Forest Bathing and Forest Therapy both involve spending time in nature to feel better, but they’re not quite the same thing. Here’s my quick note of the differences;
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)
- Started in Japan in the 1980s.
- It’s all about slowing down and soaking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest.
- The goal? Reduce stress and boost well-being through mindful time in nature.
- Often guided by trained facilitators who help people tune into their senses and truly experience the forest.
Forest Therapy
- A more structured, therapeutic approach.
- Uses nature-based techniques to support mental, physical, and social health.
- Pulls from multiple disciplines, including ecology, psychology, and healthcare.
- Led by trained practitioners who may work alongside healthcare professionals to support people dealing with specific challenges.
The bottom line? Forest Bathing is a general wellness practice, while Forest Therapy is more targeted and can be used as part of a healthcare plan. Either way, more time in the woods is rarely a bad idea.
If you’re curious to dive deeper into this kind of connected well-being and how it truly applies to your time in nature, I’ve written a book all about forest bathing. You can find it on Amazon as a paperback or hardback or purchase as a PDF from our online shop.
