Forest Therapy Walks
What is Forest Therapy?
The health of all beings is interconnected.
Forest Therapy, a research-informed practice inspired by the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing, or Shinrin Yoku, is a practice designed to support healing and wellness through immersion in forests and natural environments. Forest Therapy emphasizes cultivating relationship and reciprocity, recognizing that humans are an inherently interconnected part of the web of life. In this practice, the forest is the therapist, the guide opens the doors. Forest therapy walks are designed to be beneficial for both human and the more than human-world by cultivating a reciprocal healing relationship.
In their most basic form, all Forest Bathing/ Forest Therapy practices work with the human body’s connection to natural environments, to help restore health. Given that humans have co-evolved in natural environments for thousands of years, our bodies require such environments for health and wellbeing.
Want to learn more? Check out these videos!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sPKgVMFCJo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI7ymWLexyk
Human Health Benefits
Three Classes of Health Benefits
Physiological / Stress Reduction
Cognitive: Restored Attention and Perspective / Meaning
Emotional: Improved Affect and Mood
What Can I Expect on a Walk?
A Forest Therapy walk follows a standard sequence led by a trained Association for Nature and Forest Therapy Guide. The average walk lasts between 2.5-3.5 hours, and covers very little physical distance. The setting does not need to occur in “wild nature”, allowing it to be much more accessible for all. Whether it be in a public garden, a public park, an abandoned lot, a backyard, or a more wild forest area, a forest therapy walk can occur!
Cost
$30/person or special bundle packages for groups. Sliding scale provided for those who identify as serving more vulnerable groups of people.
Contact
kristen@wildnaturesummit.com
