Healing Power of Trees
Discover the mindful art of forest bathing - the ancient Celtic practice of ‘tig allais’
While the practice of forest bathing might not be anything new, following a year of lockdowns the appeal of getting back to nature has never been greater. These sensory forest experiences can be found across Ireland and are the perfect way to slow down and take some digital time out. In essence, cultures around the world embrace the practice of forest bathing - short, mindful and leisurely walks through a forest setting.
It rose to popularity in the 1980s thanks to the Japanese who call it ‘shinrin-yoku’ - closer to home the ancient Celts called it ‘tig allais’. Studies have shown it has a range of health benefits so if you’re looking to unwind and feel refreshed there’s a number of certified and trained guides nationwide to explore. So the next time you head for woodland trails, why not switch off those devices, slow down or stop, take a deep breath and take in your surroundings to the full.
A fallen tree near the fernery, sunlight coming through the branches and flowing water in the background awaits at Birr Castle Demesne in Co. Offaly. The Red Tree Trail has also been introduced for 2021, covering 5km and features 65 different trees. The trail and forest bathing are included as part of the general admission ticket. Forest bathing walks and forest therapy retreats are available among the magnificent oaks of Glengarriff Nature Reserve in West Cork.
Lisa Curran is the creator of Glengarriff Forest Therapy and will take you on a magical wander, helping you to experience the forest as never before. A Shamanic practitioner with a background in yoga, she hosts monthly forest bathing walks and is the reserve’s resident forest therapist. Meanwhile, West Cork Forest
Bathing offers the chance to immerse yourself in the Wild Atlantic Way’s natural habitats. Experiences vary from two to six hours in the forest and include afternoon tea, a forest school or mindfulness workshops.
Allshire-Howe’s family farm in Rosscarbery allows you to explore
Ireland’s native tree species along with a sandwich made or the best West Cork produce. Further inland in Borris, Co. Carlow, Blackstairs Eco Trails bring the story of the ancient Celts and their reverence for Ireland’s native trees to life. The Celtic Tree Trail starts with a specially commissioned 16-minute film showcasing who the Celts were and why they loved their trees. You’ll also visit an Ogham Stone set within five acres of oak. Mystery and folklore combine to reconnect you with the power of nature and recharge the body and mind.
What is forest bathing?
Forest bathing, or ‘shinrin-yoku’, is a way of walking in the woods, developed in Japan in the 1980s. Involving all the senses, it is the practice of walking slowly and at leisure through the woods. As you walk gently and breathe deeply, the trees’ essential oils are absorbed by the body, affecting positive feelings, stress hormone levels, parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous activity, blood pressure, heart rate and brain activity. Forest bathing brings together ancient ways and wisdom with cutting edge environmental health science.