What is this new trend of forest bathing? One could say it is taking a stroll with a certain special something. Just to clarify from the outset: forest bathing has nothing to do with water as such. It refers rather to spending mindful time and a conscious experience of the forest and nature.
You leave everyday life behind, enjoy the peace and quiet and do something good for your health. The light, the fragrances and especially the tranquillity of the forest are beneficial and have a positive effect on our stress level. After just half an hour in the forest, the messenger substances contained in the trees, called terpenes, exert their effect!
What do we experience during forest bathing?
When spending mindful time in the forest, the focus is on enjoying the forest atmosphere and on close contact with nature. Forest bathing helps us to wind down, give us a new zest for life and provide our body, mind and spirit with new vital energy – perception and relaxation, adventure and mindfulness, letting go and finding oneself, taking a deep breath.
What advantages can forest bathing have?
Forest bathing or even a simple walk in the forest are healthy for body and psyche. Above all, staying in the forest has the following positive effects on our health:
- Strengthening of the immune system
- Relaxation and diffusing stress
- Reducing stress and depression symptoms
- Reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Improving the quality of sleep
- Moisturising the airways
- Increasing the body’s immune defences
- Reducing high blood pressure and sugar values
- Distraction from everyday life
Who is forest bathing suitable for
Forest bathing is suitable for all people, whether old or young, sporty or leisurely.
The method is targeted towards all those who feel rushed in everyday life, whose heads are buzzing with thoughts, who already in the morning are thinking about what they have to get done in the evening. However, forest bathing is also excellent for children. Away from their mobile phone, tablet and social media, forest bathing is a special and instructive experience also for them, which calms them down and conveys many new impressions.
An appointment with Dr. Forest is free, does not require a prescription and is without long waiting times or unwanted side effects!
Why is it called forest bathing?
And for those who are still wondering why forest bathing is called as such, there is a very simple explanation: the name is derived from the Japanese term “SHINRIN YOKU”, which literally translated means something like: “IMMERSION IN THE FOREST ATMOSPHERE”.
Forest bathing at Eschenhof in Carinthia
At the Ortners’ Eschenhof, your wellness hotel in Carinthia, you have the opportunity to get to know the art of forest bathing.
Leave everyday life behind and let yourself indulge in one to two hours full of impressions and relaxation. Find and foster your mental balance in the pristine nature of the Nockberge biosphere reserve. Ms. Irene Krenn, our qualified forest educator and trainer for forest bathing and nature therapy, will take you with her on a journey into greenery. Experience the forest with all your senses, observe the cohesion of nature, enjoy exercise whilst still relaxing. Additional meditation exercises and a leisurely tea ritual at the end will bring you to inner peace and deep relaxation.
Registration at the hotel reception on +43-4240-8262 by 6 p.m. the day before - external guests are also welcome!