Photo by @nodestinations

Do you remember the feeling you had after a leisurely walk in the forest or a day spent in a forest setting while taking a dip in a cool jungle creek? Felt like you been de-stressed or re-energised by the experience and had one of your most restful nights in months? The Malays have for centuries been practicing what is called ‘Mandi Embun’ or 'bathing in the forest dew ’ which entails an early morning leisurely walk into the forest to immerse oneself in its natural ‘atmosphere’.  Recent scientific studies proves that these anecdotal feelings are well founded. Research from Japan show measurable health benefits of spending time in the forest. Time in nature reduce stress and elevates mood, it positively impact the ability to remember, it increases cognitive ability by clearing the mind of distractions, it enhances creativity and it improves attention capacity and ability to focus. Further research also shows that exposure to forest boosts our immune system.

Plants emit airborne chemicals called phytoncides to protect themselves from insects and other diseases. Phytoncides have antibacterial and anti fungal qualities and when our bodies breathe in these chemicals, it responds by increasing the number and activity of a type of of white blood cells called natural killer cells or NK cells.

The Datai is set amongst an ancient rainforest, its entire atmosphere is a natural setting for ‘Forest Therapy’ . All 5 senses of sight, smell, touch, sound and taste are experienced by just being within its surroundings.

This week I will be making a trip to Okutama, Japan to explore the advances made in the concept of ‘Forest Therapy’ and hope to introduce such an activity here at The Datai. On your next holiday come and enjoy  the many benefits of being in our rainforest and when you leave for home, you leave feeling truly refreshed, energised, and as the doctor ordered, de-stressed!

Or in the company’s next outing, The Datai is the perfect setting for your creative juices to flow!

Irshad

Tags: nature