Shinrin-yoku: forest bathing

  • Published on : 15/06/2020
  • by : I.D.O.
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Shinrin-Yoku

Shinrin-Yoku

Se Nuno

Discover a form of Japanese therapy: forest bathing

Silvotherapy ("forest bathing") is now known and practiced in many countries around the globe. We owe this invention to the Japanese government, which, in the 1980s, encouraged its population to take walks in the woods for physical and mental well-being. Since then, 62 areas in Japan have been declared a "forest therapy base" or "forest therapy road".

Shinrin-yoku becomes a registered trademark

 

This research and its results were convincing enough to make shinrin-yoku a real therapy. Since 2006, 62 zones in Japan have been declared "forest therapy base" or "forest therapy road". These are areas in the woods whose positive health effects have been scientifically proven. Therapists have been specially trained in shinrin-yoku and they accompany the participants on their walk.

Depending on the location, other various activities are available: Nordic walking, mindfulness meditation, breathing techniques and even aromatherapy. Some participants may sometimes benefit from medical consultations where their heart rate and blood pressure are measured before and after the session.

During the walk, the therapist indicates how to look and listen to the surrounding nature, invites you to touch the trees, the moss and the other elements as well as to inhale the different smells present.

Some programs combine "therapy" and tourism by offering visits to villages, meals using local ingredients, or even taking old pilgrimage routes as on the paths of Kumano Kodo in the prefecture of Wakayama.

 

 

The river in the forest of Oirase Keikryu

The river in Oirase Keikryu Forest

Aomori Tourist Office

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