Shinrin-yoku

In Japan, a forest bathing trip, called Shinrin-yoku in Japanese, Samrimyok in Korean, is a short, leisurely visit to a forest and is regarded as being similar to natural aromatherapy.^[1]

A forest bathing trip involves visiting a forest for relaxation and recreation while breathing in volatile substances, called phytoncides (wood essential oils), which are antimicrobial volatile organic compounds derived from trees, such as a-pinene and limonene. Incorporating forest bathing trips into a good lifestyle was first proposed in 1982 by the Forest Agency of Japan. It has now become a recognized relaxation and/or stress management activity in Japan.