FOREST BATHING: THE JAPANESE NATURE THERAPY HEALING LOCKDOWN BLUES
Shinrin-yoku, or literally translated as, “Forest Bathing” is the latest craze to take over the wellness world. The practice of forest bathing does not involve getting in the water. This type of nature therapy involves taking a walk in the great outdoors while consciously connecting with the environment around you.
The actual practice of shinrin-yoku is simple and not just for the wilderness-lover. Just commit to take a few hours out of your schedule, head to a densely forested area and fully immerse yourself your surroundings. “Forest Bathing” is not a new phenomenon and was a result of burnout for residents during the 1980’s the tech-boom in Japan. The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries released and promoted the term “Forest Bathing” in 1982 as an eco-anecdote for the situation.
Forest Bathing or shinrin-yoku had a huge popularity growth with the undeniable physiological and psychological health benefits of the great outdoors. Residents of Japan at the time would head to forest areas on the outskirts of the city to recharge. The benefits of shinrin-yoku as a form of nature therapy has increased in popularity recently and has had a recent boom outside of Japan as a result of the corona virus lockdowns.
During the lockdown in the UK in 2020, a survey showed 85% of adults reported that being in nature makes them happy and those who visited natural space in the last 7 days reported being happier than those that hadn’t. The Forest Bathing Institute has been conducting scientific research in the UK to prove the Japanese scientific studies which show health benefits to forest bathing. Their aim is to replicate the research in Japan to provide sufficient clinical data to support Forest Bathing+ being made available on prescription by NHS England.
The Forest Bathing Institute are running nature therapy sessions across the UK. Tickets are available here. In partnership, Kew Gardens are also offering guided sensory Forest Bathing walks around their gardens. More information can be found here.
Looking for Japanese lifestyle or homeware stores in London? unagi life has collated our recommendations on where to buy items from Japan for loved ones or to treat yourself and your home. As the era of the staycation continues, we have compiled our favourite concept stores and lifestyle products that you won’t need to go all the way to Japan to get your hands on.