Birds are chattering their melodic songs. The air is fragrant with earthy scents. A warm breeze gently travels through the treetops, rustling leaves and caressing the faces of a dozen people sitting in stillness.

Everyone and everything is calm, relaxed, and peaceful.

This is forest bathing, an alternative medicine practice with physical and mental health benefits.

Forest bathing originated in Japan during the early 1980s when the country was shifting from a farming society to technology-based industries. The government realized its citizens were reporting more health issues, so they developed a structured wellness technique called shinrin-yoku, which translates to “forest bathing” in English. People bathe in the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of nature, as well as in beneficial chemicals called phytoncides that many trees emit.

Forest bathing is not a hike. There is no educational component. In fact, the beauty of forest bathing is that nothing is required at all. Everything is an “invitation” to the participant. This includes a guided meditation at the start of each program, sensory explorations to connect with nature, and a closing ceremony with light refreshments.

Decades of research show that forest bathing can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve sleep, cardiovascular health, cancer outcomes, and respiratory and immune function, among other health benefits. Doctors are increasingly writing “nature prescriptions” because they have learned that people can stay healthier and heal faster when they spend time in nature.

Locally, forest bathing is offered at several locations in Collier and Lee counties by Go Forest Bathing. The owner, Robin DeMattia, became a certified forest bathing guide, inspired by her career as a writer and marketing consultant for clients including zoos, nature centers, and botanical gardens. She trained with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, which has 2,500 guides in 68 countries.

One venue is Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center in Naples, which has a trail system along Henderson Creek, as well as aquariums, a touch tank, a butterfly garden, and an art gallery. The Calusa Nature Center, another location, is the largest green space within the City of Fort Myers borders and features indoor and outdoor animal exhibits. The 26-acre Unity of Naples campus has a short trail, large lake, and labyrinth. Jessie’s Tropical Fruit Farm in Naples boasts 1,500 colorful and delicious plants representing 70 varieties, many of which the guests sample throughout the forest bathing program.

Most events are offered monthly at these and additional venues. Events run from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., are for adults aged 18 and older, and require pre-registration. Learn more at GoForestBathing.com.

Robin DeMattia is a certified forest bathing guide and owner of Go Forest Bathing (goforestbathing.com). See the calendar for a forest bathing event on September 28 at Unity of Naples located at 2000 Unity Way.