Forest Bathing

The Forest Bathing Institute (TFBI) was founded by Gary Evans and Olga Terebenina, who set out to advance the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing) in the UK, and started a programme of research dedicated to replicating the original physiological research carried out in Japan.  Gary and Olga are peer-reviewed authors and are committed to furthering research into the effectiveness of this nature-based therapy.In just a few years, TFBI has trained hundreds of Forest Bathing+ guides worldwide, with many more in training. The Institute also works hard to raise awareness of the effectiveness of Forest Bathing+ and works closely with local and central government, charities and key policy makers to make Forest Bathing+ available to as many people who can benefit as possible.

• CardsVISIONNotice shades of colourObserve the texture of a leafWatch trees in the windWatch clouds in the skyWatch raindrops on the water’s surfaceObserve layersObserve an object mindfullyPicture frameNature artObserve the texture of tree barkReflections in a water dropShades of greenHEARING Deer earsListen to the rain on the leavesNotice the sounds around youConcentrate on one soundSound layersListen to the sounds underneath your feetTOUCH Explore tree bark with open and closed eyesHug a treeFeel the rain on your handsPut your hands in the soilTrace the veins of a leaf with your fingersContrast texturesCatch a raindropFeel the sun and the shadeFeel the breeze on your skinBreathe through your noseSMELL Open up your sinusesThree sniffsThree deep inhalesSmell decaying woodSmell new growth in springSmell dry leavesMake a smell cocktailSmell a twigSmell leaf litterSmell the soilSmell the rainTASTEBreathe in forest airTaste the forestForest tea ceremonyPicnic in a forest (or park)TREELAXATION Body sweepForest sensory relaxationMindful breathingEMPATHYMirror a treeConnect with the forestStrike a poseReciprocal breathingBookletIntroductionWhat is forest bathing?Health and wellbeing benefits How to use this deck 1 | How to forest bathe 2 | Sequencing 3 | Forest bathing in different seasons and weather conditions 4 | Suggested sequences 5 | Building your forest bathing practice Conclusion  About the authors