Japanese Forest Therapy Articles

A recent study from Finding Nature reveals something we might already sense: humanity has been steadily drifting away from the natural world for over two centuries. Using a fascinating model, researchers tracked the decline of nature-related words in books — words like river , blossom , moss . They found a drop of nearly 60%, suggesting not just a loss of vocabulary, but a loss of relationship.

In forest therapy, we cultivate awareness—mindfully tuning into the land around us. Indigenous knowledge of plants, animals, and weather helps us live safely with nature’s elements. On walks, I highlight how to recognize healing and harmful plants, respect local wildlife, and navigate varying weather conditions with safety in mind.

I recently went to Japan to study where Shinrin-Yoku started. We took a long bus ride out to the Japanese Alps to meet with old Japanese communities and health care providers to learn more about the latest research on why engaging your senses in nature is so healing: physically, emotionally and spiritually.