Guided Forest Bathing Walks
We facilitate many different types of Guided Walks with Certified Forest Bathing Guides. The Guided Walks take place regularly throughout the year in our private family owned 33 acre forest in Kilternan. We facilitate public groups, charities, youth intervention groups, cancer patients and host private 1 to 1 sessions.
We also host Guided Walks that are open to the public from time to time. Info about our public walks are posted on Instagram @the_healing_forest.
Please email us on info@thehealingforest.ie or message us on instagram with any questions you may have.
The Science
Forest Bathing is an evidence based practice which originated in Japan and Korea in 1982. Thousands of scientific studies have been carried out on individuals / groups concluding that some of the health benefits are as follows:
Reduces blood pressure and heart rate
Increases the activity of natural killer cells, immune cells that play an important role in defense against bacteria, viruses and tumors.
Increases the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system - which helps the body rest and recover , and reduce the activity of sympathetic nervous system - fight or flight response, producing psychologically calming effects.
Reduced anxiety, anger, fatigue, confusion and helps prevent depression.
Improvement of sleep
Increases energy, creativity concentration and memory.
What to expect
The mindfulness walks take place in our 33 acre private native irish woodland in Kilternan Co. Dublin. Shinrin Yoku or “Forest Bathing” has been practiced in Japan and Korea since 1982 and there is nearly 40 years of scientific evidence based research which shows physical and mental benefits.
The 2 hour walk is an invitation for you to slowly walk through the forest tuning into the sound, smell, feeling and visual aspects of the forest. This experience can allow a higher appreciation of nature and in turn for yourself.
During the walk there will be some invitations by our guides to connect with nature and then come back to share with the group. The space held is safe and non - judgemental so there is no pressure to do anything at all, including sharing. This is only an invitation and is fully respected if not undertaken.
The walk concludes with a gratitude or a tea ceremony and a chat to ease you back into your everyday tasks.