The Health Benefits of Forest Bathing/ Forest Therapy
Physiological Well-Being
Shinrin yoku has been studied extensively for its beneficial physical effects. A guided forest bathing/ forest therapy walk can promote cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, and promote the cancer fighting white blood cells, NK cells. Trees and plants emit chemicals known as phytoncides which promote overall health when we breathe them and have them on our skin. We literally bathe ourselves in the health-promoting phytoncides when we forest bathe.
Psychological Calmness
Forest bathing and forest therapy have been shown to reduce stress chemicals in the body, slow the pulse and blood pressure, and evoke a sense of calm. Guided forest walks can help with symptoms of ADHD, depression, anxiety, anger, and PTSD. It improves sleep, boosts energy and vitality, and even increases sensory awareness and connection. Relaxes an overworked brain and fosters healthier aging, and has been shown to increase self-esteem, empathy, kindness, and compassion.
Nature Connection
Tune in to the world of nature around you. Forest bathing increases awareness of the Beyond-Human world-- from plants to fungi to insects to a feeling of connection to something greater. Regardless of your own personal beliefs, forest bathing has been shown to increase feelings of awe, wonder, and gratitude and instill a love of nature and an ecological mindset. Join us to feel this body-mind-heart connection for yourself.
About Your Guide
ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide
ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide
ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide
Geoff Handsfield is a scientist and a certified forest therapy guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. He has decades of outdoor experience and pivoted to forest therapy in 2021 to lead guided walks aimed at slowing down and improving health, well-being, and mood. Though the walks are at a slow pace and set in accessible settings, Geoff is also certified in wilderness first aid, so you will be in safe hands.
Learn More
ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide
ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide
To learn more about the ANFT, check out: https://www.natureandforesttherapy.earth/
To read more about Geoff's work in and out of the forest:
Thanks to AA Directions Magazine for a nice write-up about one of my walks:
https://www.aa.co.nz/membership/aa-directions/features/live-well-forest-bathing-in-auckland/
RNZ Interview, Nov 2022
RNZ Interview, Feb 2023
Contact Me
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Testimonials
It's a fun experience as well as being really beneficial for the brain and body.
Geoff is a warm and knowleadgable guide who gets out of the way to let you connect with nature and yourself.
I'd highly recommend this to anyone who thinks it might be a good way to unwind or wants to bring kids to do the same.
It’s a chance to breathe and reconnect yourself and nature and slow down. It was a breath of fresh air for me, literally and figuratively and helped put life into perspective
I felt delighted and rejuvenated
It was exactly what I needed <3
It’s hard to understand how beautiful and beneficial the experience is until you do it
If you like being outside and have 2 hours, you should give it a try
I have mentioned it to quite a few people and shared it was really enjoyable and unique.
Very easy physically, and really enjoyable.
Give it a try! Amazing experience to get touch with nature in a very immersive way. Mood was lifted so much by the end
Just do it, without a lot of thoughts and explanations. See where your curiosity leads you
I had no idea forest bathing was a 'thing', but I'm glad I've been exposed to it. I learnt a lot about mindfulness and the benefit of nature on this walk. I would recommend it to anyone who's felt disconnected from their body and nature during lockdown.
Geoff’s forest bathing experience re-awoke my sense of joy and wonder from lock down lulls
I would talk to the nature lovers and get them to come along and get the depth of your knowledge you have and learn the therapeutic effect the trees and the nature has on human beings
I feel calmer and a lot more grounded in the present moment.
Geoff took us on a really lovely guided walk through the domain. His facilitation and the surrounding area were a good brief escape from 'busy normal life' and as a result I felt a sense of calmness and reconnection to myself.
So good! Geoff does an amazing job of co-creating an environment with his guests. A wonderful grounding experience
That it is the best way to start your day and totally resets your body and mind. That it is highly beneficial and changes how you interact with your environment.
Great experience, worth a try to destress and unplug
A worthwhile experience
Loved the experience! Great to get out of the office for an afternoon and remember the importance of switching off and being with nature.
The experience exceeded our expectations and mom and I walked away feeling grounded and centered. We took with us a wonderful memory that we will treasure, thanks to you.
It is great way to just stop, become more aware of nature and your relationship with it. Geoff was a great teacher and mentor and I found it very humbling and relaxing.
Come take in the forest with Geoff~