The vision of An Darach Forest Therapy is to inspire people to improve the health and wellbeing of themselves, of others and of the planet, using nature and nature-connection activities to achieve this.
During the Covid Lockdown I trained as a ‘Forest Bathing Guide’ to develop effective ways to inspire and help people to use their one hour outside a day to improve and support their mental and emotional health and wellbeing. Since then, I have undertaken further training to become a Forest Therapy Practitioner.
‘Forest Bathing’ or ‘Forest Therapy’ is an increasingly popular nature-connection practice that has its roots in Japan in the 1980s, where it is referred to as ‘Shinrin-yoku’. It is the practice of walking slowly and leisurely through the woods or forest, inhaling the forest air, immersing yourself in the natural environment and mindfully using all your senses, opening them to the forest atmosphere and fostering an emotional connection to the landscape and environment.
Forest Therapy has been developed into an evidence-based approach to improving health and wellbeing through the curative effects of forests and other ‘green spaces’, that is define as ‘a health promoting, salutogenic, nature connection practice that aims to enhance wellbeing, relieve stress, and encourage relaxation’. Salutogenic approaches to health focus on factors that support good health and wellbeing, and are therefore seen as primarily preventative forms of healthcare.
“Forest Bathing is a nature-based wellbeing practice that enhances our natural ability to adapt to change in our lives, more positively and healthily, supporting a better quality of life.”
I offer in-person and online Forest Bathing and Nature Connection activities and have a range of self-published books, booklets and guides to enable you to experience the benefits through self-guided Nature Connection and Forest Bathing walks. Find out more at https://silvotherapy.co.uk where you can browse our online store and sign up for our weekly newsletter containing nature connection articles and activities.
