In Calabria for Shinrin-Yoku: bathing in the forest

Immerse yourself in the stillness of the wood, let yourself be enveloped by the sounds and scents of nature, connect with it.

Walk slowly, take deep breaths, stop and listen. It's called Shirin Yoku, or "bathing in the forest", a Japanese practice to regenerate mind and body.

If you have already felt like trying it, you can do so in Calabria, giving yourself a unique experience in one of the most beautiful and unspoilt places in the region.

Want to discover and experience the benefits of Shirin Yoku? Your next destination is the Serre Regional Park.  Wandering among streams and rocks, monumental beeches and majestic silver firs, you will reach the enchanting Archiforo Wood of Serra San Bruno (VV), a place steeped in spirituality and charm. 

The Japanese doctor Quing Li, an immunologist and one of the world's leading experts in "forest medicine", has included this evocative fragment of Calabria among the 40 destinations in the world in which to experience the "forest bath". Looking around, it is easy to understand what makes this place unique, which looks like the setting for a fairy tale, with the trees covered in a thick layer of moss and the rays of the sun illuminating the ground.

A little paradise for trekkers and simply for those who love walking in nature. Suffice it to say that inside the forest you can admire the largest fir tree in Europe, over 55 metres high.

But what does this increasingly popular and sought-after practice consist of? In a deep immersion in nature that stimulates the conscious attention of the mind, the five senses and bodily sensations.

You can listen to the sounds of the forest, discover and breathe in the scents and essential oils released by the trees, observe the light filtering through the branches, and feel deeply in touch with nature. 

To enjoy the benefits of this practice, it will be necessary to rely on an expert guide who will show you the sequence of steps in the ritual. Feeling better already? Thanks to Forest Bathing, numerous studies have in fact demonstrated its immediate benefits, such as the reduction of heart rate, blood pressure and levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Immersing yourself in the forest while feeling in harmony with nature strengthens your immune system, encourages concentration and relaxation.

And that's not all: bathing in the forest helps balance the autonomic nervous system, improve mood and strengthen the immune system.