Nature has always played a significant role in mankind, from providing medicines, wood and other ingredients to offering solace and peace to those looking to explore its wonders.
It has often been said that a quiet stroll at the park or anywhere near nature can soothe a person’s mind and this is where forest therapy steps in to heal people with several mental health issues and offer them a sense of comfort and tranquility.
What is Forest Therapy?
According to Dr. Mansi Vora, a psychiatrist, forest therapy is ”a practice where you soak in nature and allow yourself to feel alive.” It is a guided healing practice where trained personnel invite people to take a leisurely walk in the forest and absorb the elements by using each sense. This is different from a hike, a trek or a safari, where you have a destination in mind or are in the midst of nature while actively focusing on the journey. You just need to walk as slowly as possible and allow yourself to be healed by being as free as possible.
This therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of forest bathing or ”shinrin-yoku,” which began in the 1980s when the nation experienced a spike in cases of people suffering from stress and mental health-related illnesses at an alarming rate due to the tedious work culture, especially in the technology and industry sector. This led to the creation of nature trails that allowed people to walk slowly and breathe in the fresh air while allowing themselves to listen to the sounds of the birds chirping or the soft crunch of the earth as they treaded along the path, employing each and every sense to uplift their spirits.
What are the benefits of Forest Therapy?
A simple walk in the forest can reduce your cortisol levels, a.k.a stress hormone to a great extent, as per Dr. Vora, who talks about a study claiming the effects of undergoing this therapy on people with mental health issues. Since phytonadione, a chemical present in the trees is believed to possess anti-microbial properties, and therefore, using natural tree oils can help reduce blood pressure and boost your health while reducing the symptoms of depression.
Research studies on Forest Therapy
A study conducted in the United Kingdom with over 20,000 participants revealed that people who spent at least 120 minutes a week walking in nature showed improvement in their health and mental well-being. Another study was conducted among patients resting post-operation after the same surgery where some were given beds with window-facing outside and others in a room facing a brick wall. It was then revealed that patients with an outdoor view recovered at a faster pace as compared to others.
A study aiming to gauge the attention span of its participants asked them to look at nature through green roofs or a concrete ceiling for 40 seconds. The study revealed that looking at the green roof boosted concentration while the latter showed the opposite results.
Forest therapy is a simple and effective method to revitalise your body and mind while enjoying the wonders of nature. With multiple studies and enough evidence to back its effectiveness, one can work on their physical as well as mental well-being by letting nature take its course.
