What is Nature and Forest Therapy?

Nature and Forest Therapy has many definitions. At its most basic, it is a slow walk with the land. Forest Therapy is certainly not limited to the forest. It can happen anywhere that there is a plant, a ray of sunshine, an element of nature. Walks can be with the prairie grasses, at a park, or along a creek. Forest Therapy is not exercise, hiking or a naturalist style walk. Rather, it is a practice, a way of slowing down, of being present to self and our nature relatives. It is a sensory, body-focused walk with the more-than-human-world. Walks are typically anywhere from 1.5 - 4 hours in length.

Forest Therapy can also be referred to as Forest Bathing (bathing in the medicine of the land) or Nature Immersion. It can be practiced alone, in a group and/or with a guide. As a certified guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy I have been trained to guide people on these walks.

Wellness is a big part of Forest Therapy. Much research has been done on the restorative benefits of Forest Therapy and time spent with the more-than-human-world. The UK website, Dose of Nature, notes that hundreds of clinical and non-clinical studies have been done and show numerous positive health benefits including reductions in stress, anxiety, depression, mental fatigue, anger and pain. Improvements noted include better cognitive functioning, sleep, mood, confidence and creativity. Time with nature also boosts our immune system, regulates blood pressure, improves relationships, increases feelings of gratitude and SO MUCH MORE!