Shinrin Yoku (aka Forest Bathing)
Originating in Japan, Forest Bathing is a nature-based intervention that supports people to engage with nature in a structured way to improve mental health and well being.
It allows you to connect with nature in a way that is relaxing, respectful and rejuvenating. The walk helps you feel relaxed and at ease while gaining mental and physical health benefits. Research has found that exposure to nature can reduce cortisol levels, boost your immune system, balance blood pressure and can help in resetting your nervous system. Research has also found that exposure to nature decreased depression and rumination, acting as a type of “reset button” for the brain.
Why Hire a Guide?
This practice is different from hiking or going out with a naturalist. The key to getting these benefits is to slow down and tune deeply into your senses. It’s a different way of being in the forest which most people have not experienced. When you go out with a guide you learn a process that is deeply nourishing that you can then go out and do on your own any time anywhere.
Benefits from just 1 session of forest bathing include:
- Quickly reduces stress, blood pressure, heart rate
- Reduces anxiety, anger, depression and calms the nervous system
- Increases energy and restores focus and attention span
- Provides deep relaxation and a sense of ease, and increases sleep
- Increases critical thinking and decision making
- Increases Natural Killer cell activity (cancer and
tumor fighting cells increase)
- Increases creativity and intuition
- Increases feelings of awe, wonder, and gratitude
- Strengthens immune system
- Increases feelings of calm, peace, and inter-connectedness
- Fosters healthier relationships with self, others
and - Fosters healthier aging
Not bad for only 2 hours in the forest!
What is Forest Bathing?
Private Forest Bathing
Enjoy a customized 2-2.5 hour forest bathing session
for your family or friends.
2025 Prices:
1-2 people – $285
3-5 – $385
6+ – $79 each
Public Forest Bathing programs happen a couple of times a year. Join a 2.5 hour group experience on the weekend in the Spring or Fall in Canmore or Banff.
Forest Bathing for teams helps restore individuals, which helps them to be more present to the group. We have seen remarkable results with groups that start a team retreat or important meetings with a forest bathing session.
Learn how nature helps you manage stress, fosters focus, creativity, calm and helps with decision making. 15 minutes can make a world of difference. Invite Ronna to talk to your team at lunch or conference.