Beyond conserving and educating, the arboretum is a place to feel better. Among its trails and collections we offer guided wellbeing experiences, designed to slow down, reconnect with the surroundings and care for emotional health.
Forest bathing (shinrin-yoku)
Shinrin-yoku —literally “forest bathing”— is a practice born in Japan that consists of spending time, consciously and unhurriedly, among the trees: observing, breathing, listening and perceiving the surroundings with all the senses. It is not a sports walk or an excursion; it is an invitation to stop and perceive.
It emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a response to urban stress and as a public health strategy, and today it is a practice found around the world, with dozens of certified trails. It requires no prior experience and is accessible to everyone.
What the science says
Research on forest bathing, developed especially in Japan and Korea, associates the practice with health benefits, among them:
- Regulation of the nervous system and stabilization of blood pressure.
- Reduced stress levels (lower cortisol).
- Improvements in mood and a sense of calm.
- Stimulation of the immune system (greater activity of “natural killer” cells).
- Better attention, memory and creativity.
In countries such as Canada, health professionals recommend it as a therapeutic complement.
Wellbeing experiences are a complement to health care and rest; they do not replace medical or psychological treatment.
Led by a certified guide
Our forest bathing experiences are led by Magdalena Zurita, a certified guide in forest bathing through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) of the United States. It is still an uncommon offering in the country, and therefore an added value of the arboretum.
What an experience is like
Each session lasts around three hours, with stops and invitations along the way, in a private or group format. It combines slow walking, attention and breathing exercises, pauses for observation and a shared closing. It can be adapted for individuals, families or work teams (corporate wellbeing days).
In the media
- Forbes — «Forest bathing»: the Japanese method backed by science to reduce stress (in Spanish)
“The forest is the therapist. The guide opens the doors.”
A gift for the soul
The Biocca family shares “Madre, Naturaleza. Frases e imágenes para conectar con la vida”, a collection of inspiring phrases and images gathered by Juan Manuel Biocca. A small book to read slowly and keep nurturing a love for trees and nature.
Madre, Naturaleza
Phrases and images to connect with life · Estancia La Constancia (2023) · in Spanish
Would you like to arrange a wellbeing experience, individually or for your team? Write to us from the Contact page.