Doctors in Japan Are Prescribing Forest Bathing
Doctors in Japan Are Prescribing Forest Bathing to Reduce Stress, Anxiety, and Lower Blood Pressure
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the hustle of modern life—whether it's balancing career stress, family obligations, or health concerns—you’re not alone. Stress is at an all-time high, and it seems like everyone is looking for ways to take the edge off. But have you ever considered just getting outside? Not for a quick walk, but to really immerse yourself in nature?
Enter Forest Bathing—a Japanese practice that’s becoming a global wellness sensation. Imagine yourself strolling through a tranquil forest, the only sound being the rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. This isn't just a pleasant way to spend your afternoon; it’s also a scientifically backed remedy for stress, anxiety, and even high blood pressure. And, believe it or not, doctors in Japan are now prescribing Forest Bathing as part of their treatment plans. Sounds amazing, right?
Let’s dive into why this practice is taking the wellness world by storm and how it could transform your mental and physical health.
What Exactly is Forest Bathing?
You might be thinking, “Bathing in a forest? Isn’t that just a walk in the woods?” Well, yes—and no. Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-yoku (literally "forest air bath"), is much more than just a stroll through nature. It’s an intentional, mindful practice of being fully immersed in the forest atmosphere, using all of your senses to connect with the environment around you.
I first experienced Forest Bathing about three years ago. I had been running on empty—busy work schedule, personal stresses, and the constant pull of daily life. The guide asked us to leave behind our phones and distractions and focus on the natural world. No rushing, no goals—just being in the moment. Honestly, it was harder than I expected at first, but after 15 minutes of slow walking and deep breathing, I started feeling something shift. It wasn’t just a walk—it was a kind of recalibration.
Why Is Forest Bathing So Effective for Stress and Anxiety?
Science Backs It Up
You might be wondering, how can simply being in a forest reduce stress and anxiety? Well, studies have shown that spending time in nature—specifically in forests—has real physical and psychological benefits. When you're surrounded by trees, fresh air, and natural sounds, your body responds by lowering cortisol (the stress hormone), reducing heart rate, and improving blood pressure.
Research has shown that spending time in nature can even boost your immune system. There’s something incredibly grounding about the stillness of the forest—it signals to your body that it’s safe, calm, and at ease.
In one study, researchers in Japan found that people who spent just two hours walking through a forest had lower blood pressure, reduced cortisol levels, and increased natural killer cell activity, which plays a role in defending your body against illness.
I had a moment of clarity on a forest bathing walk when we sat on a large rock, closed our eyes, and just breathed deeply for several minutes. The breeze on my skin, the earthy scent of the trees, the soft sounds of wind through leaves—it all just clicked. My mind went from spinning at 100 mph to feeling anchored and calm. And it wasn’t just temporary—it felt like my stress just melted away.
Doctors in Japan Are Prescribing Forest Therapy
How It Works in Japan
Forest Bathing is more than just a wellness trend in Japan. Doctors have been prescribing Shinrin-yoku as a form of therapeutic treatment for over 40 years. In fact, Japan’s health ministry has developed specific “Forest Therapy Bases” in several regions, which are recognized as official spots for Forest Bathing. These forests are specially chosen for their biodiversity, accessibility, and tranquil settings, making them ideal for therapeutic immersion.
What’s fascinating is how doctors in Japan are incorporating this practice into their treatment plans. People suffering from chronic stress, anxiety, or even high blood pressure are often prescribed Forest Bathing as a non-invasive way to boost their health.
I’ve met a number of people who have incorporated Forest Bathing into their regular routines. One woman told me that after just a few weeks of visiting a local forest for slow walks, her blood pressure dropped, and she noticed a significant reduction in her anxiety. She described feeling “lighter” after each visit—a feeling I can totally relate to.
The Global Potential of Forest Therapy
The idea of doctors prescribing Forest Bathing may sound unusual, but it’s catching on outside of Japan too. Across the globe, people are seeking nature-based therapies to help combat the stress and overwhelm of modern life. Doctors, therapists, and wellness practitioners are beginning to recognize the profound benefits of Forest Bathing for improving both mental and physical health. Some even offer Forest Therapy sessions as part of wellness retreats. In fact, The Reiki Center in Columbus, OH has added me to their roster of practitioners to provide Forest Therapy.
How Forest Bathing Can Help People.
Many people in the 30-65 age group are dealing with a unique set of challenges—career pressures, family responsibilities, financial concerns, health issues, and the general fast pace of life. I get it; I've been there. When I hit my mid-30s, it felt like the weight of the world was constantly bearing down on me. The more I added to my plate, the more stressed I became. My sleep suffered, my anxiety spiked, and my blood pressure wasn’t looking great.
But when I started practicing Forest Bathing, it felt like someone hit the reset button on my mind and body. Spending time in nature not only helped me let go of the mental clutter, but I also noticed a shift in my physical well-being. I felt calmer, and my blood pressure dropped to healthier levels.
The Power of Slowing Down
One of the most powerful things about Forest Bathing is that it encourages you to slow down. In today’s fast-paced world, we’re so used to doing everything in a hurry—rushing from task to task, multitasking, checking emails, even speeding through meals. But when you’re in the forest, there’s no rush. The trees don’t hurry, the breeze doesn’t hurry—it’s all about being present in the moment.
This slower pace, even if just for a short while, can lead to a profound shift in your stress levels. When you take a break from your usual chaotic pace and immerse yourself in the calm of nature, your nervous system gets a chance to reset.
How to Start Practicing Forest Bathing
You don’t need to fly to Japan or sign up for an expensive retreat to experience the benefits of Forest Bathing. You can start right where you are, no matter where you live. Locate a local certified ANFT Forest Therapy guide. The guide will assist with:
1. Finding a Quiet Natural Spot
A forest, park, or nature reserve near you. It doesn't need to be an expansive wilderness—just a peaceful, green space where you can connect with nature.
2. Slowing Down and Breathing
The guide creates a space for you to Take it easy and not rush! You will be invited to walk slowly, breathe deeply, and allow your senses to fully engage with the environment. Feel the breeze on your skin, listen to the rustling leaves, inhale the earthy scent of the forest, and let your thoughts drift away.
3. Engaging Your Senses
Forest Bathing is all about being in the moment. Your guide will awaken your senses by having you close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you, or focus on the different shades of green in the trees. You might be asked to try touching the bark of a tree or feeling the cool earth beneath your feet. The guide’s expertise will lead you through this process.
4. Take Your Time
There’s no set amount of time you need to spend, but a typical group walk lasts approximately two hours. The longer you stay, the more you’ll feel the effects.
Final Thoughts: Nature Can Be Your Best Medicine
Forest Bathing isn’t just a trendy wellness fad—it’s a powerful way to reconnect with the earth and restore balance to your body and mind. For those of us between the ages of 30-65, dealing with the stresses of life, this practice offers a natural, effective way to lower anxiety, improve your mood, and even keep your blood pressure in check.
If you’re seeking calm, peace, or a new way to manage stress, Forest Bathing could be exactly what you need. So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to your local FOREST THERAPY guide at Into The Wild Walks and book a forest bathing session today! Your body and mind will thank you.
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