Lately, our lives tend to be more stressful. We live between our jobs and houses; we are connected to the internet most of the time, with little time to enjoy outdoor activities, even more in these pandemic times with lock-downs everywhere. Living near green areas or frequently visiting them could help us with these problems because green places emanate large quantities of energy due to the biological processes that occur between living organisms. How to interact with this energy could reduce stress and improve well-being. The best practices to interact with this energy are forest bathing and bio-energetic landscapes.
Forest Bathing
Forest bathing is an eastern practice origin born in 1982 with the Japanese name “Shinrin-Yoku” which means bathing in the forest atmosphere or taking in the forest through our senses. Please don’t confuse this practice with hiking or jogging; in contrast, it is the ability to connect with the forest through our senses. Also, exist many studies that evidence practicing forest bathing increases human natural killer activity and expression of anti-cancer proteins. How does it work? It is simple, go to a natural green space, walk in the forest the time you need without phones and cameras, just you and nature. Look at the different colours and shapes that compose the place. Smell the different aromas and take many deep breaths. Listen to the birds and the air. Put your hands on the trees or lie down on the ground and connect your fives’ senses with the environment. No worries if you couldn’t feel it the first time; it takes time; when you find the right place, you will discover the benefits in your well-being.
Bioenergetic Landscapes
Bioenergetic landscapes is a practice that uses the natural electromagnetic fields to design and implement parks and gardens with particular benefit for our body. It is a complete study of plants’ electromagnetic field to positively change the energetic quality, generating bio-energetic areas beneficial to our body. The results depend on the selected plants and their distribution because some plants generate positive effects, but others are contra-indicated for some body organs. Practice it has been designed gardens in hospitals, well-being centers, schools, and health care centers. Still, if we don’t have access to this kind of place, we can use these electromagnetic fields just hugging a tree, standing in contact with plants, or making our bio-energetic garden.
Many trees and plants release volatile substances from their foliage, which are known as monoterpenes or phytoncides (wood essential oil); these substances inhibit the accumulation of toxins and help discharge existing toxins. They are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and soothing to irritated tissues. They can be used as an insect repellent and have cancer preventative properties. According to Japanese researchers, visit forest areas with significant production of monoterpenes help keep the immune defenses high.
In conclusion, to improve or maintain our psychological and physical well-being is vital to spend time in nature, enjoy and connect with it. Visit the forest, learn about your trees, and release your stress. A lot of research support this, and you can find what technique is better for you, at least make your bio-energetic garden (house plants can reduce CO2 and clear the air by releasing more oxygen in the process).
What are you waiting to hug a tree or go to the park?
Resources
- The Secret Therapy of Trees (Book) Marco Mencagli, Marco Nieri.
- Bioenergetic Landscapes Laboratory
- Using “Bioenergetic Landscapes” in Italy to Improve Human Well-Being
- Forest Bathing’ Is Great for Your Health. Here’s How to Do It
- Medical research about Forest bathing
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Nature is so powerful and I always feel refreshed after spending time in it. It cleanses the soul. I have heard and read some about forest bathing. Our natural world around us can be very powerful.
Hi Lori, thank you for reading me. It´s true, a lot of people don´t know about the power in our natural world.
I love trees, but live in a region where there a few of them and they are extremely slow growers. I encourage tree lovers to plant as many trees as they are able. We may not live long enough to see the tree mature, but future generations will.
Hi Britt, thank you for reading me. Yes, it´s essential to think about future generations; the trees are vital for nature and our well-being.
I love this Lili 🥰 I agree, nature and being outside in the fresh air can do more for people than they realize. The power and the strength they can get and seeing all that beauty just lifts the soul. I am very fortunate to live in Colorado and only a few short miles from mountains and trees and nature. It’s the best.
I didn’t know about the electro-magnetic field stuff but that was very interesting and food for thought. I enjoyed it, thank you for sharing this! 😊
Hi Denise, thank you for reading me. You’re right live near to green places is a fortune 🙂
I loved this article! I have definitely felt the power of nature to reground myself and my kids. This is a great reminder to put down the camera and engage all senses ♡
Thank you!. I usually say: “whenever you have the opportunity, recharge in the forest” 🙂
To be immersed in nature is one of the most healing opportunities there is. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks to you for reading me 🙂
My husband and I enjoy very much trees. We love them in pictures, in books, and especially in real life! They are awesome ! I liked the information about how to really “drink” in the goodness of plants, trees, and nature in general! I wish more people would take the time to enjoy them!
Thank you Emily! I agree with you; I hope more people know about the trees’ benefits and enjoy them 🙂
There is so much we don’t know about trees but in some regard, it is so obvious how essential they are to the delicate balance to the planet. We need trees and trees need us. I totally agree with your article. I always feel better when I am in the presence of trees. I am well aware of the biology of plants and how they react to the sun and even human emotions. I am not a plant person but I do enjoy the landscape of trees. I also believe not everyone reacts the same way to an area of trees. Some places I’ve gone to have left me feeling uncomfortable. I am an anthropologist so understanding our relationship with our resources and living sustainably is high on my list of research items.
Stephanie
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