Nature bathing might be something you’ve heard about before but didn’t know much about.
This is common because it is not really something that is talked about all too often.
However, there has been research that has been shown that it might just be something you want to learn more about and then try for yourself if you need a boost in your health and wellness.
Though nature bathing sounds like something made up, it is actually a great way to boost many systems in the body and get many hormones working in your favor.
Being able to touch on these points might just do many people some good, whether they are struggling with a sickness currently or just want to boost their preventative health, this has been a cornerstone medical practice for some time now.
It is one that is highly regarded as being a natural, beneficial way to boost many areas of the body.
We are going to touch on some of the points, so you can rest assured knowing you have the necessary information to make an informed decision on whether or not nature bathing is something for you.
Nature Bathing Origins
Being introduced back in the early 80’s, it was originally known as forest bathing.
It is called shinrin-yoku. It is a term that is used in Japan that means “taking in the forest.”
This is where the term forest bathing came from.
Being used as a cornerstone for Japanese preventative health and wellness, it is a method of medicine that many other countries have yet to adopt and are just now learning more about.
At one time there was little information on this type of health and wellness measure, however, there are currently more studies and research that have been conducted to show the many benefits that come from this type of nature bathing.
One of the most known names that is mentioned when talking about nature bathing is John Muir, because of his sense of wilderness and the known fact that it is a necessity to human life.
Studies Performed on Nature Bathing
Also known as eco-therapy, there have been numerous studies conducted on the health benefits that come from this type of exercise that can be done in the great outdoors.
There is an entire collection of reports, history, stories, research, and findings that are posted online, showing those that are interested in this just how beneficial it can be.
Some of the studies conducted have surprising facts and figures that come with them.
Here are just a few of them to help you determine what changes when you decide to go through with forest bathing.
Those that participated in nature bathing saw a 50 percent increase in NK cells in the body.
Natural killer cells (also known as NK cells, K cells, and killer cells) are a type of lymphocyte (a white blood cell) and a component of innate immune system.
NK cells play a major role in the host-rejection of both tumors and virally infected cells.
NK cells help fight off infections, sicknesses, and even boosts healing times for those that have had surgery.
Adiponectin levels are increased, which not only helps to decrease your chances of having a heart attack, but it can also help to protect against diabetes and obesity.
Those with diabetes seen a drop in their blood glucose levels, allowing them to even out better when they took part in nature bathing.
Even though these patients spaced their walks out, they still showed a significant change in their levels.
It can calm the body and mind by reducing dopamine and cortisol levels in the body.
This also helps to improve sleep habits, while decreasing the amount of stress a person feels.
This then boosts the mood in a person because of the levels of this hormone helping them feel happier and healthier overall.
There are many systems that are directly affected by nature bathing.
It is important to consider whether or not this is something you want to do.
Just a few hours a week can greatly improve many systems in the body and might help you feel better overall.
Find yourself searching through the many woods and forests near you to take a walk in nature and grab some fresh air and health benefits for yourself.
Benefits
There are a number of benefits that come with eco-therapy, nature bathing or forest bathing; whichever you know this practice by.
Understanding and knowing the benefits might be the push you need to try it for yourself.
- Boosts the immune system
- Creates a sense of peace and wellness
- Improves your overall emotions and mood
- Lowers heart rate and blood pressure
- Reduces stress
- Increases the ability to focus, even those with ADHD
- Accelerates recovery after having an illness or going through surgery
- Increases overall energy levels
- Improves sleep habits
- Relieves tension and pain in the muscles
- Helps to clear up and calm skin imperfections
There are other benefits that come from regularly making this a part of your life on top of these health benefits.
You can expect to find a deepening of friendships, better intuition, having the ability to communicate clearly with those around you, having a deeper flow of energy, and many other benefits that come from within when connecting to the world and earth around you.
How and Where to Go to Nature Bathe
If you’re curious about trying this for yourself, then it might be time to check out how to nature bathe, as well as where to go to do so.
There really is not much to doing it.
You don’t have to strip down and really become one with nature. You do have to go to a serene, natural area such as a forest and take in the surroundings.
You need to go through the walking paths in a calm, rejuvenating way to restore your overall well-being.
Simply walk through the trails that are provided, or through the lush green areas of the forest and take in the sights, sounds, smells.
You can spend as much time there as you’d like.
Being able to breathe in fresh air without pollution is one of the best things for the body.
The calming effects that the nature around a person can have on them is one of the best things a person can get, without realizing that it might be something that they needed all along.
Nature does a lot more than we give it credit for, including boosting the mind and body of humans.
Those that are interested in doing this near them only need to find a calm, quiet, natural place to walk through.
You can find a local nature reserve, a gorge to walk, hiking trails, or anywhere else that provides wide-open nature trails to walk through.
To find out more, the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs offers not only more information, but also classes that can teach you more about this type of therapy that you can get simply by breathing in the fresh air.
Connecting to the world around you has never been more insightful or beneficial.
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