As the holiday season envelops us in a whirlwind of festivities and cheerful gatherings, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. However, amidst the glittering lights and joyful carols, there lies a serene and rejuvenating alternative – forest therapy. Our Treatment of the Month for December using the best aromatherapy products Aromatherapy Associates has to offer. Let’s explore the healing wonders of nature and embrace a unique celebration that nurtures our wellbeing.
Our spa is located on the edge of London’s famous Hyde Park, very close to the park’s glorious pop-up Christmas market, Winter Wonderland. After a day at this ‘wonderful’ Christmas fair, why not pop in to our spa and reap these benefits of forest therapy, but all wrapped up in one treatment? Find out below…
Forest Therapy holds so much magic. Forest therapy, also known as shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing,” is a practice deeply rooted in Japanese culture. It involves immersing oneself in the natural surroundings of a forest, engaging all the senses to connect with the environment on a profound level. The therapeutic benefits of this practice are vast, ranging from reduced stress and anxiety to improved mood and enhanced creativity.
As we celebrate Christmas, the idea of incorporating forest therapy into our festivities may seem unconventional, but the potential rewards are worth the deviation from tradition. Imagine exchanging gifts under the sheltering canopy of ancient trees or savouring a Christmas feast surrounded by the soothing sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird songs. This holiday season, let’s exchange the chaos for calm, and the clamour for the quiet serenity of the forest.
But why at Christmas?
The benefits of Forest Therapy at Christmas, and winter in general, are vast. First of all it includes stress reduction, because the calming effect of nature helps to reduce stress hormones, promoting a sense of tranquility and relaxation amidst the holiday rush. It also helps us to enhance connection with ourselves and others. By disconnecting from technology and immersing ourselves in nature, we foster deeper connections with our loved ones, creating meaningful memories. Furthermore, it improves our mental health. Forest therapy has been proven to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, offering a natural remedy for the mental toll that holiday pressures can bring.
So how does the treatment itself go?
Start off with cleansing guided inhalation, release tension with a long deep massage, then enjoy a mud mask on the palms and feet to ground you completely before you float away onto Cloud 9. Then, finish with a gorgeous scalp massage. The wonderful Aromatherapy Associates oils we incorporate in this treatment contain cypress for respiratory health, howood for cleansing and restoration, and pink pepper to uplift. Just let us show you how dreamy the treatment is here.
So this winter, let’s break free from the conventional celebrations and embrace the therapeutic embrace of the forest. By integrating the principles of forest therapy into our festivities, we can find a unique and rejuvenating way to celebrate the season, fostering a sense of well-being, gratitude, and connection with nature and each other. May this holiday season be a time of restoration, joy, and a deep appreciation for the healing power of the great outdoors.
You can book your Forest Therapy treatment here, call 020 7318 8691 or email info@spa-connect.co.uk. We’re open every day, and you don’t have to be a guest at our host hotel The InterContinental on Park Lane. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon.
