We know it intuitively -- time in a garden, by the water, or on a welcoming trail just feels good!

"These past few weeks I've had many balls in the air. Your forest walk was just what I needed.
I'm surprised by how calm and de-stressed I am. It really did help to re-charge me.
It's the nature element I need to ground myself -- meditation and other 'tools' alone aren't enough."
                                                                                                                         - Lana D.

Scientific research offers compelling evidence for the benefits of nature and forest therapy. This kind of slow, meditative time in nature is needed in our over-scheduled, on-the-go culture. It's also helpful for people who have health issues and have to slow down as they recover. And it can be an important way to re-kindle our relationship with Nature, and awaken gratitude and wonder.

Scientific studies show that nature and forest time can:

• Reduce blood pressure and stress-related hormones (cortisols);
• Increase ability to focus, even in children with ADHD;
  
• Improve mood and decrease “rumination” (repetitive thoughts and worries)
  
• Accelerate recovery from surgery or illness;
• Boost immune system functioning;
• Increase energy levels;
• Improve sleep.
  

A Forest Therapy practice can also support health from a broader perspective by:

• Strengthening a sense of connection and relationship with ourselves, other people, and the "more-than-human" world;
  
• Deepening connection to intuition;
  
• Enhancing creativity and innovation;
  
• Increasing teamwork and pro-environmental action.
  

Read more about the science here.

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Disclaimer
This disclaimer applies to all information on this site, and to all services, products and courses offered. No service, course, or product offered by Forest Therapy Ottawa is intended, in any way to be a substitute or replacement for licensed medical care. In addition, the information and techniques on this site do not constitute medical advice.
Always seek medical advice from a qualified doctor or practitioner in the case of serious illness.  Forest Therapy Ottawa & its owner will not act as a therapist or counsellor and does not diagnose, treat, or provide cures for any medical condition.