Why is Forest Bathing Becoming so Popular?
When I saw an article entitled “Forest bathing costs $20 versus $300 spa treatments yet delivers same cortisol drop”, I became aware of something we offered for years before it became mainstream.
The article, published in World Day, describes how forest bathing, officially called Shinrin-yoku in 1982 when the Japanese officially endorsed forest bathing as a preventive health practice, is a less expensive way to decrease stress. In our culture, naturalists and conservationists intuitively knew this long before the official proclamation.
Why Visit Sewall House for Forest Bathing?
In the 1870s, a young Harvard student traveled to Sewall House. He was there to meet a guide, William Sewall, who had learned much from the local Natives about nature. The student, too, was considering becoming a naturalist. Instead, the student, Theodore Roosevelt, went on to become the 26th president of the United States and develop our National Park Service. Long before he entered the political arena, though, and while staying at Sewall House–at the time an informal inn–Roosevelt found a place beside the river at the end of the large lake. He went there to do his version of forest bathing: sitting in nature, reading his Bible. The spot Roosevelt visited is now called Bible Point State Historic Site, and it’s available as an expedition to our Sewall House guests.
8 Facts about Forest Bathing and Maine
Here are some facts about forest bathing and how Sewall House Yoga Retreat in northern Maine is in a perfect location for it.
- Twenty minutes of forest bathing significantly decreases stress hormones. It also increases natural killer cells, a type of white blood cell in your immune system that fights infections and cancer.
- Forest bathing reduces blood pressure and heart rate, which increases parasympathetic activity.
- With about 90% of its land area covered by forests, Maine is the most forested state in the U.S.
- The “Forest Bathing Life” app–yes there’s an app!–suggests that we suffer from “nature deficit”. That increases stress and anxiety, which causes inflammation, the root of many illnesses and ailments.
- Forest bathing helps us break the cycle of modern living.
- With a population density of 10 people per square mile, Northern Maine is a very peaceful place to be. Compare that to the population density of New York City — more than 29,300 people per square mile!
- Northern Maine is a unique and often overlooked part of the state. It’s characterized by its vast beauty, quiet solitude–perfect for forest bathing–and strong sense of community.
- Aroostook County, where Sewall House is located, is larger than Connecticut and Rhode Island combined. It’s the largest it county east of the Mississippi River.
Lastly, another fun fact: Sewall House offers a sauna and massage at a more reasonable prices than fancy spas. We also have excellent, experienced massage therapists, if you wish to add that to your retreat after some forest bathing.
Come to Sewall House for Forest Bathing (and more)
Sewall House is a great way for any city dweller to get out in nature. Our retreat offers several opportunities for forest bathing. From our front door, the Mattawamkeag River is less than a 5-minute walk. It’s just a bit farther to the Island Falls River Walk. Sewall House guests can also walk to and through the pine forest, which is right in town. While you are doing any of those activities, you may not see another soul, so you can enjoy time on your own. Other adventures, like a visit to Bible Point or a hike up Mount Chase, are also available. They are a little farther away, and well worth a car (or boat) trip for the beauty and solitude once you get there.
