Shinrin Yoku

Shinrin Yoku or 'forest bathing' was developed in Japan in the 1980s and brings together ancient ways and wisdom with cutting edge environmental health science. There are now forest bathing stations and walkways scattered throughout Japan, although the good news is that we can all benefit from this simple practice.

 

Simply put, forest bathing is the practice of walking slowly through the woods, in no hurry, for a morning, an afternoon or a day. It is a practice that involves all the senses and as you gently walk and breathe deeply, the essential oils of the trees are absorbed by your body and have an extraordinary effect on positive feelings, stress hormone levels, parasympathetic nervous activity, sympathetic nervous activity, blood pressure, heart rate and brain activity.

 

In this wonderful book, by the leading expert in the field, science meets nature and mindfulness, as we are encouraged to bathe in the trees and become observers of both the nature around us and the goings on of our own minds.

Yoshifumi Miyazaki is a university professor, researcher and the deputy director of Chiba University's Centre for Environment, Health and Field Sciences. He has published several books on the effects and benefits of forest therapy, and the concept is spreading - the Japanese government has created dozens of forest therapy centres. In 2000 Yoshifumi received the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Minister Award for clarifying the health benefits of wood and shinrin yoku, and later an award from the Japan Society of Physiological Anthropology in 2007.