Forest Bathing - Shinrin Yoku, how to reduce your cortisol levels

Forest bathing, what is it?

Forest bathing, known as Shinrin-yoku is a traditional Japanese practice that involves immersing oneself in the forest or natural environment to promote physical and mental well-being.

It focuses on mindfully engaging with nature through activities like walking, observing, and connecting with the surroundings via the senses while disconnecting from your usual daily routine.

The science behind forest bathing suggests that it can have positive effects on reducing cortisol levels and promoting relaxation. Several studies have investigated the physiological and psychological benefits of spending time in nature, including forests.

The benefits of forest bathing are numerous:

• Cortisol Reduction: Multiple studies have shown that forest bathing leads to a decrease in cortisol levels.

• Stress Reduction: Research indicates that exposure to nature, especially forests, can help alleviate stress, lower blood pressure, and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.

• Improved Mood and Mental Health: Research has demonstrated improved mood, reduced anxiety, and decreased symptoms of depression, enhanced well-being, mood, and relief from mental fatigue.

• Immune System Enhancement: Studies suggest that forest bathing may enhance the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which are a type of immune cells that play a role in fighting tumors and viruses.

• Cognitive Benefits: Shown potential cognitive benefits. It has been associated with improved attention, increased focus, and enhanced cognitive performance.

Amazing, right? I know what you're thinking though. This all SOUNDS great but in reality no one has the time or means to spend this long in nature. Let me tell you though, there IS a way to mimic the healing benefits of forest bathing. The legends at doTERRA pondered whether using the oils from the trees in the forest would have the same therapeutic benefits in reducing cortisol as forest bathing and then set out to study that. The creation of the Shinrin Yoku forest bathing blend was born, including all the same chemical constituents you would be inhaling in the forest in this blend.

"A study was conducted to explore the factors in the forest environment that activated human NK cells. In the present study we investigate the effect of essential oils from trees on humans immune function...who stayed in an urban hotel for three nights"

Specific oils were diffused during this study and both blood and urine samples were used and studied.

What were the results?

• After ONE night of diffusion, average cortisol levels were significantly lower than average baseline.

• After THREE nights diffusion, average cortisol levels were significantly lower than average baseline.

• Several participants showed increased anti inflammatory cytokines and decreases in pro inflammatory cytokines.

• Several participants showed increased natural killer cell counts and function (immune system enhancement)

• Overall blood pressure readings in the morning following diffusion were decreased compared to control.

What does this mean for you?

Shinrin Yoku is perfect to diffuse:

• In your work environment

• When you are experiencing feelings of high stress

• To relax and unwind

• During a stressful event or period

• During sleep

Because of its proven ability to decrease cortisol levels it is now going to be a staple recommendation to anyone for during pregnancy, birth and postpartum (see my previous post on the effect elevated cortisol has on mothers and babies) anyone who works in a stressful environment or anyone who struggles to find time to have some peace and calm. It also smells INCREDIBLE.

Personally I have been using this oil basically non stop since I received it at convention. I have been diffusing it in place of our current sleep blend and have noticed that our entire family are sleeping better. My son has been waking less through the night and sleeping in longer in the morning and it has taken me less time to fall asleep. It has very quickly become my favourite blend, maybe even more than Balance which if you know me you know I am obsessed with. It is available from July so if you're interested in it and you're already a customer you can just jump into your account and add it to your order. If you're not yet a customer you can join through my link and this will ensure you're added into my private community and have access to all of our incredible resources. If you need help with this feel free to email me at catherinejadee.doterra@gmail.com or reach out via instagram.

My link is here - https://beta-doterra.myvoffice.com/catherinejade