One of my favorite outdoor activities is to spend time hiking in the forest. Nature has such a vast array of healing benefits.
It’s no secret that our overall well-being benefits from spending time in nature. Some doctors are even prescribing “nature therapy” to their patients for reducing stress, reversing chronic inflammation, strengthening immunity, and uplifting the mood. Scientific evidence has shown that exposure to green space, and especially in a biodiverse forest full of plant life, trees, moving water, and fresh oxygen, has profound health benefits for our body, mind, and spirit.
So, how exactly does it have this powerful effect?
A team of Japanese researchers traveled to Yakushima, an island famous for its biodiversity, in order to explore the mechanisms behind nature’s ability to make us healthier and nourish our well-being. In Japan, they have been enjoying this ancient healing practice called “forest bathing” for years, otherwise known as “shinrin-yoku.”
Based on their findings, the scientists suggest that we take in beneficial substances when we breathe in forest air from three major inhaled factors — beneficial bacteria, plant-derived essential oils, and negatively charged ions.
This “good” bacteria surround us, and through its interactions with our bodies — particularly our gut-dwelling bacteria — we get boosts of health and happiness.
As Hippocrates stated, our gut is the foundation of our health.
I like to say that our gut is “our inner rainforest” – our microbiome – which carries an incredible amount of healing power to transform our health.
Did you know that 70% of your immune system is based in your gut microbiome? And 90% of serotonin (your happy mood neurotransmitter) is based in the gut? Now that’s worth paying attention to.
The recommendations to spend time in the forest benefit a range of ailments including high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, cardiac issues, cancer, stress-related illness, and fatigue. Although this should never counteract the treatments your medical doctor is prescribing you, it can certainly compliment those treatments as “forest bathing” is becoming an emerging trend in the health and wellness space.
So, as you begin to soak up the all-natural goodness in the lush green forest, I’d like to provide you some key health benefits of prioritizing mother nature.
10 Reasons to Engage in Forest Bathing
1.) Scientifically proven
Forest therapy research has been highly pioneered by Japanese scientists and researchers. The Japanese government has done intense groundwork in research spanning from 2004 to 2013. Findings show that the beneficial effects of green forests on the health of humankind are immense. To learn more, you can search “shin-rin yoku” in Japan.
2.) A Respite from Cities
If you happen to be a city dweller, you know the pressures of modern-day city life all too well with the daily grind of work, high-pressure jobs, traffic, and urban smog. Although living in an urban environment has a lot to offer in light of cultural attractions, amazing food, and diversity, it’s important to find ways to build a respite from the hustle and bustle and spend time rejuvenating in nature.
3.) Helps to Slow You Down
In this fast-paced world, there is a huge need to slow down. Forest bathing gives you this opportunity. You take time to appreciate your environment and simply BE in the present moment. Breathing in the fresh air of a lush green forest has great mind-calming attributes. It supports you to become more intentional, calms your nervous system, reduces cortisol (the stress hormone), and elevates mindfulness.
4.) The Magical Phytoncides
On entering a forest, most of us have experienced a special aroma in the air. When we are close enough to green foliage, we take in “phytoncides,” the aromatic chemicals given off by most of the trees, plants, natural oils, and vapor emissions that drift in the forest air. These chemicals have a beneficial effect on our immune system to fight off diseases like cancer and reduce stress in the body. These groundbreaking findings in Japan have been a powerful basis for the development of forest bathing as preventive medicine.
5.) Improved Mental Health
For anyone struggling with mental health, spending time in nature has profound benefits to combat anxiety and depression. It also reduces stress and elevates an overall sense of well-being. Walking in the woods is so grounding, allowing you to shift out of a head space and move into your body with a greater sense of calm, peacefulness, and balance.
6.) Nature Heals
Given this emerging knowledge throughout the world, “forest therapy” is becoming a well-known type of preventative medicine and a rising number of doctors are prescribing it for maintaining good health and supporting recovery from a variety of illness and disease. In short, nature is one of our greatest healing resources!
7.) Reduced Risk of Heart Attack
Several studies on health benefits of forest bathing have demonstrated its positive effects on blood pressure and heart rate. As you take a walk through the woods, your body’s adiponectin levels rise which is anti-inflammatory to vessels of your heart reducing the risk of heart attack.
To learn more, click HERE for the PubMed abstract.
8.) Prevention of Obesity and Diabetes
The same anti-inflammatory effect of adiponectin works to prevent obesity and diabetes. In the U.S., many primary care doctors recommend spending more time in nature for obese kids as 1 out of 5 children in the U.S. are now considered obese. Adiponectin helps to regulate fat and glucose metabolism which manages our weight and blood glucose. Plus, long walks in the woods burn calories and reduces stress. So, getting outside in nature has tons of benefits for maintaining a healthy weight!
To view PubMed abstract, click HERE.
9.) Improves Sleep
Many of us struggle with getting deep restorative sleep on a regular basis. As you know, sleep is vital to good health. It is how our body rejuvenates itself and does its deepest cleanup work. Sleep is not a luxury. I like to say, “it’s a medical necessity.” It supports us to heal at a deep cellular level, balances our mood, keeps our metabolism working effectively, and nourishes our well-being. That said, spending time in nature can be a wonderful remedy to the insomnia issues that plague our modern society. Breathing in fresh oxygen from a green forest simply revitalizes you. Spending time in nature also triggers hormones that help you sleep better. So, with lower stress and revitalization from nature, you enjoy quality sleep as a result.
10.) Anti-Inflammatory Terpenes are Good for Sore Muscles
Terpene structures have a profound effect on your joint and muscle health. They are produced by various plants in the forest and one of the major components of forest aerosols. That said, muscle inflammation which causes neck and back pain can be significantly reduced through regular time in the forest. Taking forest hikes can be considered a great outdoor activity which is anti-inflammatory and also benefits achy joints and muscles.
To view PubMed abstract, click HERE.
Some Helpful Tips:
• Approach forest bathing with a healing mindset to get the most out of your experience.
• Do not carry your digital devices while entering the forest. Devote your heart and soul in the forest environment instead of getting distracted with digital noise.
• Relax, be in the present moment, and appreciate every moment on the trail.
• You can select a beautiful spot in the forest to spend time with the surrounding plants, trees, and running water. Listen to the bird sounds and insects, inhale the fragrance, and soak in the beauty of nature.
• If there are streams and waterfalls, float on your back in the natural swimming holes, sit underneath the waterfalls, and enjoy being enveloped by the incredible beauty as the water cleanses you.
• You can close your eyes or lie on the ground and listen to the sounds of mother nature. The soft breeze in your hair, the running stream, or cascading sound of the beautiful waterfall. Remember that moving water carries negative ions which boost your mood and revitalize your spirit. They are a natural antidepressant and ignite a greater sense of joy and well-being!
In closing, spending time in nature has a huge positive impact on our health and wellness. The future of forest medicine is still evolving around the world with an emphasis on preventative medicine. It aims to be established as an effective treatment for certain lifestyle diseases, illnesses, and recovery procedures.
Beyond all of the research, it simply feels amazing to get outside into nature.
So, take advantage of green spaces wherever you are and enjoy the profound benefits of mother nature!
Disclaimer:
This article is not meant to treat or cure any illness or disease and is meant for educational purposes only. If you are undergoing a cancer diagnosis or any other medical condition, seek medical care from a board-certified doctor or other qualified practitioner in regard to your treatment and any contraindications with your medical care.
