It’s universally acknowledged that taking a breath of fresh air or going out for a walk might help you to refresh, relax or change your mood. In recent years there has even been scientific evidence to support the sentiment that nature is not just simply good for you, but that it can actually be medically beneficial. Many cultures around the world have their own pro-nature ideologies, whether stemming from religion, folklore or tradition, but a practice originating in Japan is currently becoming a global wellness trend.
The problems of urban living are of course not just limited to Japan. The rise of self-prescribed antidotes, from mindfulness to a multitude of yoga variations, are all further proof that people are more open to and actively seeking ways to improve their health through wellness and natural therapies. “Spending time in nature is proven to help you relax, and in an age where stress is tantamount to an epidemic, this is invaluable. If we are constantly feeling on high alert, the long-term impact on our body is devastating,” says Dr Qing Li of Tokyo’s Nippon Medical School.
An excerpt from Tokyo Weekender. Read more here.