Afghan walking, sylvotherapy and Japanese forest bathing (shinrin-yoku): therapeutic benefits of walking in nature.
Afghan walking is a breathing-rhythmed walking technique inspired by Afghan caravan traders capable of covering 60 kilometres daily for weeks in Afghanistan's mountains. Developed by Édouard Stiegler in the 1980s, this method synchronizes step count with inhalation, retention and exhalation phases.
Sylvotherapy — from Latin silva (forest) and Greek therapeia (care) — is a therapeutic practice using contact with trees and the forest environment to improve physical and mental health. Scientific studies have demonstrated that volatile compounds emitted by trees (phytoncides) strengthen the immune system, reduce cortisol and lower blood pressure.
Shinrin-yoku (森林浴, literally 'forest bathing') is a Japanese preventive health practice consisting of immersing oneself in the forest atmosphere using all senses. Launched in 1982 by the Japanese Forestry Agency as a national public health programme, it has since been the subject of over 100 scientific studies demonstrating benefits on immune, cardiovascular and nervous systems.