Forest Therapy starts with Shinrin-yoku, a practice developed by Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in 1982 to promote the act of getting out in nature to receive the beneficial aspects of the forest. Shinrin-yoku’s literal translation is “forest bathing” which means to take in the atmosphere of the forest. Since the dawn the time humans have been practicing forest bathing, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that scientists began studying the actual effects of the chemical components found in trees, plants, fungi, and other earth materials and their effects in human health. Researchers discovered that when humans breathe in defense chemicals such as phytoncides emitted by trees and plants, it caused positive effects in humans like lowered blood pressure, increase in NK (Natural Killer) Cells, lower cortisol levels, and had positive impacts on mental wellbeing overall.

A few decades later in the USA, “forest therapy” was conceived and evolved into much more than just breathing in tree compounds for better health. Forest therapy today focuses on people developing a deep practice or habit that fosters a deep relationship with nature, for better body health and mental wellness.