Latest news with #Shinrin-yoku
Tom's Guide
13 hours ago
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Forget stretching — ‘forest bathing' might be the best back pain relief, study reveals
Dealing with back pain can be exhausting. It can mess with your sleep, distract you at work and even make you think twice about leaving the house. If you've already tried the usual advice like stretching, taking painkillers and using a hot water bottle without much relief, new research suggests it might be time to try something different. And it's surprisingly simple. Have you ever heard of forest bathing? It's a Japanese practice known as Shinrin-yoku that involves slowing down and spending quiet, mindful time in nature. Despite the name, it doesn't mean soaking in a stream or hugging trees. It's about switching off, breathing deeply and taking in your surroundings. If you're curious to see how your body responds, using one of the best smart rings could help you monitor changes in sleep, stress and recovery over time. While the study doesn't use the term "forest bathing," what the researchers found lines up with the idea. They discovered that spending time in nature helped people with chronic back pain feel better, both physically and mentally. Here's what the research revealed. The Oura Ring 4 can help you track how your sleep and recovery respond to lifestyle changes. It offers daily insights into rest, stress, and activity levels, making it easier to spot what's working for your body. This small study, carried out by researchers at the University of Plymouth and the University of Exeter, looked at how nature might support people living with long-term lower back pain. The team interviewed just 10 participants, all of whom had experienced chronic pain for between five and 38 years. Despite the limited sample size, the insights were hopeful. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Spending time in nature helped people feel less focused on their pain, more socially connected and less stressed overall. Many preferred walking outdoors to being in a gym, and said the fresh air, greenery and sounds of water offered a calming escape from daily discomfort. Some did note that uneven terrain or limited seating made certain places harder to enjoy, but overall, nature was a welcome outlet. You don't need a forest on your doorstep to feel the benefits of being outdoors. Whether you have access to a small park, a garden, or a nearby walking path, spending time in nature regularly, even for just 10 or 15 minutes daily, could help reduce stress and take your mind off physical discomfort. The study showed that spending time outdoors can support both physical pain and mental well-being. But comfort and accessibility are key, especially if you live with back pain. If uneven paths or long walks are difficult, try finding routes with flat, even ground and benches where you can rest. Accessible parks, botanical gardens, or smooth riverside paths can be great places to start. Even if you only have a small garden, balcony, or green space nearby, sitting outside and tuning in to natural sounds like birdsong or rustling trees can still help. If you are hoping to walk more often, a good pair of shoes can really help. We've tested and reviewed the best hiking shoes to help you find supportive options for gentle walks or bigger adventures.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Breathe, walk, heal: Forest bathing, Japan's lush prescription for modern-day burnout
Modern world is full of fast moving individuals who live in a metropolitan highly polluted city and hardly have any time for themselves. They don't know what mother nature does to them - Healing. As a pulmonologist, I have seen the impact of polluted air on the lungs and on top of it comes the effect of chronic sedentary and immobile lifestyle. Let me revive you with an age-old Japanese tradition that is quite powerful even today for our lungs and immunity and it is Shinrin-yoku , or forest bathing . It has been scientifically proven that this practice of nature therapy has physical as well as psychological health benefits. Forest bathing Forest bathing doesn't mean jumping into a river or hiking a mountain. It simply means spending intentional, mindful time in a forested area. You walk slowly, breathe deeply, and absorb the natural surroundings with all your senses, without distraction, gadgets, or goals. Originating in Japan in the 1980s, Shinrin-yoku was introduced as a public health intervention to counter rising stress and chronic disease. Since then, it has been extensively researched — and the results are remarkable. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Forest environments release phytoncides, organic compounds emitted by trees and plants. When inhaled, phytoncides have been shown to enhance natural killer (NK) cell activity, which plays a vital role in fighting infections and even cancer cells. For the respiratory system, forest air is noticeably cleaner, free from urban pollutants, allergens, and harmful particulate matter. This cleaner air supports better lung function, especially in patients with asthma, COPD, or post-viral lung fatigue. People often report easier breathing and less coughing after time spent in forests. In addition, the act of forest bathing naturally encourages slow, diaphragmatic breathing. This calms the nervous system, reduces cortisol levels, and helps expand lung capacity, particularly beneficial for those with restrictive lung conditions or anxiety-related breathlessness. This practice doesn't mean that you have to go and live in a forest. Any park, botanical garden or an area denoted to greenery can offer the same health advantages as a forest. All you have to do is denote 20-30 minutes twice or thrice a week and you will find yourself stress free with improved breathing and good overall health. As a pulmonologist, I believe forest bathing isn't just a feel-good ritual, rather it's preventive medicine. It's time we rediscovered this simple, side-effect-free way of healing. In nature, we not only find peace, we find breath. Dr. Harish Bhatia, Founder Director of Rebreathe Clinic, Senior Chest Specialist & Director & Head Dept. Of Respiratory Medicine with MGS Hospital One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
The Star
19-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Heart And Soul: The pleasure of walking for an elderly individual
Walking is a low-impact activity that enhances mobility, balance and overall strength. — Photos: ALICE SM LEE Do you have any real-life, heart-warming stories to share with readers? We'd love to hear from you. Please keep your story within 900 words. Photos are optional and should be in JPEG format (file size about 1MB, with caption and photo credit). There is no payment for stories, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. Email your story to: lifestyle@ with the subject "Heart and Soul". Elderly individuals are often encouraged to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, social engagement and regular exercise. Among the simplest and most accessible forms of exercise is walking. Walking is a low-impact activity that enhances mobility, balance and overall strength. My daily walk takes place in a quiet neighbourhood in Bukit Mewah, Kajang, along a hillside bordering a small forest. The forest is a peaceful haven for squirrels and monkeys. Once, a monkey swinging through the trees above scattered droplets of rainwater on me – a reminder that we share this earth with all creatures. While many prefer walking in pairs or groups, I find solitude enriching, offering me freedom from distraction, space for reflection and time to mentally plan the day. Uphill walking is particularly rewarding, engaging muscles such as the glutes, hamstrings and quadriceps. The steeper the incline, the greater the challenge, building strength and endurance. However, it demands caution – especially for older adults – due to added strain on joints. Proper warm-up and awareness of one's physical condition are essential. My routine includes a mix of slow and brisk walking, occasionally progressing to a light jog. This gentle pace improves aerobic capacity, but any new exercise should be approached with care – and ideally, professional advice. Walking in nature not only benefits physical health but also soothes the mind. The Japanese developed Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, in the 1980s as a relaxation practice centred around immersing oneself in nature. By consciously engaging the five senses – sight, sound, smell, taste and touch – while walking through natural surroundings, this method has become a recognised form of stress management. The Japanese developed Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, in the 1980s as a relaxation practice centred around immersing oneself in nature. — ALICE SM LEE A walking holiday is a wonderful way to explore a new country, offering the freedom to travel at one's own pace without rigid schedules. On foot, you can absorb the local culture, take in your surroundings, and truly experience the pulse of a place. In January 2025, I embarked on a walking holiday with my daughter through Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan), the Middle East (Qatar), and into Northeast Asia (China and Korea). We followed a simple itinerary, walking five to six hours most days, covering an average of 15km. The cities we visited were largely pedestrian-friendly, with well-maintained sidewalks and safe walking zones. However, rural areas occasionally posed challenges due to uneven ground and the absence of proper walkways. My first experience of walking in snow during our time in Central Asia proved physically demanding. Snow added resistance, requiring more effort from the legs, and layered clothing with insulated boots added extra weight. Yet the stunning beauty of snow-covered landscapes made the effort worthwhile. Whether you're seeking gentle exploration, forested hikes, or rugged treks, a walking holiday offers a blend of physical activity, relaxation and adventure. Each step becomes an act of discovery. No matter the season, walking remains a simple yet fulfilling way to travel. For me, there's joy and purpose in every stride.
Irish Independent
24-04-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Restival 2025 in Waterford to feature Qigong, Wim Hof, forest bathing and Karl Henry
The event will offer two days of escapism, with guided yoga classes led by Catherine O'Donoghue, a sound healing session with Tidal Soul Wellness, pilates classes with Helen O'Donovan, Qigong with Hellen Kang-Griffith, and a workout with Karl Henry. There will also be guided Shinrin-yoku forest bathing walks and health and wellness talks, including a Wim Hof Method talk with expert Marta Vera. Throughout the weekend, guests can look forward to a variety of experiences. Award-winning life coach and NLP practitioner Tara Rafter will share transformative strategies for personal growth. Louise Ryan from Sunfleck will explore the calming power of nature and its role in managing daily stress. Writer, social entrepreneur, and thought leader Sonya Lennon will deliver a headline talk, offering reflections on living with intention and purpose. John Lonergan and Caroline Crotty will present a session on cultivating a positive mental health attitude, while renowned herbalist and founder of Forager, Feebee Foran, will share her expertise in natural skincare and the healing properties of plants. In the areas of upward-trending wellness, Wim Hof Method expert Marta Vera will introduce the benefits of cold-water therapy. TedX speaker Dr Mark Rowe will guide immersive forest bathing walks through the gardens, inviting guests to experience nature's therapeutic power in full bloom. Hellen Kang-Griffith will lead a Qigong demonstration, where participants will be guided through mindful movements, breathwork, and energy flow practices rooted in ancient Chinese tradition. Whether you're new to Qigong or simply curious, this demonstration offers a moment to reconnect with your body, calm the mind, and awaken your inner vitality, all in the serene surroundings of nature. Expert in health and well-being Dr Mark Rowe embraces forest bathing, a practice developed in Japan during the 1980s that has become a cornerstone of preventive healthcare and healing in Japanese medicine. It is proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, boost the immune system, and improve overall feelings of well-being. Expert guides will lead soothing Shinrin-yoku experiences through meditative ecotherapy excursions in the gardens. Guests are invited to partake in a 1.5-hour Shinrin-yoku guided walk exploring the peaceful areas of the gardens and can seek out restful spots to sit under the canopy of ancient trees. Dr Rowe said: 'Spending time in nature can be simply so restorative and relaxing, a tremendous way to destress after a busy day at work. The majestic Mount Congreve Gardens are a forest bathing paradise, surrounded by trees and set on 70 acres on the banks of Waterford's River Suir.' Wim Hof, known as The Iceman, is a Dutch motivational speaker and extreme athlete celebrated for his ability to withstand low temperatures. He previously held a Guinness World Record for swimming under ice, prolonged full-body contact with ice, and holds a record for a barefoot half-marathon on ice and snow. Marta Vera, who will speak at Restival, is a certified Wim Hof Method instructor, fitness coach, and breathwork expert. Tickets for Restival 2025 are available online at priced at €39 per day or €65 for a weekend pass. Spaces are limited to preserve the peaceful atmosphere and ensure every guest enjoys an intimate and enriching experience. For those wishing to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the Restival experience, onsite accommodation is available at the Estate Gate Lodge, the Court Yard Suite, the forest cabins with private hot tubs, and the off-grid bell tents, all located within Mount Congreve Gardens. Accommodation packages are available for the May bank holiday weekend, from Friday May 2 –5, starting from €445 for two people sharing for a two-night stay. Guests staying for the weekend will also receive a gift from Feebee the Forager. For group rates, contact reservations@
