The Japanese practice of Shinrin=forest Yoku=bathing walks
An overview of Shinrin Yoku
The Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, or Forest Bathing, is good for both physical and mental wellbeing.
Scientific studies prove that Forest Bathing reduces stress hormone production, improves feelings of happiness and frees up creativity.
It also lowers heart rate, blood pressure and boosts the immune system helping accelerate recovery from illness. Nature produces microbial substances which help plants protect themselves from harmful insects and germs. These are called Phytoncides-’Phyton’ means ‘plant’ in Latin, and ‘cide’ means ‘to exterminate’. These substances from trees have been linked to an increase in the activity of NK cells (natural killer cells) in our body- which contributes to building a stronger immune system.
A walk from 10-11.30am on Sundays
Using the inspiration of Forest Bathing I have developed a well-being walk to observe nature on a deeper level. The walk is all about paying particular attention to how one feels in the moment- an opportunity to reflect on the circle of life in a beautiful environment taking photographic images to bring your life into focus. As a group, we will be using nature and photography to help us feel refreshed and recharged.
As a qualified Shinrin-Yoku guide I will help you to open the doorways into the healing qualities of the forest.
Walks on Tooting Common or Wimbledon Common in South London
We walk on Tooting Common or Wimbledon Common in areas where we can increase our feelings of peace and calm.
Contact me to book your place.
Contact me to register your interest for a Spring or Summer Walk.
The history of Shinrin-Yoku
Shinrin-Yoku was first discovered by the Japanese as a gateway to feeling well again after the increased urbanisation in the 1980’s was having a detrimental effect on the population’s health. Shinrin-Yoku, or Forest Bathing as it’s known in English, has a growing following in the UK due to Forest Bathing’s effective path to physical and psychological well-being.
The practice of Forest Bathing
Put simply Forest Bathing is spending time in a Forest.
The practice of Forest Therapy clearly prioritises sensory experience over intellectual understanding. Unlike more familiar approaches to nature education, Forest Therapy Guides are not primarily concerned with imparting naturalist knowledge. Nurturing curiosity and asking good questions is emphasised over imparting factual expertise.
How Forest Bathing helps us
Forest Bathing helps people slow down, people notice where they are and what is around them, and make contact with the forest and with themselves through attention to their senses. We know intuitively, and it has now been proven scientifically, that connecting to the natural world is good for us. This is not like going for a walk with your dog - it’s far more than that!
Forest Bathing and Photography
I use Photography with Forest Bathing to anchor in this reported renewing feeling so that you can go through it and take home your forest images by using your phone your eyes or your camera. You can then recall whenever you wish this feeling you had in the forest of peace and calm and use it as a tool to stop overwhelm.
Notes
Bring a camera or a phone to record what we see and what is meaningful for you
A magnifying glass or binoculars are useful
Weather appropriate clothes and shoes please
Bring water and small snacks for the walk
I will be taking a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 10 people on each walk
The walks will take place on the first Sunday of every month and will consist of an hour and half between 11-12.30am
The price is on application depending on how many walks you book - 3, 6 or 9 walks. The price for 1 walk is £35.
Please note walks are weather permitting although a rainy/snowy or windy walk can be equally as enlightening too!
Contact me to book your place.
Contact me to register your interest for a Spring or Summer Walk.
The Art of Shinrin Yoku: Forest Bathing
For medical and healthcare professionals, medical students and holistic practitioners
A walk from 1000-11.30am on a week day or a Saturday or Sunday
Using the inspiration of the Japanese art of Shinrin Yoku: Forest Bathing I have developed a well-being walk to observe nature on a deeper level - this is all about paying particular attention to how you feel in the moment. This nature walk is an opportunity to reflect on the circle of life in a beautiful environment taking images to bring your life into focus.
As a group, we will be using nature and photography to help you feel refreshed and recharged.
Join me on Wimbledon Common for a walk in nature using your camera or camera phone.
Notes
Bring a camera or a phone to record what we see and what is meaningful for you
A magnifying glass or binoculars are useful
Weather appropriate clothes and shoes please
Bring water and small snacks for the walk
Contact me to book your place or to enquire about a group walk for your company.
Contact me to register your interest for a Spring or Summer Walk.
““I participated in a day at Tooting Common where we spoke about the environmental and health implications of nature and deforestation in different cultures across world, e.g. Japan. We took photos and videos of different trees and even practiced tree hugging! This was definitely out of my comfort zone and unexpected, but I found that being away from 4-walled rooms and laptops and being out in nature was very refreshing and exhilarating.
Amy Adams, the coordinator for the day, stressed the importance of being present and taking time out of a busy schedule to walk in nature and breathe in fresh air. I found myself to be surprisingly calm after our walk and photography and when feeling stressed can look back on my photos to restore a feeling of relaxation.
This placement helped me to appreciate the importance of maintaining a holistic lifestyle throughout my medical career to take care of my health so that I can take care of others to the best of my abilities. Jane, Medical Student, Shinrin Yoku: Forest Bathing Wellbeing Day””