Nature Healing: How Forest Bathing Helps Manage Trauma

Forest bathing, also known as "Shinrin-Yoku" in Japanese, refers to spending time in a forest or natural environment for the purpose of enhancing health, wellness, and happiness. The practice is not exercise, or hiking, or jogging; it is simply being in nature, connecting with the universal through our senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch.

Very real health management substances can be acquired through Forest Bathing

The connection between forest bathing and healing trauma or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been known to traditional healers since the beginning of time but has only recently been acknowledged in scientific literature.  

One of my favorite Forest Bathing places is found deep in the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

Importantly, some potential reasons and mechanisms to explain how forest bathing could be beneficial include:

1. Stress Reduction: One of the significant benefits of forest bathing is stress reduction. Natural settings can decrease cortisol levels, pulse rate, and blood pressure, which are typically heightened in individuals suffering from trauma or PTSD. Lowering these stress indicators can help individuals manage their symptoms more effectively.
2. Mood Enhancement: Nature and forest environments are associated with enhanced mood and feelings of wellbeing. This could be beneficial for individuals with PTSD, who often suffer from mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
3. Mindfulness and Presence: The practice encourages mindfulness and living in the present moment, which can help distract individuals from traumatic memories and intrusive thoughts that contribute to PTSD.
4. Improved Sleep: Forest bathing can contribute to better sleep, which is often a challenge for individuals with PTSD. Better sleep can lead to improvements in mental and physical health.
5. Boosts Immune System: Exposure to forests enhances the activity of natural killer cells, a component of the immune system that helps combat disease. This is partly due to inhaling phytoncides, organic compounds with antibacterial properties released by trees.
6. Therapeutic Setting: A forest can provide a calming and safe environment for therapeutic activities, such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy or exposure therapy.
7. Nature Connection: Some research suggests that developing a connection with nature can aid in trauma recovery, as it can promote feelings of peace, resilience, and overall mental wellbeing.

Remember, while forest bathing may provide potential benefits, it should not replace traditional treatment methods for PTSD and trauma, such as psychotherapy and medication. If you or someone else has PTSD or has experienced a traumatic event, it's crucial to seek help from a mental health professional.