Stress. That problem that we all suffer –to a greater or lesser extent, in silence or complaining all the time– and we try to reduce with relaxation methods, medications –and some eating chocolate ice cream–.
If none of the above has worked for you, you may need a forest bath. We present you the Shinrin Yoku, a therapy that gains more followers every day and that began to be practiced in Japan around 1982, to connect people with nature.
Since then, the effects of forest therapy have been subject of many studies among which those carried out by the University of Chiba (Tokyo) stand out.
The immunologist Qing Li, professor at the Tokyo School of Medicine, exposes in his book The Power of the Forest all the keys to this contemplative exercise in which the five senses intervene and whose objective is none other than to find health and happiness through the trees.
The Shinrin-Yoku has its origin in Japan, where it began to be practiced around 1982
GOODBYE, STRESS!
Among the beneficial effects of Shinrin-Yoku are the decrease in blood pressure, pulse rate and reduction in cortisol, the hormone that is released in response to stress.
This is because trees and plants emit substances called phytoncides, that prevent them from rotting or being eaten by some animals.
In addition, they also affect humans as they decrease the production of the aforementioned stress hormone. Also improves mood and creativity, increases the ability to concentrate and the immune system.
Where to give yourself a forest bath? Anywhere that allows contact with nature: mountains, rivers, lakes, parks...
Forest bathing reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone
HOW IS SHIRIN-YOKU PRACTICED?
We explain what a Shirin-Yoku session consists of step by step and for this we go to the Urho Kekkonen National Park, Finnish Lapland.
The arctic sun shines on Saariselkä, a town located in the north of Finland where we are received Mari Rotko, member of the Association of Forest and Nature Therapies, based in California.
"Sometimes our day to day life makes us forget that we are part of nature", he comments to her as we walk to the park entrance.
During the forest bath we will walk about a kilometer for two hours, making stops and exercises that will reconcile us with mother nature. “We are going to see, smell, taste, feel and listen to our surroundings –explains Mari–, you just have to relax and above all, go slowly, I know that for some this is difficult”.
Urho Kekkonen National Park turns white in winter and green in summer, and you can practice Shinrin-Yoku all year round!
WITH THE FIVE SENSES
Our footprints desecrate the pristine white carpet that welcomes us to the silent Finnish forest. We stand in a circle and Mari scoops a handful of snow into her hands. It's ours talking piece , which at each stop (or "invitation") will be different: a branch, a leaf, some bells...
“Don't think about what you are going to say, just share it. It's the only way we all learn." Mari indicates. We started our first exercise: recount some experience that we remember where we felt a special connection with nature. Each one shares their moments: the water, the fog, the silence on the ice...
We close our eyes and let our senses perceive nature: the water of a distant stream, the song of the birds, a gentle breeze that moves the tops of the trees, sensations multiply while we remain silent.
It is very important to use all the senses: smell, touch, observe... Let nature surround you!
THE POWER OF TREES
We continue walking in silence admiring how the sun sneaks through the trees and touches our faces. Is it me or am I starting to feel better?
We reach a clearing where Mari picks up a branch from the ground and invites us again to listen to the silence, breathe, close your eyes for a second and open them again admiring the miracle that nature gives us.
"Come with me," she says. We stand around a large tree and shake hands. "Okay, now take off your gloves and touch the bark of the tree," she continues.
Don't ask me how or why, I just know that the touch of that tree had something special, call it strength, call it vibration, call it I-what-know-what. It is as if you fill yourself with energy and empty yourself again, leaving your body with a feeling of relaxation and calm.
Between the snow and the logs
FEELING THE FOREST
“Now you must get in pairs and lead them to a place that catches your attention, there read these indications to them.” We take the pieces of paper and prepare to walk around the area. Each one experiences different things, sees different things, each corner is unique and different from the previous one.
Last stop: “Choose a place and draw in the snow whatever comes to mind”, Mary indicates. Trees, flowers, animals, people, letters… each one lets his imagination run wild.
We end our experience in a cozy cabin celebrating a nettle tea ceremony and giving thanks to the forest for this wonderful morning.
The forest bath or how to free yourself from the mundane
Shinrin-Yoku programs can last from 40 minutes to 2 hours or there are even withdrawals of several days, such as Karigasniemi next to the famous Teno River, a Bed & Breakfast with 3 double rooms perfect for artists, explorers, photographers and anyone who wants to relax in harmony with nature.
In addition, next to the Urho Kekkonen National Park there is a house with views of the forest that can be used by anyone who needs it to rest, have a small picnic or even sleep. Yes! It's free! The only requirement is that you leave it the same as you found it. Finnish hospitality!
feel the forest