“And the forest perfume—trees and earth—it’s like incense in a shrine.
You fall into a state of… prayer.” – Keiichi Sigsawa
When was the last time you ventured into a forest? The birds chirping, leaves bobbing, shadows dancing—not one other human in sight, just tree after tree guiding you deeper into their home, into our home. With our lives becoming ever more urban-centered, many people have lost their connection to the natural world and its inherent healing qualities. Lucky for us, Shinrin Yoku, the Japanese art of forest bathing, provides many options and opportunities to welcome and embrace nature’s therapeutic modalities in our daily lives.
Shinrin Yoku is, at its heart, a form of nature therapy that allows humans to reduce and better manage stress, anxiety, depression, blood pressure, and sleep issues through their communion with the natural world. As humans have transitioned from life in the country to life in the city, stress and stress-related diseases have increased in our society.[i] And, yet, we have the power within ourselves to reset, recharge, and reconnect with the natural world by incorporating the benefits of nature therapy.
Whether it be through visiting parks, enjoying flowers or bonsai, bringing natural wooden elements into your home, or even utilizing the healing effects of aromatherapy, there are numerous ways we can enjoy the benefits of nature therapy.[ii]
We recommend following the below guide to enhance your forest bathing experience.
- Leave your phone and electronics behind to allow you to genuinely connect with the world around you.
- Check your expectations and preconceptions at the door. Allow your mind and body the privilege of wandering without constraints.
- Be patient with yourself. If you feel like pausing, pause. Listen to your body’s needs and meet them.
- Make yourself comfortable. Whether you are on a forest path or lounging in an aromatic, essential oil infused bath, invite a sense of stillness and relaxation into your being.
- Allow nature’s soundtrack to take centerstage by staying silent and observing the natural world around you.[iii]
Here at Aisu Essence, we offer natural beauty and wellness products, including our signature 100% pure, wild crafted Japanese essential oils to assist you reconnect with not only nature, but with yourself. If your daily life does not allow for frequent trips into nature, we have just the products to bring the natural benefits of forest bathing into your very own home!
Our Hinoki Essential Oil, originates from the Hinoki cypress native to central Japan, can be used both aromatically and topically to provide a sense of calm by releasing tension, improving respiratory functions, and relieving muscular aches and pains.
To create our Kitayama Sugi Essential Oil, the leaves, petals and roots of Kitayama Sugi cedar trees are treated with a steam distillation process to extract the fragrant oils that can be used to treat acne, provide aromatherapy, and even as an insect repellent.
Kuromoji Essential Oil, obtained from wild Japanese camphor trees, is jam packed with anti-inflammatory properties to provide relief from neuralgia, stiff neck and back, as well as antimicrobial elements that could pair well with your skincare routine.
Yakusugi Essential Oil is born from thousand year old cedar trees growing on the Japanese island of Yakushima. This oil is rich in bactericidal sesquiterpenes and anti-inflammatory agents that assist with both skincare as well as providing stress, anxiety, and tension relief.
Our Yuzu Essential Oil is born from the fruits of the Japanese yuzu tree, a member of the citrus family with more than three times the Vitamin C found in lemons. Yuzu Essential Oil reduces emotional stress and stabilizes nerves when enjoyed aromatically, yet can also be incorporated into your skincare routine to brighten skin tone and combat signs of aging. We definitely recommend pairing this oil with our Rice Bran Beauty Oil to add even more hydration, regeneration, and antioxidants to your skincare regimen.
[i] Miyazaki, Yoshifumi. “The Concept of Nature as Therapy.” Shinrin Yoku: The Japanese Art of Forest Bathing, Timber Press, Portland, OR, 2018, pp. 23–39.
[ii] Miyazaki, Yoshifumi. “The Concept of Nature as Therapy.” Shinrin Yoku: The Japanese Art of Forest Bathing, Timber Press, Portland, OR, 2018, pp. 23–39.
[iii] 5 Simple Steps to Practising Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing), https://www.growwilduk.com/blog/5-simple-steps-practising-shinrin-yoku-forest-bathing. Accessed 23 Jan. 2022.
