Jan essential - Phone Applications
Forest Bathing
aka Shinrin Yoku
forest bathing Q&A
Answered by Amanda Yik
Founder of Shinrin Yoku Hong Kong
Forest bathing (Shinrin Yoku) is the practice of immersing oneself in the forest for rejuvenation, pleasure and wellbeing. First developed in Japan in 1982 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as a response to Karoshi (death by overwork), Forest Bathing has roots in the nature worship practices of Shinto and Buddhism. Today, Forest Bathing has more than 60 official healing and training sites in Japan and has been accepted as formal medical therapy in South Korea. Similar establishments can also be found in Finland, Germany, America and other countries.
Why Forest bathing?
Researchers in Japan and South Korea have established a robust body of scientific literature on the health benefits of Forest Bathing. Reducing blood pressure, boosting immunity, enhancing mental wellness and improving interpersonal relationships are among many of the proven benefits.
What are the benefits?
The benefits of immersing ourselves in nature is many-fold. Research conducted around the world has shown a range of physical benefits, including:
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Reduced blood pressure
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Reduced pulse rates
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Reduced blood sugar
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Reduced stress hormones levels
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Increased white blood cells that fights off infections and cancer
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Strengthened immune systems
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Enhanced mood
What are We Gonna Do?
Forest Bathing will equip participants with ways to connect with nature so they can begin building their own practice of nature connection.
forest bathing is not...
Forest Bathing is not a hike. While every walk is different, and some may involve walking a longer distance than others, the essence of Forest Bathing is about immersing ourselves in the more-than-human world in a healing way. It is not a physical challenge.
Forest Bathing is not a naturalist outing. Although we will see plenty of beautiful trees, flowers, plants and sometimes wild animals, the focus is not on understanding the names, characteristics or medicinal values of plants or trees, or wildlife spotting.
Forest Bathing is not a medical treatment, nor does it replace any kind of professional mental or physical healthcare support you are receiving. Spending time in nature in a healing way regularly enhances our wellbeing, but when it comes to treatment of any diagnosed conditions you must consult your physician.
Why do I need a Guide?
Indeed, not everyone needs a guide to help them slow down, relax, and connect with nature in a way that calms him or herself down. But in our hyper-connected, digitalised world, many of us have shut down our senses and become disconnected with nature. We have difficulty putting our phones down. We find it awkward to be alone or do nothing. We think rest is being lazy and unproductive. We spend most of our time indoors in air-conditioned rooms in front of screens.
If this sounds familiar to you, you will benefit from having a guide in your forest bathing experience. The guide creates a space that gives you permission to forget about your to-do-list, what's coming next, or when you have to get going. The invitations given by your guide helps re-awaken your senses and allow you to explore nature in a wide range of ways you may never have thought of.
Essentially, the guide will help you remember how to access the healing benefits of being in nature by holding safe and sacred space. And of course, the guide will take care of logistics such as time-keeping, safety, route design and providing hospitality so you can be as carefree as you want and let the experience simply unfold for you.
Partly referenced:
https://www.shinrinyokuhk.com/whatisshinrinyoku
Forest Bathing Offered by Us
Where to go for forest bathing in hK?
Check out their websites for more forest bathing activities.
click the photos to visit their websites
KFBG
The Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Gardens was founded in 1956. Other than supporting multiple research projects in and outside of Hong Kong, they also organise public activities to harmonise the relationship between human society and nature, bringing serenity within arm’s reach.
📍 Tai Po
Athena Wu
Founder
Bathing in Clouds
A Ping Chau resident, living in nature has inspired her to become a forest bathing guide in 2020. She's also a level 2 Reiki Therapist, hoping to connect people with nature and themselves.
📍 Ping Chau, seasides of Hong Kong
Amanda Yik
Founder
Shinrin Yoku Hong Kong
Trainer and mentor of Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs, US. She started promoting forest bathing in 2017, organised over 220 forest therapy activities, talks, nature experiences etc.
📍 Lung Fu Shan, Shing Mun, Tai Po Kau, Tsuen Kam
Lawrence Lai
An ANFT Certified Forest Bathing Guide, he thinks nature is full of innocence, stories, inspiration, possibility. He wish to reconnect participants with their minds, the people around them and everything nature. We let go of our troubles, share our happiness, be moved, and listen to everything around us.
📍 Lung Fu Shan, Sai Kung, Tai Po Kau
Sun Chan
Founder
Moments in Woods
Fascinated by the feeling of connecting with nature on his first forest bathing, Sun became a registered guide in 2020 and held over 100 experiences in Hong Kong.
📍 Tsuen Kam, Tai Po Kau
Visit the website of Hong Kong Nature and Forest Therapy Community to learn more about other forest bathing guides active in Hong Kong.