Looking for ways to unwind? Why not take a forest bath? Forest bathing has nothing to do with taking a bath in the woods with soap and bath bombs. Forest bathing is immersing yourself in nature and experiencing its therapeutic effects.
People who live and thrive in the metropolis tend to experience burn out and will need to take a time out in nature to re-energize themselves. The practice originated from Japan in the 1980s that gave birth to the term, Shinrin-yoku (森林浴).
Forest bathing is only one of the various tasks and exercises under nature therapy. Nature therapy has existed since the dawn of times across different cultures. Different from the normal hike, forest bathing is a much slower pace and focused on fully experiencing the nature around us. It is not about covering a set distance and exercising.
The following are only some of the benefits of bathing yourself with nature.
- Get that clear and flawless skin
Want to get that flawless skin without going to your dermatologist? Inflammation causes skin irritation and disorders. After forest bathing, the skin condition of people suffering eczema and psoriasis significantly improved.
Terpenes are some of the main anti-inflammatory components found in cypress, fir and pine trees, which they released into the air.
Pixabay | valiunic
- Soothe sore muscles
Because of the terpenes in the forest air, it relieves other inflammation in the body like in muscles and joints. Osteoarthritis relief, reduced joint pain and inflammation, and decreased neck and back pain are just some of the proven benefits. Next time you run and exercise, pick the forest route!
- Decrease risk of heart attack
Suffering from heart diseases? Studies revealed that forest bathing significantly reduces blood pressure, stress levels, and pulse rate. While in the woods, it increases your body’s adiponectin levels. Adiponectin has anti-inflammatory effects on blood vessels that decrease the risk of heart attack.
- Clearer mind and boost creativity
Taking a walk in the woods will clear the mind of a person. It also improves the person’s mood and alleviates anxiety, depression, and confusion.
- Boost immune system
Our body has natural cells that fight infection or any disruption in the system, they are called antibodies. These cells are smart enough to fight bad cells without destroying the whole cell. Exposure to nature can increase the number of these good cells in the body.
A study in Japan revealed that participants had 50 percent increase in antibodies after a three-day camping trip. It was also found out that forest bathing can decrease the risk of cancer and help patients recover faster.
- Be energized and sleep better
Do you often wonder why you feel relieved and energized after taking a deep breath in nature? It is proven that forest bathing can fight off fatigue. This is the reason why we feel energized after taking a short trip away from the urban jungle.
- Get slimmer without dieting
Forest bathing reduces blood glucose levels, even in diabetics. Moreover, increased adiponectin regulates fat metabolism, glucose levels, and weight gain.
Be healthier without taking any vitamins. Douse yourself with sunlight and trees in nature and reap all the aforementioned benefits. Take a look at the video below and see how trees can help you.