What is Forest Bathing and Forest Therapy?
Forest Bathing and Forest Therapy are based on the Japanese practice of “Shinrin Yoku”, the best translation of which is “bathing in the atmosphere of the forest”, which was shortened to Forest Bathing. The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT) (https://www.natureandforesttherapy.org) with its motto “the forest is the therapist, the guide opens the door”, is emphasizing the therapeutic effects of forest bathing and defines Forest Therapy as a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments.
I think the easiest description of forest bathing is “Mindfulness in the Forest”, which also addresses the idea that the forest is therapeutic, as it leans on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), an evidence-based program used in numerous hospitals.
About me, Ingolf, the “Grünschrat”
Born in Germany, I came to the US in 1986 and have been on the faculty of the University of Missouri for over 20 years. After a life-changing experience in the forest in 2018, I decided to train with the “Association of Forest Therapy Guides and Programs” (ANFT) to become a forest therapy guide in 2019. In addition, I became certified as a Forest Bathing Guide by the “German Academy for Forest Bathing and Wellness” (Deutsche Akademie für Waldbaden & Gesundheit), in summer of 2019, as well. I founded “Gruen Forest Bathing, LLC” and started guiding forest therapy walks around Columbia, MO at the end of 2019, and I am planning on starting to guide walks in summer 2021 in Germany, too.
Upcoming Walks
Ready to take the next step? Check out our upcoming walks!