Forest Bathing: Renewal and Rejuvenation through Nature
As a part of North Carolina’s Year of The Trail celebration, “Wellness and Trails” is the theme for August. So, this month, The Adventurist spoke with Dr. Mattie Decker, a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide. She is also a mindfulness teacher and a retired professor of education.
Mattie, tell us a little about yourself.
"I’m a lifelong educator who grew up in Savannah, Georgia. I got my teaching degree from
Georgia State University and then went on to teach in rural Appalachia in northeast Georgia.
Later, I spent ten years in Colorado. I’ve always had a deep connection with nature, and
Colorado deepened that relationship. Ultimately, we moved to Arkansas where I finished my master’s thesis. I then went on to pursue my doctorate at the University of Memphis. Over the years, I’ve also spent a great amount of time in Finland, studying and researching their innovative teacher education program. In Norway, I became a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide."
What is forest bathing and how long has it been around?
"Forest bathing is derived from the Japanese practice shinrin-yoku, which means forest bath. It was developed in the 80’s when Japan was in the midst of their tech boom. People were dying
from a wide range of diseases in unprecedented numbers. The government ordered research
and one of the key questions became: What is the connection between time spent in nature to
health and well-being? One of the things they learned is that trees emit chemical compounds
called phytoncides. These phytoncides bathe trees and help keep them healthy. When we, as humans, breath in these phytoncides, something curious happens: they increase a type of white blood cell that helps kill infected cells in our body. Doctors began to prescribe patients to be in the forest for two hours a week. When the patients returned to the doctor, they discovered that their health and well-being had improved. Heart rates and blood pressure came down. Stress levels plummeted. Their thinking became clearer."
What are the principles of forest bathing?
"It’s essentially this: that we, as human beings, are part of nature. The animals. The insects. The plants. The rocks. The water. And forest bathing is a way to remember and awaken to our
dynamic reciprocal relationship with all of nature. We all need each other."
Can you learn to forest bathe on your own?
"Yes and no. Yes, because forest bathing, in a way, is something we already know deep down.
Our grandfathers and grandmothers knew they felt better when they were outdoors. If nature
is present, it will speak to you. However, a guide or instructor can help facilitate the experience."
