Breathe, heal, and reconnect

HERE'S something about stepping into a forest that instantly feels like a breath of fresh air — literally and figuratively. The scent of the moist soil, the rustling of leaves, the distant call of birds — it's as if nature is wrapping you in a quiet embrace, urging you to slow down. This is the essence of forest therapy, or shinrin-yoku, a practice that goes beyond just taking a walk in the woods.

- DARSHITA JAIN

"Forest therapy is a practice that involves immersing oneself in forest environments to enhance mental and physical well-being. It works by engaging the senses—listening to natural sounds, observing greenery, and breathing in fresh air—which can lower stress hormones like cortisol, improve mood, and boost overall health," explains Dr. Nithin Kondapuram, a consultant psychiatrist at Aster Prime Hospital, Hyderabad. Unlike a regular walk in a park, forest therapy is about complete sensory immersion.

"For example, in South India, forests such as the Nallamala Hills in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana offer tranquil spaces for reflection and relaxation. These forests are deeply intertwined with cultural and spiritual practices like Vana Bhojanam (forest dining) and nature pilgrimages like Sabarimala, emphasizing nature's healing power," he adds and it's about truly being in nature, not just moving through it.