About Shinrin-Yoku or Forest Bathing
Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing is a practice that originated in Japan in the early 1980s to encourage people to go out to nature and take in the goodness of the forest. This practice encourages us to slow down our minds and bring our attention to the surrounding nature through our different senses. Re-connecting to the natural world is much needed even more so in today’s fast-paced world where technology can suck us into hours of mindless scrolling or tempt us to spend excessive time with our digital devices. Research has shown that forest bathing has many health benefits besides unplugging us from technology and helping us to unwind from a hectic lifestyle, as it also supports our body’s natural capacity for wellness and healing.
Some Health Benefits of Forest Bathing
- Reduces blood pressure and blood sugar levels
- Improves immunity system and energy
- Reduces stress and depression
- Improves sleep and sense of relaxation
- Improves mental health and clarity
- Increases concentration and creativity
- Improves cardiovascular and metabolic health
Why have a Guide?
Forest bathing is a practice that may already belong in your self-care toolkit. Having a guide is not a must, but some of us may have forgotten how to slow down, or we may simply prefer to have someone else support our journey to foster a deeper connection with the more-than-human world. As a certified guide under the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT), I will take you on a heart-centered nature experience through a series of sensory invitations and sharing circles where all is welcomed, and where the forest is the therapist.
For a forest bathing experience, fill in the interest form here.
Hey there! I'm Amelia
I am a cat mum and your next-door social worker with over a decade of work experience in the healthcare setting, a certified Reiki Master Teacher and most recently an ANFT certified Forest Therapy Guide. I also completed the Yoga for Svastha: Teacher Training & Personal Well-being Programme (RYS-200) in 2023 and continue to incorporate yoga and mindfulness as part of my wellness routine. I have always loved nature and am discovering more everyday, how connected we humans are with the more-than-human world. Being a Forest Therapy Guide has been my biggest calling yet, and I look forward to coming home to nature with you.
If you or someone you care about are open to a forest bathing experience in Singapore, feel free to complete the interest form or reach out to me via email at amelialimyar@gmail.com or WhatsApp at 96469657.