Welcome to
National Forest Therapies
Forest Bathing and Wellbeing Experiences in the Heart of the National Forest
Welcome to
Forest Bathing and Wellbeing Experiences in the Heart of the National Forest
Imagine yourself in beautiful wood, the birds are singing, and a stream is babbling along beside the path, trees are swaying gently in the breeze. Now you can take some deep breaths, your body starts to relax and a smile appears on your face. Your mind is calming and a feeling of happiness is emerging. When we can physically take ourselves to this place our bodies and mind are able to rest and repair, just one of the reasons why practising Forest Bathing is so beneficial for our mental and physical health.
Forest Bathing or Shinrin Yoku, as it is known in Japan, is fast becoming an important preventative health and wellness practice throughout the world. And it’s not just an enjoyable thing to do! There are over 30 years worth of research and evidence-based literature to show how we can protect and maintain our physical and emotional wellbeing. We do this by immersing our senses in the forests and other natural environments.
For articles and research of the benefits of spending time in nature CLICK HERE
The practise of Shinrin Yoku started in Japan and translates literally as ‘showering yourself in the forest’ but of course, we keep our clothes on and dress for the season!
When we engage in Forest Bathing, Nature becomes our therapist, and your trained guide leads you on a journey to open this door through a series of short ‘Invitations’ to help you slow down and use all your senses. You may find this unfamiliar, and it may take time to really engage with the sights, sounds, smells and textures in a relaxed way. It is a gentle yet profound practice that radiates deep into our nervous system by allowing us to shift down a gear and promote healing.
Self-care is a continual process of balancing to achieve optimal health and well-being of our mind and body. Forest Bathing is an enjoyable and effective way of helping us maintain this balance through connection with Nature.
We function best when we are in harmony with the natural world. Our culture and habits may have become more sophisticated but our nervous systems are still quite primitive. When we lose connection with our natural surroundings our bodies and minds begin to struggle, we have symptoms of dis-comfort and dis-ease. Many of us will instinctively go to a natural setting to recharge and relax, this shows us that time with the wildness of nature every day will help to heal our body, mind and soul.
My name is Andrene Alejandro founder of National Forest Therapies. I have bases in the leafy East Midlands and the coastal Isle of Man and offer therapies in both locations.
As one path leads to another, my career in allopathic healthcare led me to an interest in a more holistic and preventative approach to healing after some family health issues. I witnessed some very positive outcomes then went on to study and train in various modalities such as shiatsu, biodynamic craniosacral therapy and reiki.
Following the birth of my children, I became a passionate advocate for woman’s health, natural childbirth and breastfeeding, training as a lactation consultant and breastfeeding educator.
My continual curiosity for the natural world also moved me to embrace permaculture and biodynamic growing principles along with the benefits of wild food and herbal medicine.
Another path led me to train as a Forest Bathing Guide and Therapist which allows me to share my work with a focus on teaching self-care and wellbeing practices in local communities.
My passions lie in natural health and healing through nature connections with a focus on teaching self-care and sharing wellbeing practices in local communities. I am a member and volunteer of Whistlewood Common and the award-winning Wellbeing@ Whistlewood in Derbyshire a community-owned permaculture site and offer biodynamic craniosacral therapy and forest therapy/nature connection experiences and workshops.
As an advocate for natural skin and body care, I also offer advice and consultations as a Weleda Wellbeing Advisor.
I am a fully insured practitioner and certified in Outdoor Emergency First Aid. I always have a first aid kit on all Forest Therapy walks to ensure safety and your peace of mind.
Any further questions about Forest Therapies please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Forest Therapy is a more tailored nature-based intervention targeting specific physical and mental health needs. It focuses on the individual needs of the client, and the Invitations are created specifically to work in partnership with nature for the clients best experience.
Why do I need a guide?
Although it can be beneficial to walk alone, it is easy to allow our mind to become preoccupied. You may walk too quickly or find yourself lost in your thoughts, unintentionally disengaging from the natural surroundings. This may mean you miss the mental and physical health benefits. Or perhaps you might find the right meditative state of mind but find your self lost in the woods!
Normally we would use a ‘Guide’ or instructor for any new practice such as yoga and meditation- forest bathing is no different. We need time to become proficient with a new skill before you can develop your own personal practice.
To mark the end of every forest bathing session we have a small celebration of thanks, which can include a tea ceremony or eco-art creation. The guide will encourage you to reflect on your time in nature, and is trained to be a supportive witness and will encourage you towards new perspectives and insights.
Self-care is a continual process of balancing to achieve optimal health and well-being of our mind and body. Forest Bathing is an enjoyable and effective way of helping us maintain this balance through connection with Nature. We function best when we are in harmony with the natural world.