The woman lives in seclusion, healing her spirit through the art of "forest bathing".

Japan, a country with a long-standing culture, has developed a form of medicine called "forest bathing," also known as "Shinrin-yoku"—a therapy that helps people relieve stress and anxiety.

Simply put, forest bathing doesn't mean bathing in the forest or having to walk or run. It's about immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the forest and connecting with it through your five senses.

Seek out forest bathing for mental healing.

Nguyen Thi Tuyet (Dharma name Dieu Lien) is a woman who lives in seclusion, healing her spirit through the art of "forest bathing" in Van Phong Bay, Khanh Hoa. From the perspective of a long-time meditator who dislikes crowded places, she believes the essence of forest bathing is meditation in the forest, meaning that a person becomes aware of the present moment through all five senses.

Amidst the natural landscape where Nguyen Thi Tuyet lives, and in exceptionally favorable natural conditions that help people enter a state of ultimate mindfulness, she sought out everything suitable to create her own unique style and thus came to forest bathing – a mindful lifestyle, a trend in the spa and resort industry.

In 2015, she participated in a forest bathing instructor training course organized by the American Association for Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT). She hoped to bring this program to Vietnam, but due to her busy schedule, she didn't begin her journey as a forest bathing instructor until 2019. The training process also helped her hone her communication skills, focusing on minimizing her ego.

Almost every jungle bathing trip is guided by an instructor, and participants learn to pause and appreciate the surrounding nature.

"I enjoy being a forest bathing instructor because it's a way to practice letting myself fall to my lowest point in interacting with people. I'm passionate about this activity because I get to see and witness 'nature is the greatest healer' through the experiences of the participants," she shared.

Nguyen Thi Tuyet believes that people come here to rejuvenate their energy in a spacious, beautiful natural environment. Activities such as meditation and yoga aim to connect with nature for therapeutic purposes, rather than simply for entertainment like other forms of tourism.

Rejuvenate body, mind, and spirit with a "forest bath."

Shinrin-yoku originated in Japan in the 1980s, combining the words "forest" and "bathroom," and translates to "forest bathing." At that time, people were experiencing negative impacts from the technological boom, such as depression, lack of concentration, and pain.

Researchers have shown that walking in the forest helps lower blood pressure and cortisol (the stress hormone), and improves concentration and memory. This has created a healthier lifestyle for people of all ages, seen as a form of emotional therapy or healing through experiencing life in a natural environment.

Nguyen Thi Tuyet shared: "Forest bathing therapy involves going for guided forest bathing, with the guide offering various suggestions to participants to follow the intended purpose and experience the mountains and forests as much as possible."

Numerous studies have shown positive results, indicating that spending time near trees helps reduce stress, improve mood, lower heart rate and blood pressure, increase concentration, boost the immune system, and promote better sleep. Simply put, trees can heal both our minds and our bodies.

Forests contain compounds in which plants secrete natural oils as they fight insects for survival, known as phytoncides. Phytoncides, also called plant chemicals, are easily recognizable through the scent of plants and essential oils, helping to reduce stress, uplift spirits, clear the mind, promote clear thinking, and foster optimism. That's why people often feel energized when walking in the forest.

"People often find it difficult to break free from a multitude of thoughts, wasting a lot of energy on restless minds. Most of us get caught up in unnecessary streams of thought. With the guide's suggestions, each individual can break free from that stream of thought and immerse themselves in nature. It's simply an easy way to recharge one's energy," she said.

By practicing this method, one's mind seems to stop, free from thoughts and worries, thus avoiding energy depletion. In a quiet space and in contact with nature, one's perspective becomes clearer than usual, and thoughts become more coherent.

When asked by Travellive about the difficulties faced by Nguyen Thi Tuyet and other participants on their jungle bathing trips, they almost all mentioned encountering insects while relaxing and immersing themselves in the mountains and forests. The most important factor when going jungle bathing is having a safe forest area.

She added: “Each person’s experience of forest bathing connects with nature in many different ways and evokes completely different feelings. At this moment, their minds are open, their bodies are relaxed and as comfortable as possible, unhindered by worries or fears. These are things that cannot be expressed in words, but can only be felt when completely immersed in nature, sometimes even exceeding the guide’s expectations.”

"Nature is the best healer."

"Connect with nature as much as possible, live authentically to connect with nature in the most genuine way," said Nguyen Thi Tuyet.

We are often caught up in the whirlwind of work and the hustle and bustle of daily life, and not everyone has the opportunity or time to experience forest bathing. Instead of constantly staring at your phone screen, make the most of your time connecting with nature.

At the very least, each individual can have a balcony full of plants and flowers to admire and breathe in the fresh air every day. Or a few nature photos to decorate the house, a walk in the park… all of which bring a special feeling.

"It's not just about the refreshing sensations; forest bathing brings about a very profound connection, or a moment of enlightenment," shared Nguyen Thi Tuyet.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao