(森林浴) Shinrin Yoku
Dr. Qing Li Associate professor at Nippon Medical School in Tokyo is one of the leading experts on forest-bathing. He is also the author of The Japanese Art and Science of Forest Bathing. How trees can help you find Health and Happiness.
Our relationship with the forest
We all know that being in nature makes us feel good but do we know how good it is for our heath and well being! We know that being in the forest can improve our mood, help us sleep better, lower our blood pressure. It can help with PTSD, ADHD, mental and emotional stress. It also helps boost the immune system this is just a few of the wonderful benefits of spending time in nature. Here is a link to a study done in Xitou,Taiwan showing that the NK cells in the forest group were 9.1% higher than the Urban group.
NK cells can kill tumor cells by releasing anti-cancer proteins, such as perforin, GRN, and GrA/B, and forest bathing trips increase NK activity and the intracellular level of anti-cancer proteins, this studies findings suggest that forest bathing trips may have a preventive effect on cancer generation and development. This information was found here : https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=&term=forest%20bathing%20
Here is another great article Effects of Forest Bathing trips on human immune function. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2793341/#:~:text=Because%20NK%20cells%20can%20kill,effect%20on%20cancer%20generation%20and
Forest Bathing can be done anywhere and virtual as well. Once you experience it you can continue to benefit from Forest bathing in your daily routine. I have been on guided walks virtually in New England and right from my front porch. I have some plants that I tend to and this brings me great joy. One guide spoke about how they practiced forest bathing with a few people in an urban parking lot under one oak tree.
Forest bathing can be practice just about anywhere with a plant or tree.
My connection with nature has grown deeper as I continue my studies. My love for nature has now become a love affair with nature.
What is the history of our land in Seminole Florida? Who were the first to inhabit this land?
This photo was taken out of the car window in the Everglades. I would love to paint this someday.
Seminole, Florida United States
The first people who inhabited our land were the Calusa and Tocobaga Indians now extinct, then the Seminole N. American tribe of Creek origin and Muskogean language settled here. Simano'-li a Creek word meaning separatist or "runaway" because the Seminoles would not surrender to Spaniards instead they fought for their land in three undeclared wars with the US. More history about the Seminole Indians here https://www.semtribe.com/stof/history/introduction
The Seminole Indians run one of the largest cattle operations in the US to this day. They own Hard Rock Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood. They keep many of their traditions alive today: patchwork, sewing, chickee building (hut or house) and alligator wrestling.
There are more than 3,000 Seminoles living on six reservations in the state of Florida today.
Do you want to learn more about the land you live on click here https://native-land.ca/
What is the difference between "wild tending" and leave "no trace"?
John Muir saw this first hand while in California. The Native American knowledge of how to tend for the land without changing its landscape. They harvested, hunted burned and planted without damage to the ecosystem living sustainably.
Tending the Wild by M. Kat Anderson is a great book to learn more.
Leave no trace is simple pack out what you brought in. I always have extra bags on me so if I see trash along my way I will pack it out with me. A little love goes a long way.
My next blog we will talk about creating or finding your sit spot.
I would like to invite you to join me on a
Forest Therapy walk
March 5th at 10:00
Click below to sign up It's my gift to you
If you want to text or call me 727 455-6263
Peace, Love & Explore
Donna
