What Is Forest Bathing?
Definition, Practice
& Science
Forest Bathing is a nature-based well-being practice that enhances our natural ability to adapt to changes in our lives in healthier, more positive ways, supporting a better quality of life. It is underpinned by principles of mindfulness, engaging with nature through a sensory and emotional connection with the natural and social environments. It encourages a state of effortless attention.
Forest Bathing is a structured well-being practice, led by trained guides who design sessions around Nature Connection Activities and connection with nature.
Forest Bathing is about slowing down, opening the senses, and allowing the natural environment to support health, as a healthy habit that can be experienced with or without a guide.
Watch
Forest Bathing in 2 minutes
A short introduction to the practice, what happens in a session, and the role of an FTHub Certified Guide.
How does a Forest Bathing session work?
A Forest Bathing session led by an FTHub Certified Forest Bathing Guide follows FTHub’s Walk Activities Sequence, a sequence of Nature Connection Activities, designed to create meaningful moments and integrate the results of nature exposure. Sessions typically last 1 to 3 hours.
What is the role of a Forest Bathing Guide?
An FTHub Certified Forest Bathing Guide offers Nature Connection Activities structured in a carefully designed sequence that aims to create experiences enhancing nature connectedness and strengthening social relationships, boosting the therapeutic and restorative effects of nature for health and well-being.
HEALTH BENEFITS
What are the Health Benefits of Forest Bathing?
Research on Shinrin-Yoku and Forest Bathing has documented measurable health benefits.
- Reduced cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone
- Lower blood pressure and heart rate
- Increased natural killer cell activity, a marker of immune function
- Improved mood, and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Enhanced immune function and attention restoration
- Greater nature connectedness and subjective well-being
- Strengthened social relationships and sense of community
The Forest Therapy Institute Lab at FTHub contributes to this evidence base through internationally funded research across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
Who it's for
Who can Benefit from Forest Bathing?
Forest Bathing is accessible to most people, regardless of fitness level. Sessions are slow, gentle, and adapted to the group. Common participants include individuals seeking stress relief, corporate teams addressing burnout, older adults, people managing anxiety, and anyone wanting to deepen their relationship with nature.
For populations with specific health needs that require a higher level of professional practice, the FTHub Certified Forest Therapy Practitioner program is more appropriate. The FTHub certification pathway clearly distinguishes between well-being-oriented Forest Bathing (health promotion) and population-specific Forest Therapy (intervention and rehabilitation).
Forest Bathing in Health Systems
In FTHub’s framework, Forest Bathing fits into health promotion and primary prevention. It encourages healthy lifestyles, stress and burnout prevention, emotional intelligence, and quality of life. It can be integrated into Nature-Based Solutions, Nature Prescriptions, and Social Prescriptions frameworks.
Become a GUIDE
How do you become a Forest Bathing Guide?
ONLINE
The FTHub Certified Forest Bathing Guide 100% live online program provides 12 weeks of training with 24 weeks of full access. There are no fixed start or end dates, and you can shape your own calendar. The program covers session design using the Walk Activities Sequence, Nature Connection Activities, the FTHub Method, the Liquid Interactions Model, group facilitation, risk assessment, and the science of nature-health interactions.
The Level 1 FTHub Certified Nature Connection Specialist training is optional. You can enroll in the Forest Bathing Guide directly, and upon completion, you will receive your certificate and a free membership to Hub Seedlings Pro Annual.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Forest Bathing, and how is it different from hiking?
Forest Bathing is a nature-based well-being practice focused on sensory and emotional connection with nature, supporting health promotion and disease prevention. Unlike hiking, which focuses on physical exercise and distance, Forest Bathing focuses on presence, sensory engagement, and connection. Sessions follow FTHub’s Walk Activities Sequence.
Do you need a guide for Forest Bathing?
Forest Bathing can be experienced with or without a guide. However, professional sessions designed and facilitated by a trained FTHub Certified Forest Bathing Guide use specific techniques, Nature Connection Activities structured in a carefully designed sequence, to deepen the experience and support health outcomes. Research on health benefits is largely based on guided, structured sessions.
Become a Certified Guide
Train with FTHub and turn nature into a healthy practice for others
