Forest Bathing
A Natural Therapy
Forest bathing has become a thing recently. It’s not about washing yourself in the woods, but about soaking in the atmosphere of nature with your senses.
The practice originated in Japan in the 1980s as shinrin-yoku, meaning "forest bathing" or "taking in the forest atmosphere", and became part of its national health program.
Here I root out the reasons why we should all take to the woods!
Benefits of Forest Bathing
Forest bathing can help you de-stress, boost your immune system, lower your blood pressure, and improve your mood and creativity, according to various studies.This is down to the aromatic oils released by the trees known as phytoncides
. These botanical compounds can also help us sleep and improve our attention levels.
How to create an at home Forest Bathing Ritual
But what if you live miles from a forest or wooded area, or simply don’t have time so wish to recreate the ritual at home? It is possible to enjoy the benefits of forest bathing through essential oils, which are rich in phytoncides. White Cypress, Rosemary, Cedar Wood Eucalyptus and Pine
are some of my favourite oils. So if you are feeling woefully cooped up and detached from nature, why not try diffusing some of these oils or burning Flicker & Scents Forest Aromatherapy Wax Melts
- a blend of Cypress, Sandalwood, Cedar Wood and Scots Pine that will release those phytoncides!