Shinrin = Forest
Yoku = Bathing

Shinrin-Yoku or forest bathing is the practice of spending time in the forest for better health, happiness and a sense of calm. A pillar of Japanese culture for decades, Shinrin-Yoku is a way to reconnect with nature, from walking mindfully in the woods, to a break in your local park, to walking barefoot on your lawn.

Forest Medicine expert, Dr Qing Li's research has proven that spending time around trees (even filling your home with house plants and vaporising essential tree oils) can reduce blood pressure, lower stress, boost energy, boost immune system and even help you to lose weight. Along with his years of ground-breaking research, anecdotes on the life-changing power of trees, Dr Li provides here the practical ways for you to try Shinrin-Yoku for yourself.

"Shinrin = Forest Yoku = Bathing. Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing is the practice of spending time in the forest for better health, happiness and a sense of calm. A pillar of Japanese culture for decades, Shinrin-yoku is a way to reconnect with nature, it can include anything from walking mindfully in the woods, to take a break in your local park, from drinking bark tea, to walking barefoot on your lawn. In a time when more than 75 per cent of the world's population live in urban areas, disconnected from the natural world, Shinrin-yoku is like a bridge that bridges gap between ourselves and natureThis book brings together years of cutting edge research from the world expert on Forest Medicine, Dr Qing Li, with practical tips and anecdotes of the life-changing power of Shinrin-yoku. Dr Li's research has proven that spending time around trees (even filling your home with house plants and burning essential tree oils) can reduce blood pressure, lower stress, lower blood sugar levels, boost energy, improve concentration, boost immune system and even help you to lose weight"--Publisher's description.

Contents: Some forest therapy bases in Japan -- Introduction: our relationship to forests -- From a feeling to a science -- How to practise Shinrin-Yoku -- Bringing the forest indoors -- Thinking about the future -- Appendices: 40 beautiful forests across the world -- The POMS Test -- Studies referred to in this book -- Further reading -- Picture permissions -- Acknowledgements.