Dr. Sean Graham explains the meaning and benefits of Forest Therapy
When you hear the term Forest Therapy or Forest Bathing, it may conjure an image of hugging a tree or simply wanting to know more about it.
To learn more about what is Forest Therapy and its potential health benefits, I asked Dr. Sean Graham, who is a practicing chiropractor and co-director of Satori Integrative Health Centre for his thoughts on the subject which has intrigued him for a while. Dr. Graham is a former standout receiver with the BC Lions in the CFL and won a Grey Cup Championship in 2000. Read on for our Q & A and discover what Forest Therapy is all about...
What is Forest Therapy?
Forest therapy or forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku in Japanese, originated in Japan in the early 1980s. At that time the government wanted to find ways to address a number of health issues that were brought on by the increased use of technology and the high stress work environment in Japan that was leading to increased rates of anxiety and depression, autoimmune disorders and cancer. The government started to fund research on how spending time in nature could improve health outcomes and the mechanisms behind it. Forest therapy is not about vigorous physical activity but rather about being present in nature and engaging the senses. People are encouraged to slowly and mindfully walk through the forest and nature, observing it with all five senses. The goal is to connect with nature, reduce stress, and experience a sense of calm and relaxation.
Why is there a need for this type of mental health therapy and what are the
benefits?
Dr. Qing Li is a researcher from Japan who has spearheaded much of the research in the field. He showed that the trees in forests emit a chemical called phytocides which have natural antifungal and antii-bacterial characteristics. The trees emit substances called terpenes, which have an immune boosting property that help increase natural killer(nk) cells in humans. Other benefits include exposure to negative ions that are emitted by bodies of moving water, especially natural features such as waterfalls and creeks. These negative ions help to remove allergens from the air, regulate sleep, mood and possibly even increase levels of serotonin in the body.
Tell us about the program offered?
Our programs are based around the curriculum that was developed by Forest Therapy Hub, which is a world leader in evidence based forest therapy. At Satori Health, we will be offering two to threehour guided forest therapy sessions which consist of an introduction into forest therapy, a number of exercises or invitations that include mindfully engaging with the surrounding through sight, smell, sound, touch and even sometimes taste. Some exercises will include expressive natural art and direct engagement with nature. Exercises are performed individually with the group meeting up at the end of each exercise to share their experience. One of the exercises is called a txocho or sitsspot. A sit spot (much like it sounds), consists of wandering around and finding a comfortable spot to sit. From that spot, participants areencouraged not to focus on one thing, just to let the elements of nature guide them and to notice what unfolds in front of them. Most forest therapy sessions usually conclude with a small group tea ceremony.
Is there a particular age group that
it will help more?
Since most forest therapy walks are only one or two kilometers in length and on fairly level and even surfaces, people of any age group can participate. Many of the exercises are performed either sitting or laying down so participants do not have to stand for too long.
Can you do it on your own?
As with most other types of exercise or practices, people are encouraged to attend a few guided forest therapy sessions before venturing out on their own. Much like working out in the gym, it is good to have a personal trainer to ensure you are using proper technique and to occasionally have periodic guided sessions. Contrary to the name, you don’t need to visit a forest to benefit from the healing aspects of nature. Any park, garden or walk along a beach will do as long as you are connecting to nature in a mindful way. Locally, at the University of British Columbia, there is the Multidisciplinary Institute of Natural Therapy,
https://mint.forestry.ubc.ca/ which is part of the Faculty of Forestry. Their mission is to promote forest therapy and bridge the scientific gap between forest therapy activities and physiological and psychological impacts on humans. Most recently, a nationwide program, started by local Vancouverite, Dr. Melissa Lam, called Parx, was started a few years ago to encourage regulated health professionals to start prescribing forest bathing and getting out in nature for 2 hours per week for a minimum of 20 minutes per session. More information can be found at their website, www.parkprescriptions.ca