Forest Therapy
& Forest bathing

Forest therapy, synonymous with forest bathing, is a growing worldwide wellness initiative.

Shinrin-yoku

Forest therapy developed in Japan in the 1980’s as an antidote to a burgeoning tech industry, where it is known as Shinrin-yoku (shinrin meaning ‘forest’, yoku meaning ‘bath’). Therefore Shinrin-yoku means literally bathing in a forest.

Forest therapy is not a hike, not a strenuous walk.

As opposed to hiking or jogging, forest bathing is a slow immersion in the forest. It is about unplugging from technology and opening awareness through the senses of sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch.

In Japan, millions of people visit government-sponsored forest therapy bases each year, where a good deal of exciting research on forest therapy is taking place. At forest therapy bases, guides prescribe custom routes and walks through the forest, tailored to individuals’ specific health needs, physical abilities, and goals.

  • What to expect

    Guides plan a forest bathing route carefully, in order to highlight natural features such as streams, views, or particular trees or natural features. Participants are guided through a sequence of walking, standing, or sitting, along with gentle movement and meditation by a series of invitations to bring awareness to the senses.

    For instance, a guide may ask the group to pause at a brook, and invite them to listen to the sound of water falling over stones. Forest therapy guides are also trained in facilitating group discussion, and may invite the participants to share in discussion.

    Sessions can take place on forest trails, in public or municipal parks, or on private land, and usually last about two hours.

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Why Go with A Guide?

EA forest therapy guide is similar to other outdoor guides - they know the route inside out, bring you to the best spots, make sure you get the most from your time, and keep you safe. I am trained in wilderness first aid - so if you are someone who is even a little nervous about nature, I am here to help you relax,rejuvenate, and enjoy the forest.

Even for those of you who are already familiar with the woods, forest therapy delivers a completely different type of experience. This is not about hiking, exercising, or counting steps. In my guided sessions you will practice sensory techniques that help you slow down, rejuvenate your senses, and reset your mind.

“The reminder that I can choose what to focus on is always useful for me. The gentle invitations and curious guidance that Blainor provides are really great.”
— Linda, Staff Member, USM

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