Shinrin-Yoku: Nature Therapy
Have you ever heard of the practice of “forest bathing” or shinrin-yoku? No, it doesn’t mean sudsing up in the woods! We learned about the practice through Julia Plevin, founder of the Forest Bathing Club in San Francisco, California. She loves our Roo Moccasins and has worn them on many forest adventures! We reached out to her for an introduction to what forest bathing is, what the perceived benefits are, and what one can learn from spending uninterrupted time in nature. Here's what she had to say:
Julia Plevin on Forest Bathing:
Forest bathing is an evidence-based practice of connecting to nature as a way to heal. The term “forest bathing” comes from the Japanese word “shinrin yoku” which literally means “bathing in the forest atmosphere.” The term was coined in the 1980s when researchers began to prove the scientific benefits of connecting to nature. Much of this initial research was focused on “phytoncides” — the essential oils that trees emit to protect themselves. It’s been proven that inhaling these essential oils boosts natural killer cell activity which is a powerful immune boost.
Beyond the science, forest bathing is about waking up to our relationship with the Earth. As a modern culture, we’ve forgotten that we are Nature. Throughout 99.9% of human evolution, we spent our days walking, sleeping, and standing on the Earth. Now we can go days and even weeks without making contact with the surface of the Earth. This is pretty insane. And when we are walking on the Earth, it’s often in rubber shoes or big heavy boots. I find that wearing heavy duty footwear gives us the psychological feeling of dominating the Earth and it also blocks us from the benefits of earthing.
There’s so much evidence on the benefits of just being in nature to reduce stress, lower heart rate and cortisol levels, decrease inflammation, boost the immune system, improve mood, boost sense of awe and creativity and increase the ability to focus on the right things.
Earthing is a practice and movement of walking barefoot on the Earth to connect to the Earth’s healing energy. We’ve gotten so disconnected over the past few generations but we’re still evolved to be connected to the Earth. There’s so much science that proves that just having your feet on the Earth lowers inflammation, chronic pain, decreases jet lag and lessens PMS. I also find that my mind feels clearer when my feet are on the Earth in either bare feet or my Roo Moccasins from Softstar.
Walking barefoot is awesome, but I love to forest bathe in my Softstar moccasins because my feet can stay warm and soft and I also get to feel the Earth beneath my feet. I believe it changes your consciousness to walk on the Earth in soft shoes. You’re forced to slow down, you’re less likely to trample over flora and fauna, and you feel each pebble and stick beneath your feet. In a world where we numb ourselves out, feeling the Earth is an act of rebellion.
I first discovered the magic of moccasins while in the Hoh Rainforest with my teacher Llyn Cedar Roberts. She put together a packing list of items for me to bring to the Hoh and moccasins were on the list. At the time I didn’t have any but she said she had an extra pair in just my size! So the first pair of Softstar moccasins I ever wore were borrowed from my dear teacher. I loved wearing her shoes so much that I asked where she got them and ordered my own pair as soon as I got home. I have not looked back!
Wearing moccasins definitely helps get more out of the forest bathing experience. I also find that wearing clothes from natural fabrics, like wool and hemp, helps me feel closer to the Earth.
Here are a few more tips for getting the most out of a forest bath:
- State an intention for your time in nature
- Take a moment to close your eyes and listen to all the sounds around you
- Give offerings to the land. Offerings can be anything from seeds to flowers and jewelry
- Write a haiku or sing a song to the Earth
- Find a tree to talk to or just sit with
We have multiple shoe styles with natural soles that would be excellent for forest bathing, such as Roo Moccasins with suede soles or our Dash RunAmoc with a bullhide leather sole. You can view these styles on our Earthing and Grounding Page.
For more information, check out these links:
Elf Ali is an Oregon Native with over 5 years of Softstar experience as a Promotions Pioneer. She attended Whitworth University and enjoys choir singing.