The art of forest bathing in Whirinaki, Te Urewera and New Zealand's best tree retreats
22 Feb, 2021 10:31 PM
8 minutes to read
Forest bathing with Whirinaki Forest Footsteps, Te Urewera. Photo / Supplied
NZ Herald
By: Jessica Cameron
Mention the phrase "forest bathing" to anyone and you'll invariably hear someone enthuse about their favourite spa or bath hidden in the bush. However, while I'm all for soaking it in, that's not, by definition, forest bathing.
Confused yet? Let me explain.
"Forest bathing" is the act of replenishing one's mental health by going for a nature walk. We can thank the Japanese for the term, which was coined it in the early '80s as an antidote to fast-paced urban lifestyles. Since then, a growing body of research has demonstrated the profound positive effects of shinrin-yoku on our mental and physical health.