What is Nature and Forest Therapy?
Nature Therapy,Forest bathing, forest therapy, or Shinrin-yoku, was developed in Japan in the 1980s.
Forest Therapy, the medicine of simply being in the forest. Shinrin-yoku is a term that means "taking in the forest atmosphere" or "forest bathing.This is not exercise, or hiking, or jogging. It is simply being in nature, connecting with it through our senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Forest Bathing is like a bridge. By opening our senses, it bridges the gap between us and the natural world. It has become a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine. It's healing stories are becoming a world wide trend and we as humans are remembering our own healing and relationships with the forest.​ There is a large amount of scientific evidence surrounding the health benefits of spending time in nature.
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Healing Benefits Of Nature
and Forest Bathing
Spending time in nature and experiencing reduced stress levels allows you to think more clearly and creatively. It can also increase your mood, focus, and energy.
The scientifically-proven benefits of Shinrin-yoku Nature Forest Bathing include:
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Boosted immune system functioning, with an increase in the count of the body's Natural Killer (NK) cells.
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Reduced blood pressure
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Reduced stress
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Improved mood
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Increased ability to focus, even in children with ADHD
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Accelerated recovery from surgery or illness
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Increased energy level
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Improved sleep
People who spend time in the forest experience decreased cortisol (stress hormone) levels, which can help relieve high blood pressure, heart conditions, skin conditions, and asthma. There is ongoing research to the health and healing benefits of nature and forest bathing.
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Forest bathing is an opportunity for people to take time out, slow down and connect with nature.
It can help with
Digestion
Forest bathing catalyzes increased parasympathetic nervous system activity which prompts rest, conserves energy, and slows down the heart rate while increasing intestinal and gland activity.
Fatigue
Slowing down and just relaxing invigorates our over all well being. Allows us to recharge with our surroundings.
Detoxification
Fresh air and Phytoncide clear the bad cells in our bodies. Studies show up to 50% of damaged cells can be replenished just be being near trees.
​Boost Immune System
Stress hormones can compromise immune defense; in particular, the activities of frontline defenders, such as antiviral natural killer cells, are suppressed by stress hormones. Since forest bathing can lower stress hormone production and elevate mood states, it’s not surprising that it also influences markers of immune system strength.
Creativity
Time in nature improves our mental performance and creativity
Stress
Time in forests and nature seems to significantly improve mood and relieve stress. Studies around the world are being conducted and each time they are coming back with the same results. The forest is healing us.
Testimonials
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Contact Info
Phone
Address
289-990-8798
Niagara Falls Ontario
