Soil in forest environments is rich in diverse microbial communities that can positively influence human health:

Immune Regulation: Exposure to beneficial microbes in the soil can help regulate the immune system, reducing the risk of allergies and autoimmune diseases. Mycobacterium vaccae, a soil bacterium, has been linked to improved mood and reduced anxiety.

Mood Enhancement: Interaction with soil microbes can stimulate the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that elevates mood and promotes a sense of well-being.

Natural Soundscape

The natural sounds of a forest, such as rustling leaves, bird songs, and flowing water, contribute to the therapeutic effects of forest bathing:

Stress Reduction and Relaxation: Natural sounds can lower stress levels and promote relaxation. Research indicates that exposure to natural soundscapes reduces cortisol levels and heart rate, leading to a state of calmness.

Cognitive Restoration: Natural sounds help in cognitive restoration by reducing mental fatigue and improving focus and attention.

Ionized Air

Forests often contain high levels of negatively charged ions, which contribute to the overall benefits of forest bathing. These ions are created by natural processes such as water evaporation, plant transpiration, and the interaction of air with natural elements like waterfalls and trees.

Mood Enhancement: Negative ions have been found to increase the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood and stress. Increased serotonin levels can lead to improved mood and a reduction in symptoms of depression. A study indicated that exposure to high concentrations of negative ions significantly improved mood in patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Reduced Stress and Anxiety: The calming effect of negative ions can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Negative ions are believed to reduce the production of stress hormones and enhance overall mental well-being.

Color Scheme: Green and Blue

The predominant colours in a forest—green from the vegetation and blue from the sky or water bodies—have specific psychological and physiological effects:

Visual Restorative Effects: The colour green is associated with tranquillity and relaxation. It has been shown to reduce stress and enhance mood. A study found that viewing green environments can lead to lower levels of anxiety and depression.

Calmness and Focus: Blue, often visible in forest environments through the sky or water bodies, is linked to calmness and improved focus. It can lower blood pressure and heart rate, contributing to a state of relaxation and mental clarity.

Forest Bathing in Vale of Clara Co.Wicklow

The guided walk takes about 2.5 -3 hours and aims at improving your overall well-being by increasing the feeling of relaxation and revitalisation. The session ends with a herbal tea ceremony to intensify the calming effect of the forest on the nervous system.

To find out more about forest bathing check our blog post.

To book your forest bathing experience in Vale of Clara, Co. Wicklow check our Book Online page.

"Thank you Kamila for a gentle, restorative nature connection Forest bathing walk! It was an absolute joy to be guided in such a beautiful area! A sincere thank you!" Jenny S.

"I went for the forest bathing experience with Kamila in the Vale of Clara and came out completely relaxed and energised! Quite unique and holistic elements to it. Strongly recommended to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city!!" Fabio D.

"What a transformative experience! Kamila is a fantastic guide who is really knowledgeable when it comes to the forest and nature connection. The experience is very immersive, and I felt such a large physiological and mental difference after our day in the forest. I have been on other forest bathing experiences before, but have never had this therapeutic effect I felt from Kamila's experience before. Really worth doing if you are living in the city, and need some guidance on how to truly relax and relieve stress. Would recommend! Extra nice touch is Kamila's extensive scientific background in botany, which is great to touch on." - Finn M.

What is Forest Bathing?

Benefits of Forest Bathing

Phytoncides

Forest Bathing in Vale of Clara Co.Wicklow

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