FAQs

​Based on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, also known as Forest Immersion or Forest Therapy, Forest Bathing is a practice centered around breathing in the forest atmosphere. Forest Immersions are a way of being in the natural world with the intention of slowing down and awakening the senses. When we connect in this way, we are able to be fully present to the beauty, mystery, and healing energy of nature. It is an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and others through our natural world. ​Many people find that Forest Bathing has the same benefits as meditation but without the required discipline to quiet a wandering mind.

Despite our modern ways of living, humans originally evolved alongside the plants and animals that share our natural world. The air we breathe is emitted by healthy forests and there is medicine in that air. Forested areas provide the healing powers of natural aromatherapy and we can experience this by simply breathing the air beneath the forest canopy.

Scientific evidence now supports our deeply intuitive sense that spending time in nature benefits the body, mind, and soul.

Benefits of Forest Bathing:

• Lowers stress, resulting in reduction in blood pressure and cortisol levels

• Increases numbers of natural killer (NK) cells from inhaling phytoncides in the forest air – NK cells are a type of white blood cell that support our immune systems, are linked to a lower risk of cancer, play a role in combating infections and autoimmune disorders, and reduce the inflammation that often contributes to a wide range of ailments

• Reduces activity in the areas of the brain linked to depression and anxiety

• Improves creativity

• Improves memory and sleep

We experience tremendous benefits when we spend time in nature, no matter what activity we are doing. The additional mental and physical benefits of Forest Bathing experiences can be attributed to the pace that allows us to be fully present and anchor to our senses. When we activate the senses of the body, we shift attention away from the cycle of thoughts that can often perpetuate the stress response. Moving our focus toward states of rest and relaxation promotes the parasympathetic response. This is much more difficult to achieve on a hike or bike ride when we are focused on “getting there”, at a brisk pace, rather than “being here” in the moment. Forest Bathing helps us do this.

A study on Attention Restoration Theory (ART) as proposed by Rachel and Stephen Kaplan theorize that there are four cognitive states on the pathway toward cognitive restoration:

1. Clearer head, or concentration

2. Mental fatigue recovery

3. Soft fascination, or interest

4. Reflection and restoration

A Forest Bathing experience is structured in a way to achieve all four of these cognitive states and promote cognitive restoration.

Unlike a hike, Forest Bathing does not have destinations, and our goal is not high mileage; it’s to slow down. As your guide, I will lead the group through a series of curated sensory "invitations." The invitations offer simple and natural access to connection and presence. In practicing the invitations, we will slowly explore on and off the trail, creating time to be mindful, infuse playfulness, and to drop into contemplative states. I will hold a safe and open space for each person to be exactly who and where they are. We end each immersion by sharing healthy snacks and tea foraged from the forest.

Forest Bathing walks are typically no longer than 1 mile, spanning 1.5 - 3 hours, and are designed to be completed at a very slow and relaxed pace.

Having a guide allows you to fully engage and settle into the practice. Guided Forest Bathing allows participants to relax and not think about timing or choosing what to do next. Similar to having a teacher for a yoga class or a guided meditation, being present and staying focused on the practice is much easier and more effective with a guide.

Forest Bathing walks evoke a wide range of experiences; some are more subtle, while others hold great significance or even profound embodiment. The process is very personal as each person experiences and interprets nature in their own way. The forest is our therapist, while the guide is the one who opens the doors to the senses and holds the space for the forest to unfurl the experience. Guides are also trained with the skills and perspectives needed to be supportive witnesses to whatever nature offers.

The practice began in Japan as they were transitioning to a tech-based culture, where most people were spending more time inside. The huge spike in disease and increased stress that was a result of this shift spurred research projects to figure out how to combat this epidemic. As part of this research, they discovered that trees keep themselves healthy by showering themselves in phytoncides - the essential oils found in many types of woody plants, particularly conifers and also diffusing them into the air. They also found that humans have a special reaction when we inhale phytoncides or absorb them through our skin and simply going into the forest or spending time in nature can be a preventative treatment for very serious disease.

The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) was founded as a response to global warming and environmental catastrophe. The aim was to ignite and reignite love for the natural world. Embedded in this approach to forest therapy is the hope that people will experience nature as alive, sentient, and sacred.

The US version of Forest Bathing has been adapted into a more structured practice than the original Japanese version. Japanese culture has long held traditions of finding the sacred in nature, whereas this is a newer concept for Americans. Inspired by the Japanese Shinrin-Yoku, the founders of ANFT designed Forest Forest Bathing as an experience where people could begin to achieve the health benefits associated with Forest Bathing, while anchored in their senses as a way to also work on their relationship with themselves, nature, and each other.

Yes, you can request a private walk here.

Yes, you can request a private corporate wellness walk here.

In the event that you find yourself unable to attend your scheduled walk, we kindly request that you provide a minimum of three days notice.

If you have tested positive for Covid, are experiencing any Covid symptoms, or have knowingly been exposed to someone who has tested positive for Covid in the last five days, we respectfully ask that you not attend the walk.