Imagine yourself slowly sauntering through a peaceful forest. Maybe it is lightly snowing, or sunlight is dappling through the canopy illuminating your steps in the bright glow. As you breathe in the deep scents of pine and fir, behind the scene health benefits are happening for your whole body. This is the Japanese healing art of Shinrin-Yoku, also known as forest bathing. You can engage in this wellness practice easily by spending time in nature, even in the winter.
We all know the euphoric feeling after spending time in the outdoors of Central Oregon. It turns out there is more to it then just the natural beauty. Increasingly, scientific research is proving that the scent molecules of trees, known as phytoncides, have actual and positive health benefits. Inhalation of these molecules, including pinene from the ponderosa pine can result in decreased stress response, improved cognitive function, better immune function and reduction in heart rate and blood pressure.
Forest bathing is often a guided experience, but you can partake in this on your own. Bundle up in layers and head out on one of the many forested trails of Central Oregon this winter. Moving slowly and taking time to stop, stand, or sit will allow you to really appreciate and take in your surroundings. Take deep breaths, inhale the tree scents, and decrease your stress this holiday season.
Some times a December winter day is grey, cold, and windy, and getting outside is the furthest thing from your mind. There are a multitude of ways to bring the forest bathing experience inside.
The fresh holiday conifer trees are one example. Decorating indoors with fresh boughs or a tree can bring the aroma of pine and fir indoors. You can also collect sprigs from the trees, add to a pot of water and simmer on the stove to infuse your home with these wonderful scents.
You can use tree derived essential oils to recreate the healing benefits of forest bathing indoors. Beneficial oils include Pine, Fire, Cypress, Spruce, Cedar, Eucalyptus, and Hinoki. I recommend obtaining essential oils from a company that quality tests for purity. A GC/MS test is completed using two separate techniques, GC or Gas Chromatography, and MS or Mass Spectrometry. This will ensure your essential oils are without fillers and harmful chemicals.
An essential oil diffuser is an easy way to infuse your home with these tree scents.
Use a glass glass spray bottle to make an essential oil spritzer. The mist can be inhaled and also sprayed onto linens and throughout your home. Add 10 drops of any of the tree derived oils to a 1 ounce spray bottle and fill with water.
Adding several drops of essential oils to a carrier oil such as jojoba, and apply topically to the skin for improved mood.
Enjoy the many health enhancing benefits of the forest scents this winter.
“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.” Henry David Thoreau
Dr. Laurie Grisez has been providing excellent healthcare for people of all ages in Central Oregon since 2005. To find out more go to bluestarclinic.com or call 541-389-6935
