Insider’s Guide to 2015 Trends: Forest Bathing
- Published: Thursday, February 26th 2015
- in Living Well
- by Kate Phillips
- BEGIN

We’re going to go out on a limb here and say many don’t know what forest bathing is (until we included it in our 2015 trends report, I was completely unaware). It sounds, shall we say, exotic, mystifying, and maybe a bit terrifying for people who aren’t fans of nature.
But for those who want to branch out (last tree pun, we promise) on what’s trending in the wellness world, here’s a quick recap of this particular trend—one of 10 in our 2015 trends report. And you’re in for a surprise—forest bathing has nothing to do with water.
Image courtesy of Forsthofgut Nature Hotel

The history: The Japanese government coined the term, “forest bathing,” in 1982; its translation, “shinrin-yoku” means “taking in the forest atmosphere,” i.e., it’s a simple concept that revolves around quietly walking and staying mindful of the sounds, scents, colors, and “feel” of the forest setting that surrounds you.
Rooted in medical evidence: What’s the purpose of forest bathing? The medical evidence that backs it up—studies show it offers the following health benefits: significantly lowers blood pressure (-1.4 percent), heart rate (-5.8 percent), cortisol levels (-12.4 percent), and sympathetic nerve activity (-7 percent) compared with city walks, according to our trends report. As well, trees emit phytoncides, airborne, aromatic chemicals/oils said to positively impact people’s immune system markers.
Into the woods: Read on for examples of forest bathing practices already underway around the world.
Image courtesy of Blackberry Farms; photo credit Rau

Blackberry Farm, located in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, features “Deep Healing Woods” activities that include in-forest yoga, meditation, and endurance hikes. Spa treatments use woodland ingredients like flowers and herbs.
Image courtesy of Blackberry Farm

The Lodge at Woodloch‘s Forest Bathing program comprises walks guided by a master herbalist, mindful contemplation, and foraging for edible plantlife.
Image courtesy of The Lodge at Woodloch

Forsthofgut Nature Hotel’s waldSPA (forestSPA) in Austria enriches the senses with amenities like guided forest bathing, barefoot forest walking paths, a garden, lake, and yoga platform overlooking the Leogang Mountains.
Image courtesy of Forsthofgut Nature Hotel

You can’t get much more “into the forest” than this Swedish property (it’s named Treehotel, after all). It features a “tree sauna,” hot tub, and relaxation area—in the woods, of course; the “bird’s nest” guest accommodation; and excursions in the Lapland forest: Following a guided walk deep into the woodlands, you’ll learn to make a fire, sip hot drinks, and stay warm cocooned in reindeer skins.
Image courtesy of Treehotel

Kate Phillips
About the author: Kate Phillips
Spafinder Wellness 365 Editor and self-proclaimed Starbucks fanatic, Kate is an avid enthusiast of writing, all-things-travel, and fashion magazines. Before SFW365 she was a freelance contributor to Time Out New York and the online editor for Chemical Week magazine, where she penned articles on chemicals found in beauty products. She spends her downtime testing out spa and beauty products on her mom and sisters, including her identical twin.