Forest bathing, or Shinrin Yoku, is an experience of full immersion in the forest. One is not just walking through a forest but is experiencing it with all your senses. You are diving into the forest and are one with it.  At a Forest Bathing walk you will typically be guided through invitations that open your senses to your surrounding nature and open you to the healing properties and magic of the forest. 
Shinrin Yoku, meaning 'Forest shower' or 'Forest bath', first came on the scene in Japan in the 1980s. The term was coined by Tomohide Akiyama, at the time Director of the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Japanese researchers Dr Miyazaki Yoshifumi and Dr Qing Li first started research on Shinrin Yoku in the 1990s. Since then a fast amount of research, mainly in Japan, around the benefits of Forest Bathing has happened showing that immersing ourselves in the woods can have immense benefits to our physical and mental health.

​It has been shown that Forest Bathing
  • increases the activity in the parasympathetic nervous system and therefore has a relaxing effect
  • reduce anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue and confusion. 
  • reduces blood pressure
  • increases Natural Killer cells which are important for the immune system and increase anti-cancer protein​​
Frequently asked Questions​
Do I have to swim?
No, Forest Bathing does not involve any actual swimming. The bathing is referring to the full immersion into the Forest. 
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately I wouldn't allow a dog on a Forest Bathing walk because you dog would be distracting you. The Forest Bathing is for you and your mindful engagement with the forest. 
Isn't it just a walk?
At a Forest Bathing walk you will typically be guided through invitations that open your senses to your surrounding nature and open you to the healing properties and magic of the forest. It is therefore quite a lot more then a walk. 
Offerings
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Group Walks
I offer Group Walks around the year. I especially love Forest Bathing during Festivals of the Celtic year. At the moment I am still exploring different commons in the region of West London. I will hopefully be able to offer regular walks very soon.  
1-2-1 Walks
I love Forest Bathing with one person only. This helps us to connect deeply to nature with invitations that suit you the best. It is great to be guided in invited to connect to nature in a unique way to you. A series of 6 walks is ideal.