Danielle Quist of Healthworks, Bank Lane, Forres encourages her clients to enjoy forest bathing for wellbeing
A LOCAL
Private counsellor and psychotherapist, Danielle Quist, of Health works on Bank Lane, encourages her clients to switch off and walk in woodlands to improve mental and physical wellbeing.
She said: “The Japanese have known for years that time spent in forests and woods has extensive benefits for the human being, whether for the body or mind. Now others across the globe are discovering this too.”
Several studies conducted in Japan in the 1980s concluded that forest bathing is effective therapy. Findings showed the beneficial health effects of the compounds, such as phytoncides, and of the essential oils that certain trees and plants emitted.
Unlike a regular nature walk, forest bathing involves walking through a woodland at a gentle pace, minus any electronics, soaking up the surroundings via the senses. This can involve: practising particular invitations; listening to forest sounds; touching the ground, trees and leaves; smelling the flowers, plants and trees; and noticing different features of the natural world.
The practice is associated with increased levels of natural killer cells which combat infection. Breathing the air in a forest environment maximizes the intake of negative ions (invisible molecules in the air) that help to increase health, mood, mental clarity, cognitive functioning, and energy levels.
Study participants have been seen to decrease in pulse rate, blood pressure, and concentration of the stress hormone cortisol.
Forest bathing positively affects mood, reducing anger, anxiety and depression but general relaxation is the most common outcome.
Ms Quist was thrilled to discover the practice.
She said: “Forest bathing has become a popular wellness trend of recent years for good reason. Fortunately, no swimwear is required, just trees, time and an open mind!
“As a counsellor, wellbeing and resilience is important to my clients - being in nature is now proven to bolster this.
“In addition to walk and talk counselling sessions, I offer forest bathing as a trained guide so that others can get the amazing benefits I have.”
Ms Quist offers monthly sessions, and was involved in this year’s Moray Outdoor and Walking Festival. She offers simple, fun, interesting or creative sensory-based sessions.
She explained: “It is a radical act to slow down when we are so busy and rushing to tick off our to-do lists.
“Forest bathing is also a way to bridge the gulf of disconnect from nature that we suffer from in the West. The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world after all.
“Not only this but living in urban environments is correlated with depression. Living more rurally, with more access to the natural world, affects our wellbeing dramatically.
“Forest bathing and other nature connection activities help to offset this and restore some balance.
“Though participants appreciate the guided sessions I offer, anyone can forest bathe: all you need is woods; and to be able to breathe!”
Ms Quist hopes to be involved in green prescribing, as is being piloted in Highland region.
“People need to have access to it,” she finished. “It is so good for our overall health.”
For more information visit www.dquisttherapy.com.