Publisher's Synopsis
Shinrin Yoku: "taking in the forest atmosphere," the medicine of simply being in the forest, "forest bathing."From the healing properties of phytoncides (self-protective compounds emitted by plants) to the ways we can benefit from what forest spaces can teach us, Forest Bathing: The Rejuvenating Practice of Shinrin Yoku discusses the history, science and philosophy behind this age-old therapeutic practice. Examples from the ancient Celts to Henry David Thoreau remind us of the ties between humankind and the natural world-ties that have become more and more elusive to Westerners.This book uses traditional Japanese concepts to help readers understand and share in the benefits of the Japanese approach to forest bathing-a cornerstone of healing and health care in Japan. These concepts include:
- Yugen: our experience of this world that is so profound as to be beyond expressionKomorebi: the interplay of leaves and sunlightWabi sabi: rejoicing in imperfection and impermanence
