Forest Bathing
WHAT IS FOREST BATHING?
It is a well-being practice that seeks to create experiences that improve health and generate a positive feeling and enjoyment from the connection with nature. It consists of immersion in the forest environment, carrying out activities that invite us to calm, curiosity, imagination, creativity and self-exploration.
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It is not about hiking or interpretive walks, but rather a slow walk, relating and reconnecting with nature, opening each of our senses, focusing on the multiple living forms that the forest offers us.
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This practice keeps us away from stress and reminds us that human beings are part of nature,
What do we need to maintain our overall health and improve our quality of life?
and that she in turn needs our care and respect.
Forest bathing is an act of reciprocity.
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A FOREST BATH IN EL PALMERAL
Forest bathing in the El Palmeral conservation project consists of carrying out this practice within the native forest that we conserve and where we protect multiple species of flora and fauna, as well as their water sources.
We will walk at a slow pace along a path less than 1 km away, perceiving the forest through our senses, accompanied and guided by a facilitator. We will share some dynamics that will help us immerse ourselves and connect with the natural environment.
At the end we will share a tea prepared with local herbs.
It is a therapeutic walk that reconnects us with our own inner forest, while it bathes us and heals us.
GET TO KNOW THE CLOUD FOREST
BENEFITS OF FOREST BATHING FOR WHOLE HEALTH
Some of the benefits for our overall health:​
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Promotes the reduction of stress-related hormones: cortisol, adrenaline and norepinephrine.
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Helps regulate blood pressure and reduce heart rate.
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It allows the lowering of blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
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Strengthens the immune system throughincrease of Natural Killer (NK) cells and anti-cancer proteins.
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It helps reduce anxiety, tiredness and fatigue, and increase stamina, concentration and memory.
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Improved sleep quality.
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Improves mood and reduces depressive states.
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Facilitates learning processes.
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Promotes the enrichment of social skills and interpersonal relationships.
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Promotes self-knowledge, empathy, flexibility and the ability to adapt.
FOREST THERAPY
While forest bathing is therapeutic in itself, Forest Therapy refers to a nature-based intervention that considers certain specific needs of people and the natural and social environment in which they live.
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It is designed and managed considering ua defined physical, emotional or social health problem.
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It seeks to promote comprehensive health by improving the connection with nature and with other people.
ORIGIN
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Forest bathing or Shinrin Yoku has its origins in Japan. Its literal meaning is 'to absorb the atmosphere of the forest'.
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The concept was coined in the 1980s when technicians from the Japanese Forestry Agency set two goals: to enhance the country's forests and promote contact with nature in an urban population with a very high level of stress and work anxiety.
SCIENCE
Scientific studies reveal reasons why forest bathing is beneficial.
Inhaling the phytoncides secreted by trees stimulates the production of anti-cancer cells and can have an antidepressant and anxiolytic effect.
The concentration of negative ions in the forest water has a revitalizing effect.
The natural environment favors attention and concentration abilities, diminished by the tension of daily demands.
