Forest Bathing

By Dr. Angela Fetzner

Forest bathing is the term used to describe the conscious immersion in the unique atmosphere of the forest. We perceive the forest mindfully and with all our senses – in this way, we nourish and strengthen our body, mind, and soul. We are akin to swimming in the green ocean of the forest, gradually sinking deeper into its embrace. Like riding a wave, we allow ourselves to drift and intuitively absorb the healing powers of the forest.

The forest as a place of deceleration and healing

Especially in today's era of constant sensory overload and an ever-accelerating pace, the longing for deceleration and rejuvenation is growing. Intense scent of pine, moss, damp forest floor – the forest, as a special place of power, exerts a strong and healing effect on our psyche and body. Being in the forest benefits us, something we sense intuitively. The forest grounds us, bestows strength, vitality, relaxation, serenity, and inner peace. Furthermore, forest bathing bolsters the immune system and the body's resilience. The cardiovascular system and musculoskeletal system also profit from forest bathing. Especially in psychologically demanding situations, times of stress, as well as in cases of depression and anxiety disorders, forest baths are helpful.

All important aspects of forest bathing – ranging from the latest scientific insights, practical exercises in the forest, to your personal guide to forest bathing – are described in this comprehensible and empathetic book. Numerous colorful illustrations complement the text.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BadPress
• Release date: Sep 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9781667463100

Book preview

Forest Bathing

Dr. Angela Fetzner

––––––––

Translated by Cyryl Piechowski 

Forest Bathing

Written By Dr. Angela Fetzner

Copyright © 2023 Dr. Angela Fetzner

All rights reserved

Distributed by Babelcube, Inc.

www.babelcube.com

Translated by Cyryl Piechowski

Cover Design © 2023 ZERO agency munich germany using motives from shutterstock.com - Picture © Aleksey Stemmer shutterstock.com

Babelcube Books and Babelcube are trademarks of Babelcube Inc.

Dr. Angela Fetzner

Forest Bathing - In Search of the Lost Self

––––––––

© 2019 Dr. Angela Raab née Fetzner. All rights reserved.

First Edition 2019.

Cover Design:

ZERO Advertising Agency, Munich, using motifs from shutterstock.com

Cover Photo: © Aleksey Stemmer, shutterstock.com

Photos: pixabay.com, used under GNU Free Documentation License

© illustrissima, shutterstock.com

Table of contents

Dr. Angela Fetzner 1

What even is forest bathing 5

The forest as a place of deceleration and healing 5

What exactly is forest bathing 7

Doesn't a walk in the woods suffice as well? 8

Forest bathing – healing walks 9

Deceleration in hectic tiimes 9

Being in the woods 17

Forrest bathing with donkeys 25

What constitutes the effects offForest bathing? 32

Forrest knowledge 40

Forest Conversion and Change of Tree Species  40

Tree Wisdom 42

Norway Spruce

European beech 46

Scots Pine 48

Oak 50

Abies Alba 53

Warum es ohne den Wald kein Leben gibt 55

The forest protects against erosion 57

The forest protects against avalanches 57

The forest collects unhealthy particles 57

The forest helps with the fight against climate change  57

The forest as a source of wood 58

The forest is a habitat for many animals, plants, and fungi  58

The forest as a place of recreation 58

How the Soul, Mind, and Body Benefit from Forest Bathing 59

The forest as a refuge for the stressed soul 60

The forest imparts mindfulness and serenity 61

The forest takes care of the awaken spirit 62

The forest is a delight for the respiratory system 62

The forest protects the cardiovascular system 63

Forest bathing stimulates the immune system 64

Forest bathing is balm for the musculoskeletal system  65

The Forest Alleviates Headaches 66

The Forest Ensures Restful Sleep 67

Guide to Forest Bathing 68

Breathe Consciously 72

Practices in the woods 76

Simple arm circles 76

Correct breathing 77

Easy breathing practices 77

Letting thoughts drift away 77

Breathing practices 77

Whispering breath 78

Lipp breaks 78

Diaphragmatic breathing 79

Yoga Pose 'The Tree' (Vriksasana) 80

Grounding exercise 82

Variation of the grounding exercise 82

Hug a tree 83

Taking root like a tree 84

Japanese Shinrin Yoku-Tradition 85

Forest bathing alone or with someone 87

Do you need organised forest bathing or forest bathing courses 89

Is forest bathing boring 91

Epilogue 94

A couple of words about the author 99

A sincere thank you 100

Dr. Angela Fetzners books 100

What is forest bathing in the first place?

The term Waldbaden refers to the conscious immersion in the unique atmosphere of the forest. We perceive the forest mindfully and with all our senses - in this way, we nourish and strengthen our body, mind, and soul. We are as if swimming in the green ocean of the forest, gradually sinking deeper into the woods. Like riding a wave, we let ourselves drift and intuitively absorb the healing powers of the forest.

The forest as a place of deceleration and healing

Especially in today's time of constant sensory overload and ever-increasing pace, the longing for deceleration and relaxation is growing.

Intense scent of pine, moss, damp forest floor - the forest, as a special place of power, exerts a strong healing effect on our psyche and our body.

Being in the forest makes us feel good, and we sense it intuitively. The forest grounds us, bestows strength, vitality, relaxation, serenity, and inner peace.

Furthermore, forest bathing strengthens the immune system and the body's resilience. The cardiovascular system and the musculoskeletal system also benefit from forest bathing.

Especially in mentally challenging situations, times of stress, as well as in cases of depression and anxiety disorders, forest bathing provides help.

All important topics about forest bathing - ranging from the latest scientific findings, practical exercises in the forest, to your personal guide to forest bathing - are described in this comprehensive and empathetic book.

Contents

•  What is forest bathing exactly? - How does forest bathing differ from a walk in the woods?

•  Your personal guide to forest bathing

•  How the soul, mind, and body benefit from forest bathing

•  Breathing and relaxation exercises in the forest

•  Personal forest impressions

•  What makes the forest's special effects?

•  Forest and tree knowledge

•  Why we