The benefits of a breath of fresh air on our mental state have long been recognized. And now, the physical benefits of contact with nature are now scientifically proven. Trees not only promote better nervous balance, but also sympathetic and cellular balance. In Japan, forest bathing is even prescribed by doctors. So what are the effects of immersing yourself in nature on our state of health and our overall well-being?
It’s the whole idea of silvotherapy, which consists in particular of embracing a tree to draw energy from it. José Le Piez, a specialist on the subject, said, “On a purely emotional level, it is undeniable that trees bring us this notion of connection with our deep roots, with the sweetness of what the Indians call Mother Earth. This psychological disposition promotes the body’s assimilation of the chemical and electromagnetic benefits provided by trees. Thus, we see better assimilation of oxygen, a rebalancing of cellular electrical charges, as well as an increase in killer cells which defend our body.” Pick out a healthy tree, and try to favor conifers such as oak or hornbeam, both strong and calm, active against pulmonary diseases. It even seems, according to recent scientific discoveries, that trees emit sound frequencies with soothing power. “We are only at the beginning. We must still open our consciences, and at the same time continue scientific investigations, which are ver recent, concerning trees. We go from discovery to discovery, while explaining ancient knowledge hitherto considered superstitions,” explains Le Piez.
Shinrin Yoku, a term coined from the Japanese Ministry, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, consists of immersing yourself in the heart of the forest, walking there slowly, in full awareness, to take in its atmosphere and synchronize with it. The pure air favored by depolluting leaves, the silence accentuated by natural onomatopoeia, and the phytoncides with anti-bacterial properties released by trees, of course have various benefits on our overall well-being. “The forest climate leads to better nervous, sympathetic and cellular balance. This balance is favorable to the body, in particular to fight cardiovascular diseases and facilitate cell renewal (…) Moreover, when you walk in a coniferous forest, your anti-cancer proteins are already being activated,” explains Pascale d’Erm in her book Natura (Editions LLL). Practice at least two hours a week to completely feel the benefits.
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