There’s always new trends springing up that people are following. Something that is hip or popular at the time permeating the populace and the publishing culture that is our current stream of social media infused consciousness. Landing pages, streaming tv, building rock towers in forests, having pics with quokkas - even obscure things like ‘planking’ remember when ‘everyone was doing that’? Some seem flippant but now and then there are trends that become movements and that have lasting and possibly enduring effects that are actually beneficial to us.
Forest Bathing is a newer trending phenomenon that is starting to make a rise in the well being sector of the western world and has gained some popularity thanks to certain Royal Family members of the UK introducing it to the Chelsea Flower Show in 2019. Now you may think that this is just a hippie-esque concept of traipsing through the Muir Woods in California hugging tree trunks. (yes I have to admit I have done that) but you would be perhaps remiss in dismissing this practice as such. Growing research is documenting that Forest Bathing is a useful preventative medical concept that has scientific basis.
Shinrin-yoku or Forest Bathing originates from Japan and was first promoted in the early 1980’s when scientists began to document the effects of regular forest walks were having on a persons well being and health. Dr Qing Li, President of the Society for Forest Medicine, has been at the forefront of the science behind investigating what actually happens when we take time out and get back in touch with nature and has made some interesting discoveries.
We all know that walking through the woods is good for us. We feel free, more relaxed, rejuvenated and energised. Being in woodland forests or bushland is awe inspiring. Who hasn’t stood at the precipice of the Blue Mountains and looked out across the valley and not felt that the world is a magnificent and amazing place. This type of awe inspiration illicits certain chemical responses within the body that activate our brain activity, stimulate our immune system and brings mental clarity. By being awe inspired, our mental focus shifts to the external, away from our own self talk and obsession with the small stuff. This helps us to be more externally focussed, empathetic, social and generous.
Speaking scientifically, Dr Li goes into more detail promoting the effects of Shinrin Yoku as reducing blood pressure, lowering cortisol levels, reducing heart rates and improving memory and concentration. Phytoncides a chemical released by trees has antibacterial and anti-fungal qualities and when humans ingest these oils, our body increases the number and activity of white blood cells (NK - Natural Killer Cells). These cells attack tumours and viral infected cells in our bodies. In this way, Forest Bathing promotes an active immune boosting response in our system which is supported by researchers such as Hansen Jones, Tocchini (Shinrin Yoku and Nature Therapy pub Jan 2017 PMC) who provide empirical evidence of not only increased immune function but associated effects of lowered adrenal response, cortisol levels and psychological benefits with marked differences on depression and anxiety.
So - is it as easy as going for a walk in the woods? YES. It can even be as easy as watching videos on nature and immersing in the visual of forests. Gary Evans, founder of the Forest Bathing Institute in the UK, talks about taking 'mindful walks in the forests to really garner the benefits of forest bathing. “It’s about sensory exercises,” says Evans. “We try to hold people’s attention in the present moment, to give their bodies and minds a chance to slow down. We move very slowly, touching the trees, looking at colours and patterns, and breathing deeply. We end up lying down under trees and looking up through the branches.”
In terms of time, 20min can sometimes be enough on a daily basis although 10hours in a month is the more recommended measurement. Evans promotes sessions of 3 hours, citing the health benefits of well being and immune response after these sessions as being markedly improved. As Dr Qing Li states, its a preventative medicine, and not a treatment. Increasingly people spend more and more time indoors (Australians spend 90% time indoors -Dept Agriculture ,Water and Environment) and the associated air quality of indoor and urban environments can be high in domestic pollutants. Daily doses of forest environments help to boost and bolster our immune system so that the modern stressors of city life don’t impact as much upon us.
Japan has invested up to $4 million in over 62 designated Forest Therapy areas around the country with estimates of up to 5 million visitors each year attending the forests. This trend is starting to rise in the UK, Finland, the US and Canada. Whilst the western world is a little behind the Japanese examples, this new concept of Shinrin yoku is making it’s presence felt and medical support for the practice is growing.
The concept of Social Prescribing is making headlines in countries that are adopting the principle that health and well being are a social investment that can have huge benefits to a nations health scheme and lowering medical outlays. Medical professionals are increasingly interested in supporting non clinical actiivites in an effort to improve well being and general health. UK studies cite 1 in 5 patients see their GP for social issues that are not medically related or could be addressed by Social Prescribing activities such as cookery classes, healthy eating advice, gardening, sports, arts activities and group learning. Studies by the University of Westminster (Polley, M.J. and Pilkington, K. 2017) suggest that social prescribing could attribute to a 28% decrease in GP attendances and associated A&E and outpatient figures.
SO perhaps we can start by taking our own responsibility for health and well being and investing in activities such as Shinrin Yoku can be a well reasoned argument to promoting preventative health care. it’s not all about the medicine. Getting out and amongst the natural world is good for us - SCIENCE SAYS SO.
