The natural forest surrounding the Two Owls estate, as well as other forests in the Blatuša area, is an ideal place to immerse yourself in nature. The healing properties of trees have been known since ancient times, and more recently, scientists from Japan have thoroughly examined the therapeutic effects of the forest on humans.
Forests surrounding the family farm Two owls are mixed forests with deciduous and coniferous trees, characterized by a large biodiversity typical of natural wild forests. Among the trees, the most common are hornbeam, beech, chestnut oak, birch, pine and spruce.
Forest immersion (shinrin-yoku) therapy
Our ancestors attributed miraculous and healing properties to the forest. For example, it was believed that women who wanted to become pregnant should sit under a birch tree, while pregnant women should sit under a linden tree. Oaks were attributed special healing properties. Everything that came from the oak: bark, leaves, acorns, and especially mistletoe sprouted on the oak - it was considered medicinal.
Unfortunately, this connection with nature has recently been lost. Japanese culture continues to cultivate this bond as part of daily spiritual practice. Temples and places of prayer may not match the beauty of Europe's monumental cathedrals, but the gardens and nature surrounding these temples exude sublime beauty, peace, and harmony. Human beings are full, free and happy only when they are in harmony with nature.
Therefore, it is not surprising that the Japanese in the 1980s developed the concept of forest immersion (shinrin-yoku) as a method of preventing and treating diseases and examined the effects of this therapy in detail scientifically.
What are the benefits of forest immersion (shinrin-yoku) therapy?
Of the many benefits, here are some of the most notable:
- Strengthening the immune system and protecting against disease
You've probably noticed that the air in the forest is different from the air in the city. There is not only a lack of noise and pollution in the forest, but also a special atmosphere. Trees not only consume carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, but also release various compounds that drive away pests, attract pollinators and interact with their environment. They also secrete milk and resin to protect against microbes and heal wounds on their trunks and branches. All this has a positive effect on people and regulates the work of the immune system.
People with a weak immune system will experience an increase in immunity, and those with a hyperactive system that causes autoimmune disease will experience a decrease in chronic inflammation and an improvement in their condition.
Qing Li, a professor at the Nippon School of Medicine in Tokyo, measured the activities of human killer cells (NK cells) before and after their stay in the forest. NK cells are natural cells of our immune system that provide a quick response to viral infections and the formation of tumor cells. It has been shown that during the week after the stay in the forest, the activity of these cells increased significantly, and the effects are noticeable even a month after the visit to the forest.
- Decrease in cortisol (stress hormone) and blood pressure
A study conducted since 2004 by Japanese professor Yoshifumi Miyazaki found that slow walking through the forest lowered levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, by 12.4% compared to walking in an urban setting.
Another interesting study compared the health status of people who spent one day in the city noise and those who walked in the woods for 30 minutes during one day. The results were astounding: those who stayed in the forest had a slower heart rate and lower blood pressure. This group of people was calmer, more relaxed, and had lower cortisol levels.
A scientific study conducted in Japan on more than 700 participants showed that blood pressure in the forest environment is lowered, unlike in city streets, where pressure rises due to increased stress and noise.
- Better mental state and mood
A walk in the woods has a positive effect on human emotions. It stimulates the secretion of happiness hormones (endorphins, dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin). Unpleasant emotions such as fear, anger, sadness, depression and anxiety decrease, while feelings of joy, happiness and connection grow.
You are never alone in the forest, but you are connected to the life that thrives through plants, animals and birds. People who often stay in nature, among the trees, feel much better mentally, are in a better mood and are kinder to their surroundings.
- Faster recovery from illness and trauma
Dr. Roger Ulrich, an architect specializing in building healthcare facilities, conducted an interesting study that shows that just looking out the window at a green environment speeds up recovery from the disease. Therefore, it is not surprising that sanatoriums for recovery from various diseases are built in places with beautiful nature. If daily walks in the woods add to stays in these places, these effects are amplified even more.
Experience the healing power of nature
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Two Owls estate and experience the deep healing effects of the forest.