Switch mode

Forest Bathing

Meander through clearings, stretch out underneath the treetops or simply breathe in the scent of the leaves and the fresh mountain air. «Shinrin-yoku», or «forest bathing», is a very popular form of nature therapy in Japan. Sports scientist Anne-Marie Flammersfeld calls this technique «natural awareness».

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2021 Forest Bathing 01 Peter Wey Stocksy 663102 Ecirgb

´We observe, analyse, describe and make a connection with thoughts and images from our everyday lives. Positive psychology is so important here, with the focus on all the best bits of being human like happiness, optimism, feelings of safety and security, trust and confidence. Spending time surrounded by nature empowers and grounds us, whilst providing healing power on all levels.´

´All you need to indulge in a spot of forest bathing is a forest and yourself. In fact, it may be best to take a group of good friends with you to start with. That way, you can all discuss what you saw and share your own interpretations later. But remember that this is not a time to be thinking about sport!´

´Children have a wonderfully imaginative way of looking at the world. And so if you are accompanied by a little forest guide, you’re sure to be amazed at the things you see that you’d have otherwise missed or looked at in a different way.´

“The number one rule is to go slow. Every movement needs to be slowed right down and you need to give your eyes plenty of time to take in the forest setting.”

The idea is to be present and stop thinking. It’s important to be curious, attentive and open-minded

´As soon as I get out into nature, I become so much more aware of my surroundings. I notice minute details that make me smile and help me to feel grounded. Forest air contains 90% fewer dust particles than city air. Is it really any wonder that the forest has an almost magical appeal?´

´The forest absorbs chemical neurotransmitters, also known as terpenes, which act like a catalyst in the body. They strengthen the immune system, the mind and the nervous system. A study conducted in 1984 found that a view of nature was enough to have a positive impact on the recovery process of patients who had just come out of surgery.´

´You could even try walking barefoot on the ground to feel the woodland properly beneath your feet. It doesn’t actually matter if you are in a city park or a mountain forest. In fact, you’d be surprised by the wonderful things you can discover on a balcony filled with plants!´

Anne-Marie Flammersfeld
Sports scientist
allmountainfitness.ch

Related Stories

The Widder Hotel is a fascinating amalgamation of townhouses from the 15th century spread across nine medieval buildings in the centre of Zurich’s old town. These structures have been skilfully combined to create space for 48 distinctive rooms and one exceptional Penthouse Suite.

Discover more

Zurich is the largest Swiss city – with vineyards. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were 400 hectares of vineyards across what is now the city. Today there are still 14 hectares planted with all kinds of varieties. Of course, there used to be many more.

Discover more

I swiftly glance at my watch to be sure. Yes, it has indeed been only 38 minutes since I shut off my laptop at home in Zurich’s Seefeld district, and the moment I find myself in now, checking in with the concierge at the Dolder Grand’s SPA. It’s only early afternoon, but I feel I’ve done enough work for today. Admittedly, this renders my spontaneously booked hometown beauty getaway that tiny bit more decadent. I have brought a book along in the hopes of some peace and quiet, but … would you like to join me instead?

Discover more

Not short of its fair share of bars and cocktail lounges, Zurich boasts a bar for every type of patron. From white glove service to underground grunge and contemporary mixology, we feature ten of our favourite watering holes in the city.

Discover more

Mummy, is that lady in a bathrobe and towel turban the mother of the richest man in the world? One of my daughters asked me that while we more or less tiptoed into the Grand Hôtel du Lac Spa, trying not to be too obvious with our espionage.

Discover more

Founded in 1834, the iconic Hotel des Bergues was Switzerland’s first palace and Geneva’s very first hotel. A weighty landmark in its own right, it is considered by many as the number one address in town among the many upscale waterfront hotels that host Geneva’s well-to-do visitors flocking in from all four corners of the planet.

Discover more

It would be a bit of a stretch, considering I can hardly breathe in an underwired bra – but nonetheless, I can’t help picturing myself swanning daintily through the extra-wide, historic halls of Montreux’ legendary Le Fairmont Palace in my hooped skirts. But I’ll be damned if I let my old-timey daydreams get in the way of three days of proper pampering on the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva.

Discover more