Forest Therapy, History, and Health Benefits

Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku in Japanese, literally means “bathing in the forest atmosphere” or “taking in the forest atmosphere through our senses.”

It’s not hiking or exercise—it’s a slower, mindful way to spend time in nature. The idea is to engage all five senses—sight, sound, smell, touch, and even taste—so that we can fully immerse ourselves in the natural environment.

By slowing down, noticing the world around us, and connecting with the forest, we activate the body’s relaxation response, calm the mind, and foster a deep sense of presence. Even if you’re in an urban park, this practice can be beneficial, though immersion in a forest tends to be more powerful.

It began in Japan in the 1980s during the tech boom as a public health initiative in response to high rates of work-related stress and suicide, increasing urbanization and fatigue/burn out. The term Shinrin-yoku was coined in 1982 by Tomohide Akiyama, director of the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

With two-thirds of Japan being forested, they actually have registered forest therapy bases, such as Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest (birthplace of forest bathing) that are used for forest‑bathing research and wellness programs. Some check your vitals before and after time in the forest.

Studies showed that compounds like phytoncides (essential oils from trees) had measurable health benefits, and Akiyama promoted forest bathing as a recognized practice with guidelines for public use.

It was also designed to inspire people to value and protect the forests by fostering a deep, therapeutic bond with the natural world, for we won’t protect that which we do not love. Today, forest bathing has spread globally and is widely recognized as forest therapy.

A Forest Therapy Guide helps participants engage with nature mindfully and intentionally. Part of this is choosing the trail to ensure safety, comfort, and ease of access. Guides create a supportive space, lead sensory and mindfulness practices, and encourage connection with the forest. They support healing, personal insight, and energy restoration, offer guidance about the forest and its benefits, and ensure ethical practices are followed. In short, they amplify the natural healing effects of spending time in nature