Forest Therapy or Forest Bath originated from Japan. Also known as Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese government introduced this practice to the country in 1982 in order to curb the high suicide rate due to work-related stress. Since then, there has been significant amount of research studies done globally to prove spending time in nature reduces stress, promotes better sleep; improves mental health (reduces depression/anxiety), improves pro-social behaviour, reduces obesity, lowers blood pressure, regulates heart rate, and many more great things to make us feel complete and happier. It is not difficult to know why as human and nature have been inseparable since evolution. Therefore reconnecting with her gives our body a sense of home-coming.

In 2018, after reading Dr Ching Li’s book “Forest Bathing -The Japanese Art and Science of Shinrin-yoku”, I decided to embark on my self-discovery journey to Akasawa Forest, the birthplace of Shinrin-yoku which is also considered one of the three most beautiful forests in Japan to find out for myself the mystical power of forest bathing. I wrote to Dr Ching Li who is based in Tokyo, hoping to meet up with him in Tokyo where I landed in before I leave for the forest. However, I did not hear from him.

The region of Kiso, Nagano where the Akasawa Forest is located is remote with very weak data network. It is also a region seldom visited by foreign visitors, language is a constant barrier. While I do not speak the language, I managed to meet my Japanese host who owns a 100 year-old Ryokan in Agematsu miraculously after some misadventure - I missed my train stop and my phone did not work in that region. Or was it the power of the forest that connected us?

As I was planning for this trip in Singapore, I had arranged for an English-speaking forest therapy guide to meet me at Akasawa Forest although due to last minute scheduling issues, I had to navigate the forest on my own. While many things did not go accordingly to plan, I certainly managed to experience the magic of the gorgeous Kiso Hinoki (Japanese cypress trees) of over 300 years old. The beautiful scent the trees emitting throughout the forest is so unique I can still smell it as I write.

This trip to Japan brought to life the experiencing of immersing myself in the birthplace of Shinrin-yoku, although the language barrier did not allow me to dive deeper into the practice so that I could equip myself with the skills of guiding urbanites to reap the full benefits of forest bathing.

Exactly one year later on The Plant Story’s 10 anniversary, I closed our retail operations so I could pack up my luggage to Devon, UK and Sonoma, California, USA respectively to be trained and eventually certified as a nature and forest therapy guide.

Today, with each Nature Bath Immersion, aka forest bath I lead, I am humbled and awed by how nature continues to engage me as a vessel to help urbanites open their hearts to receive its healing power. Whether it is a one-person immersion for self-care or a group of friends coming together to experience nature together, the authentic sharing from the participants always makes me feel appreciative of my own journey to become a certified guide.

The forest is the therapist, the guide opens the door.

Come experience for yourself the healing power of nature through our Nature Bath Immersion.