what is nature therapy?
Reconnecting with Your Wild Self: The Practice of Nature & Forest Therapy
In our fast-paced modern lives, it's easy to feel disconnected – from ourselves, from each other, and from the natural world. Nature and Forest Therapy, sometimes referred to as "Forest Bathing" (from the Japanese Shinrin-Yoku), offers a gentle yet profound path back to connection and well-being.
It's not about hiking or conquering a trail. Instead, Nature Therapy is an invitation to slow down, awaken your senses, and truly immerse yourself in the present moment within a natural setting. As a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, I facilitate this experience, offering sensory invitations designed to help you:
Engage your senses: From the scent of pine to the feel of moss beneath your fingers, you'll be guided to notice the subtle wonders of the natural world.
Deepen your connection: Beyond simply being in nature, you'll learn to truly be with nature, fostering a sense of belonging and kinship with the Earth.
Find stillness & calm: The forest provides a sanctuary, allowing your mind to quiet, your body to relax, and your spirit to find peace.
Boost your well-being: Spending intentional time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall vitality.
Whether you're seeking a quiet respite, a renewed sense of self, or simply a breath of fresh, forest air, Nature Therapy offers a unique and restorative journey. It's a practice that reminds us of our innate connection to the living world, gently guiding us back to a state of balance and inner peace.
the science of nature therapy
The profound benefits of spending intentional time in nature are increasingly supported by scientific research. Below are links to articles and studies that explore the physiological and psychological impacts of nature and forest therapy on our well-being.
Peer-Reviewed Research & Scientific Studies
Li, Qing (2010). "Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function." Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents.
Found that time in forests increases natural killer (NK) cell activity, enhancing immune function.
Park, B.J., Tsunetsugu, Y., Kasetani, T., et al. (2010). "The physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku (taking in the forest atmosphere) on human health." Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine.
Demonstrated lower blood pressure, reduced cortisol, and improved parasympathetic nervous system activity.
Hansen, Margaret M., et al. (2017). "Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
Comprehensive literature review on forest therapy’s mental, physical, and social health benefits.
Antonelli, Marta, Barbieri, Giulia, & Donelli, Davide (2019). "Effects of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) on levels of cortisol as a stress biomarker: A systematic review and meta-analysis." International Journal of Biometeorology.
Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00484-019-01717-7
Found consistent evidence of reduced stress hormones through forest immersion.
Frumkin, Howard et al. (2017). "Nature Contact and Human Health: A Research Agenda." Environmental Health Perspectives.
Suggests priority research areas and summarizes health benefits of nature exposure including mood, cognition, and physical health.
Credible Articles & Summaries
National Geographic (2022) "Forest Bathing: What it is and why you should try it."
A digestible article covering mental and physical health improvements from nature immersion.
NPR (2019) "Forest Bathing: A Retreat to Nature Can Boost Immunity and Mood."
A brief but evidence-based summary on the wellness effects of forest therapy.
Yale Environment 360 (2020) "Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health."
Link: https://e360.yale.edu/features/ecopsychology-how-immersion-in-nature-benefits-your-health
An overview of scientific support for nature’s psychological benefits.
Note on journal access: For peer-reviewed research, some links might lead to the abstract on PubMed or the journal's page. Full article access may require a subscription or institutional login, but the abstract itself provides the key findings.