Forest & Nature Therapy walks with Kelly Hutchison,  ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide.
Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
(Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Courtenay-Comox)
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All images are copyright protected by Dave Hutchison Photography.  For image use requests please contact Dave through his website.
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Healing Benefits of Forest Therapy

Forest therapy—also known as forest bathing—is a guided, sensory experience in nature inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, which means “bathing in the atmosphere of the forest.” It’s not about hiking or exercise. It’s about slowing down, tuning in, and allowing time spent in nature to support your well-being.

Ancient Wisdom, Modern Healing
While the modern practice of forest bathing is relatively recent, the Japanese have long revered the healing presence of forests, deeply rooted in the spiritual traditions of Shinto. In this tradition, trees are often seen as sacred and are marked with a Shimenawa—a ceremonial rope that signifies the presence of Kami, or spirit. These sacred trees are honoured as living vessels of divine energy and connection. 
Mount Kurama, near Kyoto, Japan. April 2014
In the 1980s, the Japanese government witnessed a rise in stress-related illnesses and chronic diseases linked to modern, indoor lifestyles. Through dedicated research, they discovered spending mindful time in the forest—slowing down, breathing deeply, and simply being present—had measurable effects on physical and mental health. In Japan, forest bathing walks often include blood pressure and cortisol measurements before and after a walk, to assess the healing effects. Spending quiet, intentional time in the forest was shown to:

  • Lower stress hormones (like cortisol)
  • Improve mood and focus
  • Strengthen the immune system
  • Reduce blood pressure and heart rate​

So powerful were these findings that Japan created a national health program around forest bathing. Certain forested areas were even designated for this purpose, combining personal healing with nature conservation. 

Even just two hours a week of forest therapy has lasting health benefits.

Why It Works
Trees release aromatic compounds called phytoncides—natural plant oils that protect them from disease and pests. When we breathe these natural compounds, they support our immune systems. The effects are best in warm weather, but are present year-round. These healing oils are strongest in evergreen trees—cedar, pine and fir—and spending time in nature breathing in these oils is linked to:

  • Lower stress
  • Better sleep
  • Increased natural killer cells (which fight illness)
  • A calmer mind
  • Increased creativity

A Return to Connection
Forest therapy is not new—it’s a return to how we once lived: more connected, more present, and more in tune with nature. ​
dendrophile ~someone who loves trees and forests
“We don’t experience natural environments enough to realize how restored they can make us feel, nor are we aware that studies also show they make us healthier, more creative, more empathetic and more apt to engage with the world and with each other.
​Nature, it turns out, is good for civilization.”
— Florence Williams, The Nature Fix