What is forest bathing?
Shinrin-yoku is the Japanese practice of “Forest Bathing”, and it is basically immersing yourself in nature. Despite the name, forest bathing does not require getting wet. The practice is more about being surrounded in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. Some practitioners utilize essential oils of trees to heighten the sensation. The most exciting part of forest bathing is the health benefits that are being measured while forest bathing. Here is a closer look at the health benefits of forest bathing, and how it may help some of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia.
Benefits
The practice of Shinrin-yoku was started in Japan as a means to reduce stress and improve health. The studies that have been done on forest bathing have been done primarily in Japan, though some research is being done in Europe. One study summarized several of the previous studies of Shinrin-Yoku, along with their own findings. This study reports that forest bathing can help to reduce blood pressure, blood-sugar levels, confusion, depression, and stress induced cortisol levels. Though not entirely related to Fibro, lowered stress, blood pressure, and blood sugar are all important for general health. However, the confusion of Fibro fog, and the depression of living with Fibro symptoms, are both important issues that face Fibromyalgia patients.
The reality for people who struggle with Fibro being able to get out into the woods to walk around may not seem plausible, but there is good news. First, the studies mentioned about report that greater amounts of time spent in the woods did not increase the effects of the forest bathing. Further, the important thing is to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature, and that can be done sitting in a camp chair. Meditation has been show to help ease Fibro symptoms, so even if you got into nature and took some time to meditate, you might be able to see real results.
Tips to help you find a forest
Google:
Google hiking trails, waterfalls, or nature areas near the town that you live in.
State and Federal Parks:
The United States has an incredible system of state and federal parks that are technically land that belongs to the people, and we need to utilize them. These parks are usually well maintained and easily accessible for people with disabilities.
Backyards:
If you, a friend, or family has a backyard or property that has a decent amount of nature in it (trees, birds, water, or squirrels), then try to see about spending some time out there.
We hope that you will try forest bathing, and we hope that it will help to improve your quality of life.
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