Published: 06/02/2021 By The Abode Team
Whether you call it a fitness trend or a mindfulness practice (or a bit of both), what exactly is forest bathing?The term emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a physiological and psychological exercise. The purpose was twofold: to offer an eco-antidote to tech-boom burnout and to inspire residents to reconnect with and protect the country’s forests. The Japanese quickly embraced this form of ecotherapy. In the 1990s, researchers began studying the physiological benefits of forest bathing, providing the science to support what we innately know: time spent immersed in nature is good for us. While Japan is credited with the term shinrin-yoku, the concept at the heart of the practice is not new. Many cultures have long recognised the importance of the natural world to human health. It's the practice of immersing yourself in nature in a mindful way, using your senses to derive a whole range of benefits for your physical, mental, emotional, and social health. ‘Shinrin’ means forest and ‘Yoku’ stands for bathing. Forest bathing in nature allows the stressed portions of your brain to relax. Positive hormones are released in the body. You feel less sad, angry and anxious. It helps to avoid stress and burnout, and aids in fighting depression and anxiety. A forest bath is known to boost immunity and leads to lesser days of illness as well as faster recovery from injury or surgery. Nature has a positive effect on our mind as well as body. It improves heart and lung health, and is known to increases focus, concentration and memory.
As Umbria is the 'Green Heart of Italy' it's the perfect place to partake of a little forest bathing. Here are a few wood-immersed properties in both Umbria and Tuscany;
Mulino le Vigne
Castellucci
Villa Giulia
Vista Niccone
Casale Piantoni