Welcome to the healing forests of Spain
FOREST THERAPY
“The presence of nature not subject to man renews us”, wrote Henry David Thoreau in a winter walk . To this author of the s. XIX, defender of wildlife, surely you would be happy to know that today various studies show that ancient trees improve mood and general health.
These have been found to generate volatile substances (phytoncides) that, through inhalation, help the immune system, lower cortisol and glucose levels lower blood pressure and harmonize the nervous system . A report published in Girona also points out that relieve pain and insomnia in patients with fibromyalgia.
forest cabins
IN THE WILD
This practice of shinrin-yoku either 'forest baths' (an exact translation would be "take the atmosphere") comes from Japan. Walking barefoot, doing breathing exercises and recognize flora and fauna are part of this type of outings.
In Spain they already organize them Michelangelo Cabrer in La Garrotxa or the biologist Ferran Gonzàlez i Prat in El Ripollès, among others.
A new word for your vocabulary: shinrin-yoku or 'forest baths'
A CONSCIOUS ECOTOURISM
“A balanced forest sometimes does not match the mental image we have, but an intervened space –without fallen trees or an abundance of lichens and moss– it does not preserve as many properties”, says Ferran. “In Spain there are only between 1% and 5% of forests in natural evolution . The challenge is to reach 15-20%, and take advantage of them socially in a sustainable way”, explains the forestry engineer Jaume Hidalgo.
The Girona Provincial Council has been working on this since 2005 , initially in the Montseny massif and progressively throughout the province. In collaboration with the University of Girona and Acciónatura, it will present a pilot test at the beginning of 2016, although there are already about 30 delimited itineraries . The idea is to extend the program to the whole of Catalonia (whose potential network of high natural value forests would encompass 27,497 hectares, with Girona at the head in number of stands) and the Peninsula.
In La Garriga de Castellandral there are walks through the forest and outdoor yoga
ADDRESSES
- The Garriga of Castelladral. Barcelona. Forest walks and even open-air yoga sessions take place here.
- More Gasganta. The Garrotxa. Hugs to the trees are organized in this farmhouse. For the shinrin.yoku a maximum of 12 people is required (10-20 € pax).
- Hotel Eco Slow Can Casi. Regencos. This rural farmhouse boasts that time stands still. You can do Hatha Yoga in the open air, lose yourself with eco bikes through the Empordà forests. * This report is published in the November 89 issue of the Condé Nast Traveler magazine and is available in its digital version to enjoy on your preferred device.
*** You may also be interested in...**
- Ten magical forests of Europe
- Rural map to travel with children in Spain
- Ready to breathe fresh air?
- Walden: dips and philosophy to the health of Thoreau
- What is happening to our oceans?
- Documentaries that will encourage you to pack your suitcase
- "The earth is a living pharmacy that we must preserve"
- How to order emotions in the middle of the Pacific Ocean
- Exotic islands where you won't mind becoming a castaway
- Underwater paradises where you can be happy
trees that heal