Description
The benefits of Forest Bathing and Ocean Ecotherapy
Staying grounded and centred in a busier world is the new challenge. Even though work life balance is something we all strive for, it takes effort and commitment to find and maintain this balance.
Connecting meaningfully with nature is the most effective way to ease the senses, ground the spirit and get back into a state of wellness and inner peace. This evidence-based practice has been shown to:
- Improve memory, focus and concentration
- Lower the heart rate and blood pressure
- Strengthen the immune system allowing faster healing
- Enhance mental and emotional wellbeing
- Help the body absorb Vitamin D for good bone health
- Reduced aches and pains
Nature offers us her bounty at any time we choose. Nature therapy gives you the opportunity to slow down, deepen your connection to the earth and heighten your senses.
Nature Therapy is a way to wellness.
“Worth every cent. The ability to lose yourself in nature was great”
“This was an incredible experience that allowed me to reconnect with myself, my partner and nature. I feel more relaxed, happy and energised. I can’t wait to come back”
Forest Bathing
Originating in Japan, Forest Bathing or ‘Shinrin-yoku’ is a gentle guided wellbeing practice. Its popularity grew in the 1980’s, yet its roots go back centuries. The term ‘shinrin-yoku’ loosely translates in English to ‘forest bath’, meaning to connect with nature and to soak in its beneficial atmosphere. Although the name might suggest otherwise, Forest Bathing is a land based activity.
Japan’s relationship with the natural environment is deep. It’s one of the most intimate, and harmonious relationships in the modern world. This relationship has benefited it’s people over many years and today Forest Bathing is prescribed by Japanese medical practitioners as a way to wellbeing. Forest Bathing has been shown to improve memory, lower heart rate, reduce blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, and enhance emotional wellbeing.
Locations include the Himeji Japanese Garden in the city, and a special old growth forest within Belair National Park. There is always carparking and bathroom facilities nearby. Other locations are possible upon request.
We offer an optional pick-up and drop-off service too from city hotels and the Cruise Ship Passenger Terminal.
Details
- Type: Forest Bathing
- Main Destinations:
→ Himeji Garden (Adelaide City)
→ Belair National Park (Belair) - Traditional Country: Kaurna
- Group Size: max 12 plus facilitator
- When: Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday
→ weekly 2 hour events
→ monthly 3 hour events - Price:
→ $33 for 2 hours
→ $65 for 3 hours - Private sessions: connect with us
Inclusions
- Light morning tea
- Park fees
- Accessible transport (to and from)
Fitness Requirement
- A basic level of fitness
Ocean Ecotherapy
Nature therapy by the ocean is also called ‘thalassotherapy” which comes from a Greek word “thalassa,” meaning sea or ocean. The ancient Greeks knew the healing powers of the sea. Hippocrates who is known as the father of modern medicine discovered that sea water had potent healing powers.
Seawater is cleansing, helps to heal wounds, prevents infections and eases pain. It is also effective in easing symptoms of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, chronic eczema and arthritis.
You don’t need to be in the water to experience the benefits of ocean therapy. Nature therapy ‘ocean eco-therapy’ experiences in Adelaide occur along quiet and picturesque beach locations and don’t always involve getting into the sea. Each small group experience includes a slow mindful wander and sitting amongst sand dunes and the beach. The sand dune wander is through coastal vegetation on an accessible trail.
The coastal places we visit have carparking and bathroom facilities nearby. We also offer an optional pick-up and drop-off service too from city hotels and the Cruise Ship Passenger Terminal.
Details
- Type: Ocean Ecotherapy
- Main Destination: West Lakes Shore
- Traditional Country: Kaurna
- Group Size: max 12 plus facilitator
- Duration: 2 hours
- When: Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday dates
- Price: $33 per person
- Private sessions: connect with us
Inclusions
- Light morning tea
- Accessible transport (to and from)
Fitness Requirement
- A basic level of fitness
Why Choose Us
Our Nature Therapy events all started after returning from a pilgrimage trek to Japan in early 2018. Inspired by what we experienced, we started including periods of silence during all our guided walks.
After introducing these mindful minutes, our walkers commented on their positive impact. They enjoyed the chance to appreciate and form a deeper connection to the natural environment surrounding them.
Seeking a deeper understanding, owner Lisa undertook training. She became a trained Forest Therapy Guide through ANFT (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy) in 2021. Now, we have certified guides that facilitate opportunities for others to benefit from meaningful connections with nature.
In Adelaide, Kaurna Country, we are very fortunate to have a wonderful natural environment. With a diverse and varied landscape nearby, it allows us to regularly offer nature therapy in the forest and also by the ocean.
Connect deeper with nature
Private, corporate and accessible event enquiries welcome. Location and duration can be customised to suit your needs.
