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Forest Bathing: Immersion in the Healing Power of Nature

by | Jul 1, 2018

Post Categories: Book Reviews | Environmental Health | Integrative Medicine | Mental Health

Everyone understands how spending time in a beautiful natural setting can be good for one’s health. The sensation of peace and relaxation that comes from being surrounded by the trees and other vegetation leaves one feeling restored and invigorated. People have been seeking out this these experiences for hundreds of years, and this simple activity is affordable and enjoyable for anyone.

However, the practice of forest bathing, originating in Japan as shinrin-yoku, is more involved than just “a walk in the woods.” It is a fully focused body-mind experience incorporating the use of all five senses and interaction with the surrounding landscape. Forest bathing is part nature walk, part moving meditation and part quiet contemplation as you soak up the healing presence of the forest.

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Author

Kurt Beil, ND, LAc, MPH

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