Have you heard the term Shinrin Yoku or Forest bathing? If you haven’t, then it is most likely possible you thought it is bathing in the wild.
You’re mistaken.
Dr Qing Li, the author of “Shinrin-Yoku: The art and science of forest-bathing,” describes Forest-bathing as the art of connecting with nature through our senses.
What is Shinrin-Yoku?
Shinrin Yoku is a Japanese word that means Forest bathing or Forest Therapy. Forest-bathing is the practice of spending time in forests for good health, happiness, and a sense of calm and peace. You might wonder how different forest-bathing is from hiking, though!
So, how is forest-bathing different from hiking?
On a hike, you walk towards a destination. On the contrary, during forest-bathing, you immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and the scent of the forest without trying to reach any destination. And in the process, you get refreshed and rejuvenated.
The goods about the book
– Captivating presentation
You simply can’t put down some books before finishing reading. Shinrin-Yoku: The Art and Science of Forest-Bathing is one such book with a compelling narration.
The author presents the narrative in an interesting and engaging manner interspersed with anecdotes and historical background; so, reading the book will be an immersive experience. Also, the way the author describes the beauty of the Japanese forests might, in fact, kindle your thirst for travel.
However, during these uncertain times, travel appears to be a distant dream! But, it is still possible to achieve the profound effects of Shinrin-Yoku by opting for a park/garden in your neighbourhood. And, Dr Qing Li provides the necessary guidelines in this regard too.
– Your takeaway from the book
The book describes well what Shinrin Yoku entails, what the benefits of the practice are for your physical and mental health and guidelines on how to do it to reap the said benefits.
The book also takes you through the journey of how the author realised the need for human beings to be in harmony with nature, how he scientifically validated the effects of being among the trees and arrived at the results which clearly point to improved overall health.
So, you can consider the book as your guide to Shinrin Yoku! The book helps you understand what forest bathing is, inspires you to try it out and enjoy good health and happiness!
About the author:
Dr Qing Li, MD, PhD, is a Physician and Immunologist at Nippon Medical School hospital in Tokyo, Japan. He is one of the world’s leading experts in forest medicine who has studied the effect of forest environments on human health extensively and also published many scientific articles in Forest Medicine.
Dr Qing Li is the vice-president and secretary-general of the International Society of Nature and Forest Medicine in Japan and is also one of the directors of the Forest Therapy Society in Japan.
Availability online
The book is easily available in online stores: https://www.bookdepository.com/Shinrin-Yoku-Dr-Qing-Li/9780241346952?redirected=true&utm_medium=Google&utm_campaign=Base1&utm_source=SG&utm_content=Shinrin-Yoku&selectCurrency=SGD&w=AF7JAU992G8Y21A8VL4T&pdg=pla-317692435101:cmp-6485098310:adg-77818344677:crv-381246268071:pos-:dev-c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiNaN9em67QIVUiUrCh2uEwVEEAQYDiABEgIfNvD_BwE
You may also be able to find it in a book store nearby or in a local library where you could borrow the same as it is quite popular.
Image: canva.com
