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What is eco therapy ?

SHINRIN YOKO

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“And into the forest I go to loose my mind and find my soul” JOHN MUIR

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The term shinrin-yoku was coined In 1982 by Tomahide Akiyama, then secretary of Japans ministry of agriculture, forestry and fisheries. Shinrin- Yoku translates to forest bathing.

 

Forest bathing is a contemplative practice of intentionally spending time with trees and can also be experienced as a type of meditation.

 

Meditation can ease psychological problems such as anxiety,ptsd,treat addictions and also promote the  healing of many physical ailments

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The act of intentional, attentive time with trees can:

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  • Decreases fatigue and increases energy.

  • Has immune system boosting, antiviral and anti carcinogenic benefits.

  • Increase the ability to focus.

  • Speeds up recovery from surgery or illness.

  • Regulates the endocrine hormonal system.

  • Lowers blood glucose.

  • Enhances the ability to get a better night sleep.

  • Increases brainwave activity in young adults.

  • Positively affects elderly patients with chronic heart failure.

  • When we go for a walk in the woods we feel better because we are breathing cleaner air and this can reduce symptoms of asthma.

  • Exercising in a forest is more efficient because our bodies don't have to work as hard to take in oxygen, and also mildly cleanses our organs.

  • Trees emit vibrations which cure headaches quicker than taking an analgesic- so go and hug a tree next time you have a headache if not before!

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