Dip a Toe as Japan's Forest Bathing Idea Comes to India

Located amidst perfectly textured mountains and spread over an area of 13 acres, India&rsquos first forest healing centre has come up at Ranikhet in Uttarakhand. 

The centre is inspired by the Japanese technique of shinrin-yoku. 'Shinrin' in Japanese means 'forest', and 'yoku' means 'bath' - shinrin-yoku means taking in the forest through our senses.

The activities around the centre is based on a detailed study by the research team of Uttarakhand Forest Department on the revitalising impact of forests on human health, the centre has come up with numerous heath benefits. Upon entering, signboards guide you to special area with designated activites like walking barefoot.&nbspLittle wooden structures, called tree platforms, provide a calm and serene environment to meditate in the lush green surroundings.

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Announcing the launch of the centre, Sanjiv Chaturvedi, the Chief Conservator of Forests, said that tree hugging produces good hormones in the body like oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine. &nbspHe added that the centre is located in a forest surrounded by pine trees as these trees produce phytoncides which defend themselves from various microbes and pathogens. They also help in increasing immunity and fight infections in our body.

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Inaugurated by noted environmentalist Joginder Bisht, the forest healing centre was opened on March 7 for the public.

So go ahead, open your senses and bridge the gap between yourself and the natural world.