From Japan comes the practice of shinrin-yoku, the “forest bath”, a form of forest therapy involving an immersion in the woods that engages all five senses.
From Japan comes the practice of shinrin-yoku: shinrin means forest and yoku means bath — literally a "bath in the forest" — an immersion in the woods that engages all five senses. The ideal place to experience this form of forest therapy is Misugi, a small village in the Tsu valley in Mie Prefecture, on the border with Nara.
Since the second postwar period, the mountainous valley of Misugi has been populated by forests of Japanese cryptomeria, or Japanese red cedar, fast-growing plants cultivated to support the country's timber needs. Accompanied by expert guides, participants can practise shinrin-yoku, an experience in full contact with nature.
The term was coined in 1982 by the then director general of the Agency of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Tomohide Akiyama, who was aware that people in Japan needed to be treated and cared for through nature. The idea was also part of a campaign to protect forests: encouraged to visit them to improve their own health, people would also be motivated to take care of them.
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It begins with a muscle warm-up and stretching to prepare for the walk. Adopting nordic walking techniques is recommended because it activates all the muscles and aids posture. The walk is very slow, covering around two kilometres in two hours. This is followed by a moment of guided meditation. The concept of mindfulness derives from a meditation practice developed from the precepts of Buddhism, Zen and yoga, to counter negative thoughts as they arise.
It has been scientifically proven that immersion in nature improves the immune system, increases energy levels, reduces anxiety and depression and stress, and helps you relax. It is not simply a matter of exercising or trekking, but starts from the idea of dedicating a moment to oneself in order to reconnect with the environment around us: to look, listen, taste, smell and touch.
Filling your eyes with the colours of the woods. Listening to the sound of streams, birds and wind through the leaves. Trying the edible plants found along the way. Taking in the scents that come from the forest. Touching the bark of the trees. All of this is shinrin-yoku, the forest bath.