Forest bathing walk in Sydney | Shinrin-yoku nature therapy experience review

Hi there, I'm Photraveller Yori who loves photography and travelling.

“Forest bathing” originated in Japan, the country of my birth.

Its effectiveness has been recognised and it has become popular overseas, particularly in Western countries, and the term 'Shinrin-yoku' 森林浴 has started to be used in Australia.

This article introduces the experience of Forest Therapy®, which is carried out in the Eucalyptus forest in Sydney.

It is operated by Mayu Kataoka (Forest Minds), a Japanese guide certified by both the Australian and Japanese Forest Therapy Organisations.

Forest therapy, which stimulates the five senses and promotes physical and mental wellbeing, is recommended not only for tourists to Sydney, but also for residents.

This article provides information on the benefits of Forest bathing 'Shinrin-yoku' and a review of the Mayu’s Forest therapy walk experience.

 

About Forest bathing Shinrin-Yoku 森林浴

Shinrin (forest 森林) Yoku (bathing 浴) is

'In forests there are unique aromas with sterilising powers, and being in the forest makes for a healthy body.' The term "forest bathing" was presented based on the concept that.

Source: Gunma Paz University (15), 57-62, 2013-03『森林浴の歴史について』

As the benefits of forest bathing were scientifically proven, it was introduced abroad in 2010 and spread worldwide.

 

Scientifically proven benefits of forest bathing.

Forest bathing is also a scientifically based preventive medicine.

 

<Activation of the immune system>

According to a Japanese Forestry Agency empirical study (August 2003).

It has been suggested that simply being in a forest environment reduces Cortisol (known as a stress hormone) and that exercise (forest bathing) in a forest environment increases Natural Killer cell activity.

Source: Japanese Forestry Agency　『森林の健康と癒し効果に関する科学的実証調査報告書』

The key to boosting immunity is to energise NK cells, which find and attack cancer and viruses.

Moderate exercise also has a synergistic effect, and forest bathing is one of the ideal activities.

It is also pleasing to report that just being in the forest reduces stress hormones.

In addition, the NK cell counts that have increased after forest bathing remain high even after a month.

It has been proven that the forest bathing effect is sustainable.

Regular forest bathing is ideal for maintaining a healthy immune system!

 

＜Regulating the autonomic nervous system＞

Forests are full of phytoncide, an aromatic substance emanating from trees.

This volatile substance helps to regulate the autonomic nervous system, reduces stress, stabilises the mind and provides comfortable sleep.

 

Forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) and Forest therapy.

What is the difference between forest bathing and forest therapy?

 

Why is forest therapy in eucalyptus forests so special?

Australia is known for eucalyptus.

Eucalyptus releases large amounts of Terpenes, one of the aroma compounds.

Terpenes are also a common ingredient in aromatherapy.

When they enter the body through breathing, β-Endorphins (stress relief and pain management) are released in the brain, leading to relaxation.

And it is also expected to activate the brain.

This is unique to forest bathing in Australia!

 

 

Forest therapy experience review.

To keep illness away and live in today's stressful world, it is important to consciously make time to refresh yourself.

Forest bathing is one of easy and enjoyable way to do it.

Moreover, the effects are lasting!

Here are some of the forest therapy experiences that have taken place in Sydney's phytoncide-rich Eucalyptus forests.

 

Go into the forest with a forest therapy guide.

I participated in a forest therapy walk on Sydney’s north shore,  organised by Mayu Kataoka from Forest Minds.

She is certified by the Japan Forest Therapy Society and INFTA (International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance).

Also an accredited operator of NSW National Parks and an official member of the Blue Mountains Tourism Association.

It is great to see that forest bathing, which originated in Japan, is becoming a popular activity for Aussies.

 

 

Slow walking Forest Therapy

The forest therapy took place in Lane Cove National Park, about 20 minutes' drive north of Sydney CBD.

The flat, uphill-free course has been carefully selected to maximise the therapeutic benefits, so children and older people can walk without difficulty.

The programme combined a variety of activities, stimulated the senses and allowed the participants to experience a deeper sense of their own connection with nature.

It is very different from a typical bushwalk.

The programme combined a variety of activities, stimulated the senses and allowed the participants to experience a deeper sense of their own connection with nature.

 

Relax your mind and body

First, we started by relaxing the mind and body with stretching exercises inspired by tai chi, and then walk through the forest.

 

Enjoy forest bathing using all five senses

Forest therapy is about carefully engaging with nature using the five senses.

Mayu, for example, leaded the participants' awareness with these words;

＜The sense of sight＞　

 

＜The sense of hearing＞

 

＜The sense of smell＞　

 

＜The  sense of taste＞　

 

＜The  sense of touch＞　

It's very Interesting!

Thanks to the therapist's guidance, I felt my senses expanding more and more freely!

In this forest therapy, it is important to walk slowly.

In this way, the five senses are naturally sharpened.

While walking, we learned a lot about birds, plants, and how to feel the forest.

By the end of the program, I felt relaxed, my breathing was deeper, and my senses were more clearer.

Creative Walk

The therapy program has a variety of activities, but this time it was a creative walk.

The lesson was to paste leaves and flowers picked up in the forest onto a paper frame to create a picture.

I found myself walking slowly through the forest, looking more carefully to find the leaves of the colour and shape I wanted.

This is the piece I created.

 

Interact with trees

The next activity was to find a favorite tree, touch it, feel it, and receive energy.

You may touch them with your hands, sit and lean on them, or spend time in any other style you wish.

As I looked around the forest, I saw a tree that caught my attention.

I closed my eyes as I touched that tree.

Then I began to feel as if I was exchanging energy, I felt calm and the words "thank you" came to mind.

This is the forest therapy effect, isn’t it?

+++

The sound of the bell signals the end of the program.

Unwinding tea time

 

The last stop is a tea time by the river, surrounded by large eucalyptus trees and bird songs.

Everyone had good smiles and enjoyed herbal tea and snacks.

It was a meaningful time to share experiences and ask questions about the Forest therapy.

Birds were peeking at us from the trees with great interest!

Today's souvenirs from the forest!

Eucalyptus bark and sap, cockatoo feathers, eucalyptus flowers.

 

Inquiries and Booking

Forest Minds official site Instagram  Mayu Kataoka Booking Certified Forest Therapy Guide with Japan Forest Therapy Society and INFTA (International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance) NSW National Parks licensed eco pass operator Member of Blue Mountains Tourism Mental Health First Aider

 

Conclusion

How was forest therapy in a sustainable eucalyptus forest?

Sydney also has many native eucalyptus forests just outside the city.

Eucalyptus is particularly effective for forest bathing, so I thought this activity was a must-do when visiting Sydney.

Of course, anyone can enjoy it, from adults to children.

Forest bathing effects are；

• Immune activation
• Decrease in stress hormones
• Relaxation effect
• Mental stability,
• Recovery from fatigue
• Comfortable sleep etc.

Let's enjoy nature and take regular forest bathing to maintain our physical and mental health!

Thank you for reading to the end.