Forest Bath Therapy

Shinrin-yoku is a form of therapy that started in Japan in 1982. The words “Shinrin-Yoku” literally mean “forest bath” or “forest bathing” and is a wonderful form of evidence based therapy.  It has been gaining popularity across the world, with some places like South Korea, opening entire therapeutic forests for people to find their peace. Studies have shown that participating in forest bathing lowers blood pressure and the concentration of stress hormones like cortisol in your body. Shinrin-yoku is based on three principles:

Yugen is when you look around and see the beauty of the world around you and it brings up such a well of deep emotions that it’s nearly impossible to describe with words.

Komorebi translates to “sunlight leaking through trees”. This is how the sun dances and plays through the leaves of the trees over our heads. The interplay between the two relaxes the mind and brings feelings of peace.

And Wabi Sabi celebrates the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. 

These principles combine with using your body to move through the forest, using your senses to perceive the world around you, and using your lungs to breathe in the natural essential oils and oxygen that permeate the forest air; this all works together to help your brain stop ruminating, worrying, and thinking in circles. This results in the reduction in symptoms of things like stress and anxiety. As a clinical social worker I worked in a variety of therapeutic environments and clinical settings. Each type is necessary and valid in its own way but forest therapy is the form of therapy that speaks to me on a personal level. We would love to take you on our guided forest therapy sessions. 

Why you should join us!

Grace has a Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work and Kendall has a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. We have experienced the change using Forest Therapy personally and want to share that with you!

We are currently doing forest bath therapy at 

Alderman Ford 

100 Alderman's Ford Park Dr Plant City, Florida 33567