Forest Bathing may sound exotic or perhaps even airy-fairy or woo-woo, but there’s real science behind this widely used practice of preventative medicine in other areas of the globe.

Forest Bathing, which is also called Forest Therapy, has its origins inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku.

The practice does not include actual bathing or shedding one’s clothing. Instead, participants are “bathed” in the wellness benefits natural landscapes offer us.

This practice aims to harness the health and restorative benefits the natural world holds for us by a series of “invitations” that facilitate slowing down, while engaging all of the senses in a mindful way.

Science-based research suggests that our biochemistry shows marked positive changes when we slow ourselves down while in the natural world. This includes boosting the immune system by immersing ourselves in landscapes shared with trees and other plants, which in turn emit chemical compounds which scientific research demonstrates can galvanize small armies of “Natural Killer Cells” or NK cells for short. These NK cells actively target quick grown cells our bodies need to actively fight, like cancer. That’s right, chemicals emitted by trees can help support our body fight diseases like cancer.

Additionally, research shows that just by moving slowly through green or natural landscapes, our cortisol levels drop, and this in turn supports emotional and physical wellness.

The practice of Forest Bathing which can be delivered in any setting outdoors, aims to harness these benefits forests and natural landscapes can provide for our overall wellness.

Forest Bathing gives us a break from what’s going on in our own lives, temporarily redirecting our emotions and mental energy.

Birds are linked to forests but also all outdoor landscapes in some way, even urban environments.

Birds offer invitations for us to notice as we move through our Forest Bathing experience, through their songs, motions, or… just being present.

Holly has created a Forest Bathing experience that pulls birds into the practice, noticing motion, behaviors, and soundscapes which help transport us deeper into a calmer headspace. Allow the forest and the birds to become your companions and guides into a healthier lifestyle.

Holly Merker is a trained and Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide (ANFT Certification #22840015) and a certified Wellness Counselor (Cornell Univ.) who offers a variety of Forest Bathing experiences to people of all ages and abilities.

Holly's gently guided experiences incorporate accessibility for all mobility levels and are designed to be welcoming and inclusive to all people. She has professional experience working with children K-12, people with dementia and age-related cognitive impairment and is comfortable working in all settings and habitats in the outdoors.

As the photo of one of Holly’s Forest Bathing experiences above illustrates with a spotlight on the Mojave desert landscape of Clark County Nevada, the practice can be done in any outdoor setting, and she customizes each experience for her clients.

Experiences in Forest Bathing are 90 minutes to three hours long, and include a relaxing tea ceremony to bring the experience to a close.

Contact Holly for more information on how to sign up for your next Forest Bathing experience.

[image of Forest Bathing in the Mojave Desert by Nancy Chang]