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Kohimarama Forest. Photo: RNZ / Jean Bell
Shinrin yoku is the Japanese practice of 'forest bathing', which is growing in popularity around the world for its therapeutic benefits, both physiological and psychological.
Forest bathing engages the parasympathetic nervous system, known as the 'rest-and-digest' system. It's the opposite to our 'fight-or-flight' sympathetic nervous system. It's also called forest therapy and has been shown to lower blood pressure, pulse rate and levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, as well as having mental health benefits.
Kathryn speaks with Geoffrey Handsfield, a certified forest guide who teaches others how to make the most of their time in the forest. He's also a senior research fellow with the Auckland Bioengineering Institute at the University of Auckland, working with the Musculoskeletal Modelling Group, looking into cerebral palsy, and its effect on the muscles.