Shinrin-yoku: Forest Baths To Relax
Shinrin-yoku is what in Japan is called entering a forest atmosphere. It represents a therapy to free oneself from the tensions that urban life offers today. Nature can be, at times, a good ally to restore the health and quality of life of people who suffer stress at work or personal level.
The term Shinrin-yoku means to absorb the atmosphere of the forest to avoid diseases related to the stress of large cities. Let’s think that being in contact with unpleasant situations is one of the causes of long-term illnesses.
Forest therapy or Shinrin-yoku
Forest therapy or Shinrin-yoku emerged in 1982 in the Japan Forest Agency as an alternative to reduce stress levels. It is precisely a therapy based on Buddhist and Shinto principles that proclaim an integral contact with nature. Through the senses, the person establishes feedback with the entire natural environment to restore their inner peace.
Although it is a therapy that was born in Japan, it is gaining more and more followers in the world. In Spain, it is called “forest bathing” ”and it consists, as its name indicates, in exploring nature. In this way, the individual achieves a state of relaxation and without having ingested any kind of remedy.
What are the benefits of performing Shinrin-yoku ?
Researchers from Chiba University, led by Yoshifumi Miyazaki, have been in charge of studying what are the benefits of being in full contact with the forest. Through a stress biomarker, they determined that those subjects in contact with urban environments had higher levels of cortisol compared to those in contact with a natural environment.
Applying neurobiology techniques, they observed that the forest decreases cognitive activities and increases those related to pleasure. Trees release volatile compounds that are beneficial to the immune system, which are called phytoncides. They are antimicrobial allelochemics that substantially benefit health, widely used in holistic medicine.
How to carry out Shinrin-yoku therapy ?
Millions of Japanese affected by stress perform forest therapy every year. In addition, thanks to the different official centers designated by the Japan Forestry Agency, it is very accessible. Shinrin-yoku therapy consists of entering the forest, performing various breathing techniques for two hours during this period.
Participants are monitored before and after receiving therapy, to verify whether or not there were improvements. In this way, the effectiveness of the treatment is immediately verified, noting substantial changes in well-being. In short, the importance of Shinrin-yoku in our emotional life can be appreciated .
Being exposed to nature not only improves the psychic balance and the general well-being of the organism. It would also stimulate changes in the nervous system. Precisely, it would positively influence irritability, anger, depression, anxiety and tension.
Shinrin-yoku : final thoughts
In conclusion, Shinrin-yoku is a natural treatment to perform at any time in life. With proper practice it helps to achieve an optimal state of relaxation. In addition, contact with nature improves quality of life and emotional state. Therefore, breathing, feeling the wind on your face and moving forward without worrying too much about anything, is one of the pillars that make Shinrin-yoku a worldwide success.
