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We live in the 21st century, which is considered a very modern and busy era. We all are filled by the heavy work scheduled and further aggravated by the continual availability of modern technologies and smart gadgets. As a consequence, we all are getting deprived of mental peace and suffering from various health issues as well. In such a situation, if your mind wants to bow down to nature to bring a touch of green over the two eyes to calm your mind, you need Japanese ecotherapy, known as Shinrin-Yoku and in English, people call it Forest Bathing.
Forest bathing, a Japanese practice that emerged in the 1980s, is more than a relaxation technique. It's a scientifically proven method of improving health and well-being. Dr. QING LI, a physician at the Nippon Medical School Hospital and the president of the Japanese Science of Forest Medicine, has extensively researched and documented the benefits of this practice in his book - 'Shinrin Yoku: The Art and Science of Forest Bathing'.
What is Forest bathing?
The writer said there are two major religions in Japan- Shinto and Buddhism. They see trees as the realm of the divine. Karoshi signifies death from overwork, so people must resort to the forest to heal humans. The book was so viral that it ranked in a best-seller list in the USA.
Forest bathing is simply connecting with nature via all five senses, including listening to forest sounds, touching the ground and trees, smelling flowers and essential oils, seeing the surroundings, and tasting the fresh air while breathing.
To practice this, a person must spend time in a forest surrounded by natural greenery and trees. At the same time, you need to get detached from every distraction and should engage yourself with the vivid smells, sounds, scenarios and Textures of the forest.
Increase immune system
It would help if you surrendered yourself in front of nature, and only then can you practice mindfulness. Several Research studies say - there are a lot of benefits of forest bathing; it not only decreases blood pressure but also increases one's immune system. This ecotherapy helps to reduce the stress hormone cortisol. It helps to lessen humans' anger, anxiety and depression, too. Forest bathing is a popular concept in many countries, especially among younger generations, such as Millennials and Generation Z, who are highly interested in this concept. Because it emphasizes spirituality, this is also assumed to be a bridge between humans and nature for healing connections.
What would you do if you didn't find a forest near you?
Nowadays, people are fond of Autonomous sensory Meridian Response (ASMR). Suppose you cannot visit a forest for a busy life but want this relaxation. In that case, you can hear or listen to several videos regarding Forest Bathing on Social platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. ASMR videos are for deep relaxation. Even a park near your house is an excellent spot to begin your relaxing journey.
Many people believe it might be exercise or a slow walk, but the reality is simply connecting yourself with nature. It will help you let go of your tensions. It would help if you practised this Japanese ecotherapy to get back your mental peace.