​Our modern health care system in the U.S. is highly dependent on pharmaceuticals. Many physical and mental ailment seems to require a prescription drug for treatment. While some pharmaceutical treatments are undeniably necessary, we tend to overlook and undervalue the incredible healing and restorative power of nature-based therapies. Woodland Nature Therapy aims to change that mindset by applying Forest Therapy to our mental health practice.

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History
Forest Therapy traces its roots to 1982 when Japan’s Forest Agency began evaluating the health benefits of forest bathing in response to a national spike in stress-related illnesses. Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, involves a short leisurely activity in a wooded environment for the purposes of relaxation. It involves the complete immersion of the person into the environment by intentionally using all five senses to connect with nature.

 

​Because of forest bathing's proven benefits, Forest Therapy—the practice of using trained professionals to guide individuals in the practice of forest bathing—was developed as a public health practice in Japan in 2006 and is now adopted around the world. 

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Health Benefits

Forest Therapy is an effective treatment for many stress-related illnesses. Research has demonstrated that Forest Therapy is beneficial for all ages and an effective non-pharmacological treatment, including:
 

• lowering a person’s heart rate and blood pressure

• reducing stress, anxiety and depression

• strengthening the immune system and improving breathing

• helping treat dementia, ADHD, hyperactivity, and diabetes

• improving physical and mental fitness and overall wellbeing​​​