Week 18: Go forest bathing

For so much of our evolutionary history we have lived ‘outside’, within touching distance of wildlife and nature. It appears that much of our physical composition is still more at home in this environment…

Forest Bathing

Forest Bathing surfaced as a term from Japan in the 80’s, following anecdotal reports of its stress relieving benefits. More recently, harder scientific evidence has emerged showing that Forest Bathing provides powerful health supporting effects. In particular, a strong increase in our natural killer cells, the ones that both fight off infection and destroy emerging tumours. 

Amazingly, this seems to be independent of the calming and cortisol reducing effects of a woodland walk, and more to do with breathing in the natural aromatic compounds of the environment called phytoncides. It seems our bodies are still naturally attuned to this complex abundance of microorganisms. When these get into our system, the body responds to ‘returning home’ by significantly boosting the amount and quality of our cancer fighting cells. They are part of a tree’s own immune system that we benefit from too.

Return home…

So this week, seek out some woodland or trees and spend some time walking, sitting or lying in the May sun. Just one hour can increase circulating pinene levels throughout your system. It not only feels good, we now know it really is good for your health.

Sources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31130890/

About Pentameter:

Pentameter revitalising businesses by aligning purpose, culture and identity to tackle our most pressing social and environmental challenges. As part of the Year of Action, Pentameter are inviting you to reconnect with nature during May 2023.

Find out more about their work at https://www.pentameter.co/