Forest Bathing-Soaking in Nature in Auckland
Forest Bathing-Soaking in Nature in Auckland
Forest bathing is a relatively new term in New Zealand, and here in Auckland we have the chance for you to try it out at Warblers Retreat. You may ask, what is forest bathing? The phrase, Forest Bathing suggests it’s soaking in a bath in the forest, but is it? And, what’s the purpose of Forest Bathing? What are the benefits?
What is Forest Bathing?
Forest bathing is engaging all your senses when in the forest. It’s about being present in the moment, so you can absorb nature’s energy. Forest bathing is strolling through the forest at a gentle pace, or sitting quietly, and absorbing the nature around you.
Wikipedia’s description of Forest Bathing is,…Nature therapy, sometimes referred to as ecotherapy, describes a broad group of techniques or treatments with the intention of improving an individual's mental or physical health, specifically with an individual's presence within nature or outdoor surroundings.
At Warblers Retreat you get to wander through our forest, taking all the time you need to engage your senses and to enjoy the benefits of having your mind and soul in a peaceful place. There’s places you can sit and ponder, or stroll and meander. Should you choose, wandering in bare feet gives you that extra connection to the earth. You are likely to encounter a friendly piwakawaka or an inquisitive tui on your meander. Before you head out into the forest, we provide you with some guidelines, helping you to make the most of your time in nature.
Having a bath in nature is not necessarily considered Forest Bathing, however at Warblers Retreat, we offer a soothing soak in the forest spa bath to complete your Forest Bathing experience. We understand the therapeutic benefits of bathing in nature, especially with the sound of the trickling water of the nearby waterfall. To bathe in water in the forest, is the perfect compliment to Forest Bathing. It enables you to fully relax and feel at one with nature.
A light refreshment and healthy snack in a beautiful garden setting make for a nice way to complete your forest bathing experience.
How did Forest Bathing originate, and for what purpose?
In the 1980s, the Japanese developed the concept of forest bathing, calling it, ‘shinrin-yoku’. This is what they call, ‘taking in the forest’. They understood how valuable it was to fully immerse oneself in a forest, engaging all the senses of the body. They could see the benefits it had for the mind, body and soul. This eventuated at a time where the tech boom was taking over lifestyles, where urbanisation and long working hours became the norm. It was also a way of reconnecting people to nature, so they could learn the value of protecting the natural environment.
It is not only the Japanese, but other cultures that have recognised the benefits of forest immersion, or nature therapy. This has been a way of life for many cultures, including our own, for thousands of years.
What are the benefits of Forest Bathing?
Forest bathing is a very effective therapeutic form of relaxation, stress relief and time to connect with your inner being. At a time where the world is in such turmoil through the Covid-19 pandemic, where many of us do not know what the future holds. Time spent immersing ourselves in the forest, may well solve many of our unanswered questions. Not only that, it’s guaranteed to help you feel better.
In nature, all things are connected, including ourselves. A disconnect from nature is simply not natural. ‘Nature’s Deficit Disorder,’ is used by author Richard Louvd to describe how a generation of children have been deprived of the chance to connect with nature. And it’s not only the children, the more technology rules, the greater the need for children and adults to have a healthy balance. The risks of too much technology can be mitigated by Forest Bathing.
How do we know Forest Bathing works?
In the 1990’s, scientific research proved it was more than just a theory. Scientists were able to prove the physical and physiological effects on the human body, and it was from then on, that there became an increased following in forest bathing.
Forests contain a higher amount of oxygen and also a type of essential oil known as phytoncides, which is a chemical within the trees that protects them from viruses and diseases. This is like an essential oil. It has been proven that forest bathing increases your own bodies immunity, it can improve mental health and promotes greater happiness and contentment. Forest Bathing has become increasingly popular in the United States of America, where it is not only used as a form of therapy for individuals, but also for stress relief for corporate groups. The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy was launched in America in 2012 and similar Forest Therapy groups have emerged throughout Europe.
Why is Forest Bathing becoming so popular?
The increasing awareness of this type of therapy, has been brought about by man’s growing disconnection with nature. As modern life, in modern cities takes over, there’s seemingly less free time, as everyone is, ‘so busy’. There’s fewer easily accessible, natural forests to venture into as we increasingly surround ourselves in concrete jungles. The ‘rush society’ is constantly in a state of ‘high alert’, and the need to have time out, to let the body recover from being in the fight or flight, freeze mode, is more important now than ever before. We need to restore the balance, and Forest Bathing is a self-help way to help your body to relax and rest, to counteract that life of constant stress. It’s a way of helping you to feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
What’s the difference between walking and bathing in the forest?
You may already enjoy a ‘walk and talk’ in a forest or natural environment with a friend, colleague or family member. You may feel really satisfied going on your daily walk, or you may gain great benefit from enjoying relaxation time outside. It’s incredibly important to do all these things. Forest bathing is an activity worth considering, as another option, especially if you feel particularly stressed. It can have some extremely fulfilling and worthwhile outcomes.
There’s quite a difference between walking in the forest, and bathing in the forest. The difference is, when Forest bathing you become more aware and present within the moment. It’s where you allow your mind to venture into a different state. It’s having a sense of awareness of your senses as you soak in the forest atmosphere.
The term ‘Forest bathing’, is new to many New Zealanders. Because we have so many trees in New Zealand, we could easily dismiss this as being part of how we live anyway – among trees and wildlife. But the difference is enormous. When you are forest bathing, you have opened up a deep connection with your inner being, allowing it to ‘take in’, or absorb the energy from the surrounding forest. This can also be called nature therapy. You sit or move with more awareness as you Forest Bathe.
Mental health and Wellness
As we spend more time behind a computer screen, especially during these times of pandemic isolation, the benefits of taking that walk in the forest are becoming even more appealing. To mitigate some of the stresses involved with our life today, maybe doing what some of our ancestors did as part of their everyday life, is worth considering.
Forest Bathing is best used as a preventative therapy, and that’s how the Japanese regard it. To Forest Bathe as a therapy to prevent illness, to build mental stamina and increase body immunity.
Japanese author, Dr Qing Li writes, “wherever there are trees, we are happier and healthier.”
We all hold the answers to a happier and healthier life, they lie within; forest bathing is a very effective way of helping us find those answers for ourselves.
Find out more about Forest Bathing at Warblers Retreat, or try one of our package deals.