Discover the healing power of the forest: forest bathing and grounding
In today’s fast-paced world, where we are constantly overwhelmed by daily responsibilities and stressful situations, more and more people are searching for ways to regain balance and harmony in life. One of the most effective methods for relaxation and rejuvenating mental and physical health is forest bathing and the practice of grounding, which offer a direct connection to nature and its healing properties.
Forest bathing, known as Shinrin-yoku in Japanese, involves immersing oneself in the natural environment of the forest to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance well-being. Grounding, or „earthing,” is the practice of walking barefoot on natural surfaces, such as grass or soil, to reconnect with the earth’s natural energy. These two practices work synergistically to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and support overall health.
What are forest bathing sessions?
Forest bathing, known as shinrin-yoku in Japanese, is a practice that involves contemplative and mindful time spent in the forest, immersing oneself in its atmosphere and benefiting from the gifts it offers. While the name might suggest a water bath, in reality, it refers to a bath in the forest’s atmosphere – inhaling the scents of trees, observing the surrounding nature, and experiencing the sensory impressions it evokes.
Scientific studies, primarily conducted in Japan, confirm the numerous benefits of practicing forest bathing. Regular walks in the forest lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), improve mood, boost immune function, and reduce the risk of heart disease and depression. Additionally, contact with nature allows us to disconnect from daily worries and immerse ourselves in the present moment, leading to deep relaxation and stress relief.
What is grounding?
Grounding (also known as earthing) is the practice of direct physical contact with the earth’s surface, which allows the transfer of Earth’s energy in the form of electrons into the body. In today’s society, where most of our time is spent indoors, separated from nature and isolated from the ground by shoes and synthetic flooring, grounding has become especially important for maintaining the body’s energetic balance. Negative electric charges present in the earth (naturally delivered through atmospheric discharges like lightning and solar radiation) penetrate our bodies through barefoot contact with the earth, absorbing free electrons. This process neutralizes free radicals in our bodies, which carry a positive charge.
Walking barefoot along forest paths, touching trees, lying on meadows, camping, and walking barefoot on the beach – all of these activities help us ground ourselves and reduce stress.
Scientific studies confirm that grounding can offer numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving sleep, relieving pain, regulating heart rhythm, and lowering stress and tension. Contact with the earth allows for the balancing of the body’s electrical potential with that of the earth, leading to the harmonization of biological processes and an overall improvement in well-being.
The perfect combination: forest bathing and grounding
Combining forest bathing and grounding practices is an excellent recipe for regaining balance and harmony in life. Spending time together in the forest, breathing fresh air, connecting with the earth, and feeling the closeness of nature allows us to fully immerse in the gifts that nature has to offer.
During forest bathing, we can focus on observing the surrounding nature, listening to the rustling trees and bird songs, and benefiting from the healing properties of phytoncides (which are most abundant in coniferous trees) that the trees release. At the same time, practicing grounding allows us to feel the earth’s energy permeating our bodies, bringing relief and rejuvenation.
Therefore, it is beneficial to regularly practice forest bathing and grounding in order to fully experience the health benefits of connecting with nature and the earth. By maintaining harmony between the body and spirit, as well as the energetic balance of the body, we can achieve greater vitality, peace, and satisfaction with life.
I try to walk barefoot whenever I can. You can check out some of my grounding rolls here:
On the grass, which massages wonderfully: https://www.instagram.com/p/C64HSzrsiIN/
On pebbles, which are like acupuncture: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7BOP-3s9qI/
On the sand at the beach, which gives a great exfoliation: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8aIKyEMm6v/
Happy barefoot walking.
Diana
Sources of the book:
„Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness” – Qing Li
„Walking in the Woods” – Yoshifumi Miyazaki
„Lasoterapia” – Katarzyna Simonienko