Forest Bathing: A Proven Practice to Promote Wellbeing
It is both art and science. Rooted in the wisdom of an ancient tradition, and enriched with modern mindfulness and neuroscience techniques. A growing body of peer-reviewed research demonstrates the profound health benefits of this practice.
Here is what the science reveals:
Reduces Stress and Symptoms of Burnout
56% Cortisol Reduction Confirmed Across Multiple Studies
Researchers analyzed nearly 1,000 studies on forest bathing and found: in 20 out of 22 rigorous studies, people who spent time in forest bathing showed significantly lower levels of cortisol—the body's primary stress hormone—compared to those in urban environments. This gold-standard review provides consistent evidence that forest bathing delivers measurable stress relief across different populations and cultures.
View StudyForest Therapy Reduces Work-Related Stress in Manufacturing Employees
Manufacturing workers—one of the most stress-prone professions—experienced remarkable benefits from forest therapy sessions. Compared to a control group, workers who participated in forest bathing showed improved heart rate patterns, reduced work-related stress symptoms, and enhanced overall quality of life. This study proves that forest bathing works as an effective workplace wellness intervention with measurable benefits.
View StudyImproved Mental Health & Mood
2-Hour Forest Program Reduces Blood Pressure and All Negative Emotions
In a comprehensive study of adults aged 45-86, researchers documented remarkable changes after just 2 hours in the forest. Participants experienced lower pulse rates and blood pressure, along with significant reductions in tension, anger, fatigue, depression, and confusion. Meanwhile, their sense of vigor increased and anxiety decreased. Notably, this included people with chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, proving forest bathing is both safe and beneficial for vulnerable populations.
View StudyForest Bathing Helps to Rebalance Autonomic Nervous System
Forest bathing increases parasympathetic nervous system activity which results in decreased blood pressure and heart rate, a reduction in feelings of anxiety, and fosters a state of calm and balance.
View StudyEnhances Creative Problem Solving & Focus
27.74% Creativity Improvement from 3-Day Forest Therapy
After a three-day forest therapy workshop, participants showed improvement in creative problem-solving abilities using standardized testing. The research also documented how reduced mental confusion and enhanced clarity directly contributed to innovative thinking—critical skills for workplace success and personal growth.
View StudyBoosts Immune System Function
Single Day Forest Trip Boosts Immune Function for 7+ Days
One day in the forest—4 hours of walking—significantly increased participants' natural killer cell activity and anti-cancer proteins. These immune system benefits lasted at least 7 days, while stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline decreased. This research shows how forest bathing creates lasting health benefits that extend beyond the experience.
View StudyImproves Sleep and Reduces Symptoms of Insomnia
50% Reduction in Insomnia Symptoms
In a large-scale study of over 2,000 adults, researchers found that women who took forest walks once monthly or more experienced 50% fewer insomnia symptoms compared to those who rarely walked in forests. Regular forest immersion creates lasting sleep improvements that enhance workplace performance and stress resilience.
View StudyForest Bathing Increases Serotonin and Improves Sleep Quality in Middle-Aged Males
When comparing forest walks to urban walks, researchers discovered that forest bathing significantly increased serotonin levels—your brain's natural mood stabilizer—and improved multiple measures of sleep quality, including morning alertness and recovery from fatigue. Participants also reported increased energy and decreased fatigue, suggesting forest bathing may help prevent depression in middle-aged adults.
View StudyImagine the mad rush of modernity slows down for a moment, as you walk, guided amongst ancient, towering giants.
The buzz of interconnected life all around you—everything alive!
Feel your breath deepen, your body relax, as your senses re-attune to a rhythm that is your own.
The Practice & Its Tradition
My approach to this practice is based in the lineage of Shinrin-Yoku of Japan. In a country that is two thirds forest, this practice was established as an important counter movement to urbanization, and a way to create lasting, nourishing relationships between nature and people.
While it is scientifically proven in its health benefits, the intuitive side of it is best understood through a poetic attunement. The hidden sounds of water flowing, bird song echoing above in the canopy and the trees slowly swaying in the ocean breeze. The soft fern unfolds beneath the giant redwood where the understory is a wonder of life in motion. The scent of the forest floor with warming flowers and morning mist awakens the mind. Slow down and be present for it all - this is forest bathing.
Sacred Ground in Santa Cruz
For thousands of years the Ohlone Peoples walked within the old growth redwood forests of the Monterey Bay. To practice forest bathing is to respectfully honor the older ways of being and knowing.
Old growth forests in this area are composed of large Coast Redwood and Douglas-fir that are hundreds of years old. However, about 96% of the original old-growth forests were lost to extensive logging between the late 1800's and early 1900's. What we explore now is a mix of second-growth and old-growth forest, and a living example of the resilience of this bioregion.