Have you heard of forest bathing yet? No, it’s not taking a bath in the woods! The Japanese term Shinrin-yoku is loosely translated to “taking in the forest atmosphere”. Japanese medicine has been using forest bathing as a means of preventive healthcare since the 1980s. The NCBI (a branch of the National Institutes of Health) conducted field experiments in 24 forests in Japan. Their “results show that forest environments promote lower concentrations of cortisol (stress hormone), lower pulse rate, lower blood pressure . . . than do city environments.” Studies have also shown that Shinrin-yoku can also lower blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.
So how can you get in on this latest health benefit? Come “bathe” in our forest! Tiffany’s Bed and Breakfast sits on 62 acres of woodlands. Take a slow walk under the canopy of our living forest. Breathe, wander, listen, and relax. “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home. Wilderness is a necessity” – John Muir.
We recommend following up your forest bathing with a mineral bath in one of Hot Springs’ Bath Houses. Experience the traditional thermal bathing at Buckstaff Bathhouse, or immerse yourself in one of four thermal pools at Quapaw Baths and Spa. It is said that Hot Springs doctors would prescribe a regimen of 14 – 21 days of thermal baths, rest, and hiking in the National Park. I think 21 days of that schedule could cure anything that ails you!