TAKEN BY TREES

By Michael Holmwood

The thought of forest bathing may stir up some interesting images, but I can assure you that it’s all totally innocent and rather serene. The term originated in Japan in the 1980s, where it is known as shinrin-yoku - ‘shinrin’ meaning forest, and ‘yoku’ meaning bath. Simply put, forest bathing is all about immersing yourself in the forest by taking in the atmosphere through your senses. More on that in a bit.

We first need to understand that Japanese culture is inherently deeply religious, with its roots originating in two main religions - Shinto and Buddhism. These two religions have many similarities, but the most pertinent has to be their shared appreciation and respect for nature. They believe that you are part of nature, and that you feel your best when you are connected to it.

Back in the 1980s, these deeply embedded beliefs were challenged by the tech boom and the materialistic values that came along with it. The Japanese economy was thriving, but at the cost of diminishing forests and a burnt-out population.

It was The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestries and Fisheries that would offer the solution to this crisis. The Director General of the ministry, Tomohide Akiyama, is said to be responsible for developing the concept of ‘shinrin-yoku’ – which, at its core, would promote the principle of reciprocity. The public would benefit from forests that had been designed and maintained with the practice of forest bathing in mind. By making the forests more accessible, people were more inclined to engage with nature and experience many positive benefits. Over time, the relationship between people and nature was rekindled, and the appreciation and respect for Nature was revived - resulting in more people wanting to protect it.

It was a genius move made by the ministry, designed to support their agenda with an added health benefit for the people of Japan. These hopes for health benefits were based mostly upon religious beliefs and intuition at the time. Although the benefits were clearly there from inception, it wasn’t until the late 1990s and into the early 2000s that science would provide a deeper understanding of the healing power at play.

It turns out there really is something quite significant about the presence of trees. Studies found that trees release phytoncides, an anti-bacterial/

microbial agent which acts as a defence against unwanted parasites and pests. These phytoncides are released into the air as natural oils are produced by trees. If you have ever experienced walking in a forest, you will know that it has a very characteristic smell. This comes from the terpenes, a component of phytoncides. Being exposed to phytoncides has many proven benefits, such as reduced stress and lower blood pressure. So, by bathing in the atmosphere of the forest, you are soaking up these healing phytoncides.

If you would like to experience forest bathing, there are some basic steps you should follow:

- Choose a forest that offers a variety of plants and trees. It should be a place where you feel safe and able to fully relax.

- Aim to spend at least two hours in the forest, but without any specific outcome or destination in mind. Allow yourself to be guided by the forest, using all of your senses to explore your environment.

- Be mindful of your thoughts.

- Don’t over-exert yourself - it should not be a hike. The terrain should be easy to navigate.

- Leave your electronic devices at home.

Whether you decide to go solo or participate in a guided group forest bathing session, we encourage you to get out there and connect with the healing power of our forests and nature.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Michael Holmwood is an ecotherapy coach and forest bathing guide based in Cape Town. His goal is to help people find clarity, calm, and connection through a hybrid of ecotherapy coaching techniques, mindfulness-based practices and forest bathing experiences. For more information or to get in touch, visit www.awakentonature.com.

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