Forest Bathing: Melding Mindfulness with Nature

Forest therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, which translates to “forest bathing.” Studies have demonstrated a wide array of health benefits, especially in the cardiovascular and immune systems, and for stabilizing and improving mood and cognition. Today, we talk about forest bathing and nature therapy, or ecotherapy, with Harpreet Gujral, DNP FNP-BC, program director and nurse practitioner, Sibley Integrative Medicine, Sibley Memorial Hospital, Johns Hopkins Health System. Dr. Gujral is an integrative nurse practitioner and director of the inpatient surgical unit at HCA Healthcare in Reston, Virginia. The hospital has a special interest in the resilience and wellbeing of frontline healthcare providers. She incorporates her training in conventional nursing with aromatherapy, guided imagery and various Eastern modalities like ayurveda, mindfulness, and meditation. These are therapies that are enhanced by her roots in India. ◘ Related Content The Science Behind Forest Therapy https://www.natureandforesttherapy.earth/about/the-science Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs https://www.natureandforesttherapy.earth/about/the-practice-of-forest-therapy Psychology Today: Nature Therapy https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolutionary-psychiatry/201608/nature-therapy Healthline: Ecotherapy and the Healing Power of Nature https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/ecotherapy ◘ Transcript https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/transcript-forest-bathing-melding-mindfulness-nature-gw-office-of/?published=t ◘ This podcast features the song “Follow Your Dreams” (freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Ho…ur_Dreams_1918) by Scott Holmes, available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial (01https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) license. ◘ Disclaimer: The content and information shared in GW Integrative Medicine is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in GW Integrative Medicine represent the opinions of the host(s) and their guest(s). For medical advice, diagnosis, and/or treatment, please consult a medical professional.