Have you ever paid attention to how you feel when you walk in nature, especially in a forest?
Does your energy level change, do you feel more anxious or less and how is your breathing?
Forest bathing is about walking and spending time in nature which means that if you are trail running or doing other forms of activity then that is not forest bathing. Yes, doing these activities in nature has many of the same wonderful health benefits as well.
Forest bathing has been around for thousands of years but never really became mainstream until 1982. In 1982 in Japan, Tomohide Akiyama, the Director General of the Agency of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan coined the term “Shinrin-Yoku” Shinrin means forests and Yoku means bath. The Japanese government saw the need for people to connect with nature for healing. It was two-fold as the other part was for people to respect the forests more so they will take care of them better.
There have been many studies done since 1982 on the health benefits. The whole body; physical, spiritual and mental gets to reap the rewards. The forests are filled with so much healing and here in North America we only understand a little bit. Trees and plants are amazing. They give off this compound called phytoncides which is a defense against certain insects, fungi, and bacteria. When we come in contact with this compound it activates these (NK) Natural Killer white blood cells in our bodies and helps us create many more. These white blood cells are a big part of our defenses in our bodies against viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells. They target all tumors. That is just being in contact with nature.
The other health benefits are an improved immune system, lower blood pressure, lower sugar levels, and decreased depression, anger, and anxiety. As we start feeling this shift when we are in nature know that this is when the parasympathetic nervous system becomes activated, and the body can go into healing mode. When engaged in an activity you will receive some benefits you will not be able to get the more out as your engagement will keep your sympathetic nervous system still activating.
So, when you walking is the time to notice things around you and in you. You get to be an observer and just be in the now. Take your time to experience what is around you, are the leaves different colours, is there a breeze to rustle the branches and leaves, is the ground flat, are any birds singing, how is your breath? This is when you have the chance to really feel those emotions if they arise or to just to focus on a colour as long as you need to.
By incorporating medical qigong with Shinrin-Yoku the added healing benefits are exceptional. I practice walking meditation in the woods and have for many years. It connects me with nature and helps turn off my monkey brain. Many people mistake my walking meditation for Tai Chi as they both move in slow and fluid movement. The Buddha rarely talked about walking meditation as he lived it every day. Being fully aware of not just your surroundings but your inner self. How your body, mind, and spirit flow. When one can get to this state even for short periods the health benefits are great. They will be different for everyone as we all have different needs.
In this state, your body shifts into the parasympathetic nervous system. This is where the brain, pancreas, thyroid, and adrenals are deactivated. This means less cortisol which inhibits the pituitary gland which produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH helps the thyroid release T3 and T4. Stress can block the conversion of T4 to T3, which is the active form of the hormone. Now, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated then these organs become activated. These organs are the liver, kidneys, pancreas enzymes, spleen, stomach, large and small intestines. So, the immune and digestive systems are some of the biggest benefactors.
When looking at the mind this is where solutions just appear. Have you ever noticed how being in nature and not thinking about anything is when your greatest solutions have come for your challenges? The fresh oxygen is a good start, but the real clearing of the mind is when you can deactivate the sympathetic nervous system.
So, get out in nature and just enjoy Forest Bathing with Qigong. If you want more, I can be your Forest Bathing Guide. Learning Qigong with Shinrin-Yoku is game-changing.
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