Originally from Japan, sylvotherapy refers to a practice of care in contact with trees. Developing in France, very fashionable in the United States, and practiced for several decades in Japan, the forest bath would have unsuspected virtues, both in our body and in our mind.

Latin silva, the term sylvotherapy is still new in France, where it has been practiced for about five years. This technique of relaxation and meditation in contact with trees is extremely well regarded in Japan, where it originated. Also called “tree hugging” in the United States, it therefore consists of coming into contact with trees in a forest, in order to recover the energy that they can transmit to humans. In practice, the participants take walks in the forest, in full consciousness, preferably without shoes, in order to better come into contact with the roots and leaves of the trees. We literally embrace the trees, surrounding them with our arms, in order to receive their energy.

Several scientific studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of sylvotherapy on cases of depression, with a decrease in the state of stress in the subject, a decrease in nervous tension, and an improvement in concentration, attention, and the system. immune. It has even been shown that not all trees have the same power. For example, the holm oak would allow us to calm down, to find peace again; while birch would boost self-esteem.

Of course, this is based first of all on the established fact that contact with nature is conducive to harmonious physical and psychic development. The more we frequent nature, the more it does us good. The key: disease prevention, reduction of general fatigue, improvements in cognitive abilities.

But trees have an additional advantage: they emit, according to studies, odorous molecules, called terpenes. This particular smell, we know it well, and recognize it with each walk in the forest. This inhalation acts on our central nervous system and produces the hormones of happiness: dopamine and serotonin.

Finally, it is to insist on mindfulness which reinforces the appeasement created by sylvotherapy. Indeed, if we walk without thinking about it or without really tasting our walk or the contact with nature, nothing or almost nothing happens. Being fully aware of it in the moment allows us to absorb it to its maximum benefit.

The effects are therefore immediate, especially on chronic stress, by reducing cortisol levels and heart rate.

At the rate of once a week, sylvotherapy would bring all the benefits previously expected.

What if you don’t live near a forest, but in the city?

It is not necessarily mandatory to go to the forest to enjoy the benefits of this therapy. You just have to find a park with trees, a public garden or even just by becoming aware of the energy of trees in the middle of city streets.

Regarding the practice itself, it is necessary to set aside a little time, about half a day, by cutting off all connection to the outside world, to get the most out of your therapy.

You can choose to sit in the middle of the forest or near the trees of the chosen park, or walk 2 to 3 kilometers. It may be helpful to take a few mindful breaths at the start and end of your walk. These breathing exercises further promote slowing of the heart and reducing blood pressure.

Finally, if you want to go further, you can try “tree hugging”, the tree hug. Pick a tree that you find beautiful, tall, healthy. Trust your instincts for this choice. First of all, observe it for a few minutes, from the bottom up. Then prepare for its contact: step forward, close your eyes and hug the chosen tree. Breathe calmly and deeply during the embrace, trying to focus on how you are feeling, and the emotions that are coming up.

There is no recommended duration: when you feel that you have sufficiently connected to the energy of this tree, withdraw your arms.

Some people prefer to wear sleeves, or even gloves, for this entwining, in order to protect themselves from insects and irritating plants that can grow on trees. Others will go in “skin to skin” contact with the tree.

Anyway, this conscious walk in the middle of nature, accompanied by a hug (or not) to a tree, can only promote a return of serenity, relaxation and better energy.