What is Forest and Nature Therapy?

Forest Therapy - Forest Bathing - Nature Therapy - Ecotherapy - Green Therapy - Shinrin-yoko  -  Ecopsychotherapy - Green Prescribing - Grounding - Earthing 

You have probably heard the above mentioned terms being used to describe the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoko; which basically translates to 'Forest Bathing' 

Forest Bathing and Nature Therapy is the mindful, sensual and often deeply spiritual practice of spending time in natural settings; whether that be walking, running, cycling, sitting, meditating, gardening or camping; for the benefits of our health and overall sense of well-being. 

This nature based therapeutic practice originated in Japan in the 1990s as a result of the Japanese Government's commissioned study and research; which was headed by Professor Yoshifumi Miyazaki.

Professor Miyazaki created the initial term 'Forest Bathing' with the understanding that we somehow feel better when we spend time nature, and this inspired his research. 

Japan at that time was experiencing a national health crisis; which was mainly due to the fact that that it's citizens were migrating into more urbanised and industrial towns and cities for work where green or natural spaces were virtually non-existent; and as a result people were starting to get sick. 

Professor Miyazaki's research highlighted the fact that humans have spent seven million years living in nature; which is 99.99% of our existence as a species as a whole. 

To put this into further context; industrialisation has only been a recent societal and economic concept which has emerged over the past 200-300 years; which is a tiny fraction of our genetic evolution, and as a result our genes aren't equipped to evolve and adapt that quickly to the change in our environment.

In essence our bodies are still adapted and attuned to living in nature and as a species, we haven't yet evolved to cope with modern industrial lifestyles and the diseases associated with our modern lifestyles; namely stress related diseases, inflammation and increased mental health issues have increased due to our disconnection from nature and being 'ungrounded'. 

We’ve all experienced a sense of feeling at peace in nature at some point in our lives. That felt sense where we’re walking mindfully in amongst nature and feeling relaxed and safe. 

Grounding is the practice of walking barefoot on the earth and provides a means to recharge your energy (Qi), clear your mind, strengthen your instincts, and therefore increase your sense of wellbeing.

The Earth, you see, is an electrical planet, and we are a bioelectrical beings. Our own  bodies function electrically. Our heart and nervous system are prime examples of that.

The Science of Energy

Humans are basically like rechargeable batteries; and like batteries we can run out of charge. 

We are beings of energy and have a bioelectric bodily system; electrical currents and their associated magnetic fields fill and surround the human organism. These currents make up a web or system of interactive energy fields that govern the body’s functioning. 

This energy infusion is powerful stuff. It can restore and stabilize the bioelectrical circuitry that governs our physiology and organs, harmonize our basic biological rhythms, boost self-healing mechanisms, reduce inflammation and pain, and improve our sleep and feeling of calmness. 

So how does it work?

Most of us nowadays don’t walk barefoot nor do we sleep on the ground as we did in the past. This physical disconnection from the Earth may be a totally overlooked cause of abnormal physiology and may actually contribute to inflammation, pain, fatigue, stress, and poor sleep. 

Modern lifestyles, including the widespread use of insulating rubber - or plastic-soled shoes, has disconnected most people in so-called developed societies from the Earth’s surface energy. 

By reconnecting to the Earth, many common symptoms are often relieved and even eliminated. People tend to sleep better and have more energy. Ultimately they feel better. 

Just try it and see for yourself 

Go barefoot for 20-30 minutes outside and see what a difference that makes on your pain or stress levels; or your ability to get a good nights sleep.

Make it part of your overall nature therapy experience. 

I usually encourage my clients to go when the ground is moist; either first thing in the morning whilst the ground is still dewy or just after a storm (or rain). 

The reason for this is that our feet experience a greater conduction of the Earth’s electrons. 

Simply sit, stand, or walk on grass, sand, or dirt. 

These are all conductive surfaces from which your body can draw the Earth’s electrons.  

Wood, asphalt, and vinyl are not conductive; so avoid using these surfaces altogether. 

For more information and hints and tips to get the best out your grounding experience; follow my blog articles, where I cover this subject in more detail. 

The term 'nature deficit disorder' was coined by American author and journalist Richard Louv in his book 'Last Child in the Woods-Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder,'

'Nature-deficit disorder is not a formal diagnosis, but a way to describe the psychological, physical and cognitive costs of human alienation from nature, particularly for children in their vulnerable developing years'. Richard Louv 

Children need nature in their lives. 

Children's immune systems and their body's ability to develop both physically and psychologically need; open, natural spaces which challenge them and offer them growth and a sense of belonging, community and safety. 

We live in a society that is too quick to label, diagnose and medicate children rather than seek to explore other alternative ways of exploring their behaviours, mental health and facilitating an environment that promotes their well-being. 

The recent statistics show an incredibly sad reality. That medicating children has become the norm.

In the US; a 2003 study published in the 

Psychiatric Journal found that prescriptions of antidepressants to pre-school children has increased by 66% with Prozac being given the go ahead since 2001.

 These heart-breaking figures show that for the first time in history the prescribing of anti-psychotic and anti-depressant medications have surpassed the prescribing of asthma and anti-biotic medications to children.   

Then there's the lack of services and dwindling 'green spaces' being made freely available to children; which is resulting in more and more children spending a majority of their time indoors; and now connected to a world that exists online. 

American Clinical Psychologist Craig Brod also termed the phrase 'technostress' explaining that with the introduction of computer technology and our ever increasing reliance on technology, and more recently social media; as a species, we are living in a constant state of stress and moving further away from nature to the point where our children aren't able to access outdoor spaces at all.

However there is an ever growing body of research coming through now; where a growing movement of child therapeutic practitioners; whether they be paediatricians, psychologists, schools, nurseries, psychologists, counsellor and therapists; are all now implementing nature therapy based practice into their therapeutic approaches with children and young people and as a result they are getting outstanding results for children health and well-being. 

For more information on how nature is helping our children heal and improving their resilience, mental health and well-being; check out my BLOG and RESEARCH sections my website for up to date articles, news and ideas to improve children's access to nature.