SHINRIN-YOKU | FOREST BATHING
WHAT IS SHINRIN-YOKU?
The Japanese practice of "Shinrin yoku" aka Forest Bathing. Is positive for both physical and mental wellbeing. It is proven to reduce stress hormone production, improve feelings of happiness & free up creativity, as well as lowering heart rate and blood pressure, boosting the immune system and accelerating recovery from illness. “Social prescribing” and "nature therapy" is a growing movement in the NHS.
Doctors in Scotland have even started to prescribe bird watching & hiking as a form of nature healing & therapy.
It is scientifically proven that just staring at trees through a window can help to reduce stress and lower anxiety levels. So imagine the positive health benefits of being in a forest.
“Forest bathing is an opportunity for people to take time out, slow down and connect with nature. We believe it could be part of a mix of activities for social prescription,” Stuart Dainton of the Woodland Trust says.
“Evidence about its benefits is building.”
Shinrin-yoku was developed in the 1980s in Japan. Although people had been taking walks in the country’s forests for centuries, new studies showed that such activity could reduce blood pressure, lower cortisol levels and improve concentration and memory. A chemical released by trees and plants, called phytoncides, was found to boost the immune system. As more research highlighted the benefits of Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese government incorporated it into the country’s health programme.
Li - president of the Society for Forest Medicine in Japan, and the author of Shinrin-Yoku: The Art and Science of Forest Bathing – is a world expert and has conducted numerous studies. “It’s a preventative medicine, not a treatment,” states Li.
People spend their lives increasingly indoors. About 80% of Japan’s population lives in urban areas, and the average American now spends more than 90% of their time indoors. But we are designed to be connected to the natural world.
Price: £10 per hour | per individual | Group Bookings
Timings: One hour minimum - three hours maximum. Minimum 4 people per session.
Location: Amersham, Buckinghamshire & other woods based in areas either close to or near to London.
HEALTH BENENITS OF SHINRIN-YOKU
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Boosts Immune System
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Lower blood pressure
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Relieves stress & anxiety
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Increases the body's Natural Killer Cells (Cancer fighting)
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Improves creativity
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Improves focus
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Enhances your senses
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Improves vision
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Lowers blood sugar levels
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Improves concentration
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Improves sleep (Insomnia)
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Improves cognitive skills
WOODLAND
ESCAPE
BUSHCRAFT &
FOREST BATHING
Woodland Escape is an adult only overnight camp based in private ancient woodlands. Have the opportunity to learn bushcraft skills and take part in Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing)
Spend the day learning essential survival skills and have the opportunity to apply them on an experience encouraging solitude.
Explore the woods, find a spot and construct a camp. The more effort you put in, the better the outcome.
This entire experience is self- catered so please bring personal food for the duration of your stay.
Discover useful skills & techniques which allow you to stay warm, dry & comfortable outdoors. Cook dinner over a fire and fall asleep under a canopy of trees.
For more detailed information on overnight bushcraft camps check out Wildeye Survival Camp.
The next morning after breakfast and decamp. Take part in a 2 hour forest bathing immersion session before departure.
