Why Forest Bathing?
Nature – and especially trees! – are good for our health.
And this might be something you might already be aware of.
You may know that trees produce oxygen during the day, that helps us breathe. And they also store carbon dioxide, causing less pollution in our atmosphere.
But what’s perhaps less known is that being in nature, in woodlands in particular, can help our bodies relax, and help us shift from being in a ‘fight or fight’ mode – which happens when we get stressed – to being in our ‘rest and digest’ modes, when our bodies relax and recover.
More recently, a growing body of scientific research has also shown that the air in woods, and the chemicals that trees release, are also really good for our health.
When we spend time in nature and inhale these forests scents and oils, which are called phytoncides, people can experience a variety of potential benefits. These include:
- Reduced stress, anxiety and depression
- More regulated blood pressure
- Improved sleep
- An increase in our anti-cancer proteins
- And an increase in the body’s white blood cells that strengthen our immune systems
Which is all pretty extraordinary!
Some people call forest bathing part of our Natural Health Service, and more health systems around the world are embracing forest bathing as a simple and effective way to support people’s wellbeing.
So why not book a session with LongLeaf and try it out for yourself!
