The Japanese know natural healing better. They invented the term "Shinrin-yoku," which was popularized in Japan in the '80s and later introduced to the world.
Forest bathing isn't taking a bath in the forest in a literal sense. It simply means reconnecting with nature and disconnecting from life's stressors -- causing diseases.
It's been a year since I've lived in a tranquil rural area in my hometown. It's a countryside haven, a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Since the beginning of the pandemic and due to the lockdown, some plans have been able to happen, and I haven't been able to come back to Manila.
I'm living my best life away from distraction and pollution; forest bathing on weekends is my healing wonder. It's all we need in times of stress and whenever we need to relax and rejuvenate. It cleanses and purifies our physical and mental bodies.
The Japanese are considered world leaders in health and longevity. Their holistic and admirable approach to health and wellness is why they hold the world record for having supercentenarians.
We Filipinos have embraced this Japanese form of natural healing. Forest bathing is gaining recognition, and we, especially among health and fitness enthusiasts, are proving our adaptability and commitment to holistic wellness.
Hikers, trekkers, mountain climbers, and yoga and meditation practitioners are among those groups gaining from the healing benefits of forest bathing.
In the Philippines, there are numerous places where you can easily experience the rejuvenating effects of forest bathing on a day trip.
In the Philippines, there are places where I've had forest bathing on a day trip. Camp John Hay in Baguio City is where you can find the most pine trees. And has the most forest cover in the area.
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| At Camp John Hay, Baguio City, Philippines |
That was a refreshing forest bathing experience as I felt the foggy place's mists. It feels so great to be surrounded by trees, which give off natural cleansing energy.
Bucari Highlands in Iloilo, Philippines, is one of the best mountain resort destinations in the country.
When we visited, it was rainy on the way up and had a foggy and misty climate. Like Baguio City, it has many pine trees, making the environment more relaxed.
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| Bucari, Iloilo, Philippines |
I've also enjoyed forest bathing in other places, such as Mount Arayat National Park in Pampanga, Philippines. The La Mesa Eco-park in Quezon City, Philippines, and Naddi Village in Dharamshala, India.
My parents were inspired to develop our farm over a decade ago, so they planted Mahogany trees, making it a mini-forest. The trees have reached their peak maturity and are tall, providing cool shade in the surrounding area.
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| Our Mahogany Tree Park |
So, every time we visited the farm, I would do forest bathing. I would walk barefoot and remain under the trees until I reached a meditative state, feeling the serenity and inhaling the life force.
Anyone can do it. When life gets tough, we must take slow and find a greener space to unwind and re-energize.
The Japanese people are doing it as a lifestyle, so we can learn and adopt their healthy and balanced lifestyle.
©️2020 Del Cusay
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