The relationship of the Japanese people with nature, particularly with forests, runs deep. In the Shinto religion, trees and forests are considered sacred and serve as places of prayer and worship. It was only a matter of time before the healing properties of the forest were scientifically studied and utilized.
Japan introduced forest bathing in the 1980s as a form of preventive healthcare. Since then, this practice has spread well beyond the borders of Japan, with an increasing number of people recognizing the benefits of forest bathing for their body, mind, and soul.
Retreats centered around forest bathing are often recommended and offered to introduce participants to the concept of forests and their soothing effect on the human psyche.