Forest bathing, or what is known in Japanese as shinrin-yoku, is the cornerstone of preventive healthcare and healing in Japanese medicine. The concept was first established in Japan in the 1980s, and since then has been backed by multiple South Korean and Japanese studies.
The studies have found direct correlation between numerous health benefits and the exposure to a living forest, as in visiting a natural area.
Some of the most significant health benefits that a person can get from exposure to forests are boosted immune system, lower blood pressure, lower stress levels, improved mood, increased focus, and better sleep.
In addition, it can also help increase creativity, allows a person to relax, and increases happiness.
This is the reason why the Philippine Wood Producers Association (PWPA) is advocating more people to experience forest bathing.
“We all know what our forests do for our environment,” said PWPA chairman Charlie Liu. “Forest bathing goes beyond that and shows what a healthy forest can do for individuals. It is heartening that more and more Filipinos are choosing to discover the health benefits of our forests through forest bathing.”
Aside from encouraging more Filipinos to visit their forests, PWPA is campaigning for the protection of the country’s forests and the practice of sustainable forest management to promote the well-being of the local forestry industry.
The organization continuously promotes wood, which when harnessed sustainably, can be an important driver of growth and development for many communities in the Philippines and its economy as a whole.
In line with its goal to increase the sustainable use of wood, PWPA is holding the Philippine Wood Expo 2019 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza on Oct. 21-22. The event promises to be a great opportunity for suppliers and manufacturers of wood products as well as wood enthusiasts to showcase their products and innovative technologies to attendees coming from various countries.
To learn more about PWPA or to learn how you can take part in the Philippine Wood Expo 2019, visit www.pwpa.org.ph and join their fight for a better tomorrow at www.facebook.com/pwpa.philwood.