Take a Bath in the Forest

Shinrin-yoku Forest Therapy, the medicine of simply being in the forest. Shinrin-yoku is a term that means "taking in the forest atmosphere" or "forest bathing." It was developed in Japan during the 1980s and has become a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine. A couple of days ago, I had a midday break and I am grateful only 10 minutes away from my office, I immersed myself in open green space with live oak, redwoods and madrone trees, with irises, and shooting stars flowers dotting the understory. Studies show the benefits of being in the forest boost immunity and mood as well as reduce stress and lower blood pressure. I do have a preexisting condition - I love trees. I pursued my love of trees to Upper Peninsula Michigan and studied for a Masters of Science in Forestry, as a tree planter and Environmental Volunteer with Peace Corps Ghana, and as the Community Forestry Coordinator with Utah Forestry, Fire & State Lands. Now as a Chinese Medicine practitioner and acupuncturist I appreciate many of the medicinal herbs sourced from forests. If you have an opportunity, go take a forest bath.  

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