Shinrin yoku - (forest bathing) & Mandala Art
Workshops for Mental Health Practitioners
 

 

 

What are phytoncides?

Understanding Phytoncides

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The Forest is the Healing centre

Forests are living, breathing reservoirs of phytoncides, saturating the air with their healing essence. When we step into these green sanctuaries, we don’t just inhale fresh oxygen—we take in a symphony of plant-derived compounds, each with the potential to restore and rejuvenate. This is the essence of forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, a practice deeply rooted in Japanese tradition that encourages mindful immersion in the natural world.

Phytoncides and Stress Reduction

In the relentless rhythm of modern life, stress becomes an unwelcome companion. But the forest offers an antidote. Research has shown that breathing in phytoncide-rich air lowers cortisol levels, the stress hormone responsible for tension and anxiety. As we wander through towering pines and ancient oaks, the nervous system shifts into a state of calm, replacing the static of daily stress with the quiet hum of nature’s tranquillity.

Boosting the Immune System

The immune-enhancing properties of phytoncides are nothing short of astonishing. Studies indicate that exposure to these compounds increases the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, a vital component of our immune system responsible for fighting infections and even detecting early-stage cancer. Forest bathing is more than just a mindful retreat—it’s an immune-strengthening ritual gifted to us by the trees themselves.

 

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