Forest bathing, a practice that began in Japan in the 1980s, is gaining popularity across California as a way to reduce stress and improve well-being by immersing oneself in nature. The term “shinrin-yoku,” which translates to “forest bathing,” was coined after Japanese researchers found that spending time outdoors could lower blood pressure, elevate mood, and decrease stress.
Unlike hiking or jogging, forest bathing does not require physical exertion or even water. Instead, it involves being present in natural surroundings and letting the environment’s sights and sounds have a calming effect.
“Forest bathing is a very simple practice,” said Ben Page, Director of Training at the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) based in Santa Rosa. “It has a dual purpose: Part of it is about healing yourself and part of it is about repairing the broken relationship between the human world and nature.”
Justin Legge, a certified forest therapy guide from Humboldt County’s Elk Meadow Cabins & Redwood Adventures, explained that shinrin-yoku can be more accurately described as “taking in the forest atmosphere.” He noted scientific evidence for its benefits: “The organic compounds, or phytoncides, that conifers produce as they transpire throughout the day, have a plethora of physiological benefits. If you are standing next to a tree and breathing, you are technically ‘forest bathing.’ Research shows humans are needing more time outside near trees.”
California offers many places suitable for forest bathing—from redwood groves on the North Coast to Joshua Tree National Park’s cactus gardens. Before starting out, Page recommends setting expectations focused on connecting with nature rather than seeking personal healing. “It’s really about reciprocity,” he said. “How can we have a reciprocal experience with nature—with all other things on this earth?”
People can try forest bathing alone by minimizing distractions such as phones or journals and focusing on their senses while sitting quietly outdoors. Guided experiences are also available; according to Page, having an instructor can help participants relax into the process: “The guide is not the therapist; the forest is the therapist.”
Susan Madden—meditation teacher, forest bathing guide, and founder of Mindful Café in Madera County—offers guided sessions ending with tea ceremonies aimed at promoting mindfulness. She noted growing acceptance of these practices: “It wasn’t too long ago that most people would have written that off as some pseudo-science bunk (and many still do), but mindfulness has come into the mainstream lately, in part because of the huge number of reputable, scientific studies finding a myriad of health benefits associated with mindfulness practices. A lot has been written about forest bathing, but it’s really something you have to experience.”
ANFT provides resources for those interested in guided experiences throughout California—from urban settings like Santa Barbara Botanic Garden to remote areas such as Eldorado National Forest.
Page highlighted several recommended locations for forest bathing:
– Redwood State and National Parks along California’s North Coast feature ancient trees over 350 feet tall.
– Point Lobos State Natural Reserve near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers forests alongside sea cliffs and wildlife.
– Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks boast large trees and caves amid Sierra Nevada landscapes.
– Angeles National Forest covers over 700,000 acres near Los Angeles; within city limits he suggests Los Angeles County Arboretum.
– Joshua Tree National Park provides desert scenery filled with unique flora.
Page emphasized bringing an open mind above all else when trying forest bathing: leave expectations behind for best results.
