Question 1

What is forest bathing?

Accepted Answer

Forest bathing, also known as forest therapy, is based on the practice of Shinrin-yoku, which developed in Japan during the 1980s as a way to improve people’s health. It is a slow, quiet, sensory experience led by a certified guide that is primarily conducted in forests or other settings in nature.

You will be invited to use senses such as sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch as well as your imagination and intuition to explore the natural world and reflect on what is in your heart. Think of it as a mindful nature walk.

Though the group will be together, each person will have their own forest bathing journey. But keep in mind – there isn’t any agenda or expected outcome. This is a time to relax.

Read the Naples Press article by a reporter who came forest bathing with us.

Question 2

Is it a hike or exercise?

Accepted Answer

No. Forest bathing is a slow meandering that can involve overall walking a short distance (less than half a mile) with potentially several seated stops along the way. It can also be done by starting and returning to the same seating area throughout the experience. Forest bathing can also be conducted indoors or by staying in one spot, making it accessible to all.

Question 3

How long is a forest bathing experience?

Accepted Answer

Full forest bathing experiences are about 2 hours (depending on the group size) because that timeframe allows for full relaxation, discovery and health benefits. We offer an "Introduction to Forest Bathing" experience that is 1 hour and includes most but not all of the same elements.

Question 4

How many people are in each forest bathing program?

Accepted Answer

We prefer a maximum of 15 people, so everyone has an opportunity to share throughout the program, but we can offer forest bathing for up to 50 people. Please use the Contact Us form to discuss scheduling forest bathing as a team building exercise for your business or organization.

Question 5

Can kids and families participate in forest bathing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer family-oriented forest bathing programs as well as school-based programs. Children have great imaginations and love to explore and share.

Question 6

What are the health benefits?

Accepted Answer

Decades of research have shown that forest bathing can reduce stress and depression and improve immune function as well as cardiovascular and respiratory health.

Here are three articles with more information.

Getting back to nature: how forest bathing can make us feel better

The Healing Power of Nature: The Rise of “Forest-Bathing”

Take a Walk in the Woods. Doctor’s Orders.

Question 7

How long do the benefits last?

Accepted Answer

The benefits can last up to 30 days.

Question 8

It is always done outdoors?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, yes. But we can also provide a sensory and beneficial forest bathing experience indoors.

Question 9

Do you offer remotely-guided forest bathing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we guide via Zoom while you are in your favorite nature place or even indoors.

Question 10

Where do you offer walks?

Accepted Answer

We are preparing our 2023-2024 schedule to include venues primarily in Collier and Lee counties in Florida but will travel to Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, Sarasota, Broward and Miami-Dade counties for venues or groups interested in forest bathing. Use the Contact Us form to get in touch about these locations.

Question 11

Do you offer private forest bathing walks?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can schedule a private walk for a group of 4 or more. Use the Contact Us form to inquire.

Question 12

Can I go forest bathing by myself?

Accepted Answer

Simply being in nature can be beneficial, and we encourage that. However, we recommend joining a group led by a certified forest bathing guide who follows a standard sequence of events that are proven to offer the best opportunity for a positive impact on physical and mental health.

Question 13

What kind of training does the guide have?

Accepted Answer

Our guide is certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy
(https://www.natureandforesttherapy.earth/), having completed a six-month program that met weekly and included more than 200 hours of instruction and coursework. The guide is also certified in CPR, Wilderness First Aid, and Youth Mental Health First Aid. The guide is not a therapist. The ANFT says, “The Forest is the Therapist. The Guide Opens the Door.”

FAQ

Frequently asked questions