US Forest Bathing

It might seem impossible to get away from the constant barrage of news these days. But at an urban North Carolina arboretum, people are “bathing” in nature to wash away the stress. The Sunday morning session at the J.C. Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh was led by certified forest therapy guide Shawn Ramsey. Jingling a tiny brass bell, she called her dozen or so charges to gather for meditation, breathing exercises and to commune with nature. Based on the Japanese wellness practice of Shinrin-yoku, Ramsey noted that the activity has been known to reduce stress, improve mood, lower blood pressure and boost the immune system.