Forest Bathing
I could hardly believe my eyes - right here in the Brisbane's Bible Belt, its own local news magazine was proclaiming the benefits of something I have been doing for some years...forest bathing.
Now it would be a lie to say the article in the local rag advocated doing this nude, like I have always done, but by the same token it obviated the discussion of whether one should be clothed or not by simply just not mentioning it...
I don't know a single soul that when taking a bath, in the conventional way in a tub of water at least, who does this with their clothes on. So should we all just assume that to bathe in the forest one must also be nude? I for one think its a tacit assumption that one should be nude.
Of course some will argue that they go to the local baths in their swimming attire and that they bath in the surf in the same. But to me that's swimming (or surfing) not bathing and I can accept that some may opt to wear swim wear for those activities.
The article did make much mention of the benefits of immersing oneself in the forest. How it resets our natural rhythm, can dial down stress and tinnitus, improve blood flow and oxygen intake. Similar was said on the Chris Hemsworth TV series "Limitless" too. But again no mention of how much more these benefits are enhanced by being nude.
I don't know about you but I would like to see nude forest bathing to be legal. I know many on here go hiking nude, but this is not that rigorous and usually involves meditation or some form of static engagement with nature. I'm certain groups could find a walking track somewhere the you can perhaps enter clothed and go to a said destination where one can become nude, even with others, for as long as one likes. Then dress to return to the car...
What do you think? How would we be able to make it safe? How do we get the greater community to understand the benefits?
Forest bathing goes back to 1982 as a form of preventative health care. Initially proposed by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, it aimed to encourage people to immerse themselves in nature for better health. Whereas I agree that bathing is best done naked, you're the first I've read to connect forest bathing with nudity. I like your redefinition.
See https://advance.muschealth.org/library/2024/july/forest-bathing
RE: Forest Bathing
@stoneandy
Thanks for sharing that bit of history about forest bathing originating as a health initiative in JapanI hadn't realised it went back that far! It's fascinating how the Japanese Ministry recognised the healing power of nature and sought to integrate it into modern preventative healthcare.
For me, connecting forest bathing with nudity feels like a natural extension of the concept. After all, immersing oneself in the forest isn't just about being physically present; it's about reducing the barriers between us and the natural world. Clothes, while practical in many situations, often act as a psychological and physical layer of separation. Shedding them allows for a deeper, more intimate connection with the environmentfeeling the breeze on your skin, the sun's warmth, or the coolness of shaded earth underfoot.
I regularly bathe in the rivers and creeks of our national parks during my nude hikes, and its always a deeply refreshing and grounding experience. Theres something unparalleled about letting the water wash over you with no restrictionsboth physically and mentally. Its as though the forest and water together work in harmony to reset your natural rhythm.
It's also worth noting that nudity has its own stress-reducing and grounding effects. Combine that with the proven benefits of forest bathinglower stress, improved blood flow, and a better sense of well-beingand the potential for enhanced results is significant.
I believe the challenge lies in fostering understanding and creating safe, designated spaces where people can experience this connection without fear of judgment or legal repercussions. Perhaps pilot programs at specific locations, with clear guidelines and signage, could help ease public perception. Partnering with organisations that already advocate for naturism or environmental wellness could also be a step forward.
What do you think? Could a collaborative approach with local councils or health groups help make nude forest bathing more acceptable?
Forrest bathing has some similarities to air bathing which was invented in 1772. Air bathing was done nude to breath the healthy air through the skin. It is interesting that the japanese people dont do forrest bathing in the nude. We could combine both ideas make forrest air bathing and make a new trend.
American Benjamin Franklin was know to take daily air baths.Forrest bathing has some similarities to air bathing which was invented in 1772. Air bathing was done nude to breath the healthy air through the skin. It is interesting that the japanese people dont do forrest bathing in the nude. We could combine both ideas make forrest air bathing and make a new trend.
Lovely! I love that word is spreading in a magazine in the "Bible Belt" of Queensland Australia!
I hope people can be respectful about naturism.
If people spread the word and keep building rapport, and demystify the misconceptions and straw mans, I think naturism will grow in some of the more open-minded and perhaps some of even the less open-minded places if people set the record that "the benefits are for improving health."
It bugs me that some people think nudisty people or naturists are "unhealthy." No, there are benefits, and sometimes some cases are less healthy, but that isn't the majority. Naturism isn't inherently sexual even though there are types that might be, but we are not those types.
Anyway, I know that I said a lot, but it is very nice Australia's groups have an open mind about plenty of things.
Thank you for sharing!
I am working on finding how many naturists exist in Australia. I've been busy with other things that are not the main research, so I will be taking a little more time than I previously expected to figure out how many naturists exist there.
I often go for nude walks in the forest. It is good for the soul.
As for bathing, I have never understood why people put special clothing on to get wet.
As you rightly say, you don't take a bath or a shower with clothes on so why go swimming or bathing with them on?
Despite it being 2024, way too many people still have hangups about nudity.
I have read and studied this at length, and it seems the problem is being handed down through the generations - and it's only getting worse.
If you are going to forest bathe and take in the benefits of clean air, negative ions, the smells and senses of the area then by doing it naked you are being at one with nature - free from any textile restrictions of sense and sensation.
Yes, hangups against naturism are getting worse.
It is a problem.
So is pollution, but some places still hang on in this age.
Hiking I hear is great in national parks in Switzerland if you go in summer.
Food and lack of pollution is good in south France. I love south France. (Rhone - Alpes is great visiting location, Switzerland also nice.)
There are a couple of really good places in Northeast, in PA NJ NY VT, and MA, CT, and in MD, DC, and in CA, and in OR, WA, and plenty of naturism private sites, and of course in Arizona too. Never been, I just hear and read about them.
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