Forest Bathing Spa Retreat

Shinrin-yoku is a term that means “taking in the forest atmosphere” or “forest bathing.” It was developed in Japan during the 1980s and has become a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine. A robust body of scientific literature now exists on the health benefits of spending time under the canopy of a living forest. Inspired by the Japanese practice and the emerging worldwide trend toward nature-based wellness practices, Osmosis is offering this one-day retreat in partnership with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs. Through training a world-wide network of Certified Forest Therapy Guides, this association is leading the effort to bring shinrin-yoku inspired practices to the United States and the rest of the world.

Our presenters:

M. Amos Clifford, the founder of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs and one of the world’s leading advocates for Forest Therapy. Along with Nicole Daspit, a Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Amos will facilitate a series of invitations that progressively deepen connection with the more-than-human world of nature. His perspective is that the forest itself is the therapist; as a guide, he opens the doors of sensing, embodiment, and presence that allow the forest to come into a person’s consciousness and do its healing work. For more information about forest therapy see www.nftg.org.

What to expect:

Expect a very leisurely walk with a series of guided invitations, ending with “shinrin-yoku tea,” a simple ceremony of drinking tea made of plants foraged along the trail.

The program includes a mindful Forest Bathing walk, a cedar enzyme foot-bath, a revitalizing 75-minute massage or facial, organic lunch, shinrin-yoku tea and time for quiet reflection in the gardens.