We have taken the Japanese practice of ‘forest bathing’ to another level. Our beautiful vines grow so vigorously and have such resilience – even when the earth isn’t delivering the goodness they need, they survive .. not just that, they seem to flourish no matter what. Couldn’t we all take a leaf (excuse the. pun) out of their book!
We don’t have any dates, yet, but plan to introduce this during the growing season. Not for the faint-hearted, because it will go ahead, no matter the weather. We wrap up, and each choose our own row, prep our area and then lie down to participate in a guided meditation to absorb the benefits of the fresh air, nature and the natural elements around us.
Shinrin-yoku (森林浴) is the word for “tree bathing,” or the practice of immersing oneself in a forest atmosphere for health, combining shinrin (forest) and yoku (bath or bathing) to mean “forest bathing” for relaxation and wellness, a concept developed in Japan in the 1980s. It was introduced by the Japanese government as a national health program after studies showed benefits like boosted immunity from tree chemicals called phytoncides which are natural, antimicrobial volatile organic compounds emitted by trees and plants, often associated with the health benefits of “forest bathing”.
Enjoying a session in the vines might provide the deep relaxation you need and possibly help to:
- Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Studies consistently show that forest bathing significantly lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol, reduces anxiety, tension, and anger. It also decreases sympathetic nerve activity (responsible for “fight or flight” responses) and increases parasympathetic nerve activity (responsible for “rest and recover”), promoting a state of calm and relaxation.
- Lower Blood Pressure and Heart Rate: The practice is associated with significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, particularly in individuals with pre-hypertension or hypertension. It also helps in lowering heart rate.
- Enhance Immune Function: Exposure to forest air containing phytoncides has been shown to increase the number and activity of human Natural Killer (NK) cells, which are a type of white blood cell that fights off tumors and virus-infected cells. This effect has been shown to last for up to 30 days after a forest bathing trip.
- Improve Mood and Mental Well-being: Participants in numerous studies report enhanced feelings of vigour, increased happiness, improved quality of life, and reduced symptoms of depression and confusion.
- Better Sleep Quality: Research suggests that forest bathing can improve sleep quality, including increased total sleep time and feeling more refreshed upon waking.
- Enhance Cognitive Function: Some studies indicate improvements in concentration, memory, and creativity after spending time immersed in a natural environment.
If you are interested in joining us for vine bathing and would like to receive notice when we have set the dates, please email us hello@newlodgevineyard.co.uk
