Forest Bathing Experience
What is Forest Bathing
Forest bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku, originated in Japan in the 1980s during a period of rapid economic growth. As work-related stress began to take a toll on people’s physical and mental health, the Japanese government responded by promoting time in nature as a public health intervention. Shinrin-Yoku translates to "forest bathing", the practice of immersing oneself in the atmosphere of the forest with all the senses. This simple yet powerful act led to noticeable improvements in the well-being of the Japanese workforce.
Since then, a growing body of scientific research has explored the relationship between humans and nature, consistently confirming the many benefits of reconnecting with the natural world. We are not separate from nature. We are part of the ecosystem. And in that connection, healing becomes possible, for us and the Earth.
What to expect
Forest bathing is a mindfulness-based practice in nature. Guided by a trained facilitator, you'll be invited into a series of gentle, sensory-based activities designed to slow you down and bring you fully into the present moment. These invitations help you connect more deeply with nature through sight, sound, smell, touch, and even intuition.
Sessions typically last between 1–3 hours, depending on what you book, and take place in city, regional, or county parks in the St. Paul or Roseville, MN area. Forest bathing is offered outdoors year-round unless conditions are unsafe (lightning, high winds, storms, or hail).
Before each session, you’ll receive an email with everything you need to prepare: location details, weather forecast, and a packing list.
Dressing appropriately for the weather is essential to a comfortable experience. Please wear layers suited to the season, sturdy shoes, and bring items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and water.
There are no specific fitness requirements beyond the ability to walk at a gentle pace. We typically cover about 1–2 miles during a session. For those with mobility challenges or health concerns, the choice of terrain and pace can be adjusted to meet your needs.
Benefits
Forest bathing is more than just a walk in the woods. It’s a scientifically backed wellness practice that nurtures body, mind, and spirit.
On a physical level, forest bathing has been shown to:
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Lower cortisol levels (the body’s main stress hormone)
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Reduce blood pressure and heart rate
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Strengthen the immune system by increasing natural killer (NK) cell activity
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Improve sleep quality
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Mentally and emotionally, it supports:
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Relief from anxiety and symptoms of depression
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Enhanced focus, especially for those with ADHD
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Improved mood and emotional regulation
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A greater sense of calm, presence, and clarity
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Many participants also report a profound sense of awe, gratitude, and inner peace during and after forest bathing. These positive emotional states are supported by an increase in serotonin and dopamine—the brain’s “happy hormones,” which play a key role in overall emotional well-being.
And there’s more happening on a subtle level: as you breathe deeply in the forest, you're also inhaling phytoncides, natural essential oils released by trees and plants. These oils have calming, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting properties, offering a kind of natural aromatherapy that further enhances the experience.
Though forest bathing is not a replacement for mental health or medical care, it serves as a powerful form of preventive care and a beautiful complement to holistic treatment plans. It offers space for restoration, reflection, and reconnection, with yourself and the living world around you.
For nature-based therapy sessions, please check out nature-based therapy and also check out animal-assisted therapy options.
My Services
1 hr 15 min
32 US dollars
Starts Jul 11
280 US dollarsLoading availability...
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Started Apr 17
290 US dollars
Land Acknowledgement
I recognize my Swiss Identity shaped me in how I understand cultures. Working in America brought me in touch with the hurtful reality many people suffered through Europeans coming to this land and claiming it. When working in America I acknowledge that the land in St. Paul and Roseville area where I do my work on, was stolen from the Indigenous People who lived here already long before European explorers believed to have discovered new land, settlers came and colonies were build. In a treaty in 1851 the US government took the land from the Dakotas. I therefore want to recognize on my walks the land we get to stand on with gratitude and understanding that this is stolen land and belongs to the Dakota people. Learn more about the Land we are on on Native Governance Center.