Forest Therapy is a practice that promotes healing and wellness through immersing oneself in the calming and restorative atmosphere of forests and other natural environments.  It was inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku ; Shinrin-Yoku means to “bathe in the atmosphere of the forest.”  The term emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a physiological and psychological exercise and describes the practice of spending time in the forest to soak up its health benefits.  The Japanese have thoroughly researched and discovered many positive health benefits of spending time in nature.  By immersing ourselves in nature and engaging our senses, we can reap the many benefits of forest therapy such as improved immune function, cardiovascular and respiratory health, and reduced stress and depression.

The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) was inspired by the Forest Bathing practices. The ANFT allows participants to achieve the health benefits associated with forest bathing, but also work on their relationships with themselves, Nature, and each other.