FOREST THERAPY GROUP WORKSHOPS

WHAT IS FOREST THERAPY?

Forest is developed from a Tibetan Ayurvedic lineage. It is a series of 3 days immersed in the forest along with therapeutic oil treatments. It seeks to boost our immune system, develop our inner feeling of homebase connected with intrinsic feelings of trust, safety and shelter that we are reminded of when we go into the forest. The benefits of forest bathing have been know for years and include reduction in blood pressure and boosting the immune system. In Amnanda forest we take this knowledge and further enhance it using ayurvedic oil techniques, yoga in the forest, collecting herbs from the forest and group communication along with communication with the forest to enhance the forest bathing experience. The forest is rich in complex substances including pheromones, we can tap into this system and benefit from it.

Forest therapy can be used for example to help us:

• boost our immune system
• develop a deeper connection to the natural kingdom
• develop greater communication skills with our inner selves, others and nature
• boost our metabolism

In Forest we combine a specific kind of touch, with a special oil in a particular setting. The oiling can either be done with a partner or you can oil yourself if you would prefer. Through this we stimulate certain neurotransmitters, hormones and enzymes as well as opening us up to ‘communicate’ with the trees’ pheromonal system. A goal of forest is a deeper connection with ourselves, others and the natural kingdom. The Workshops The workshops are held on 3 days during the summer. Through meeting together as a beautiful group we can develop how we interrelate with the world, as we come closer to feelings of trust, safety and shelter which are symbolised in the forest. Above all it is great fun too! Depending on the weather the morning sessions will be theory based and the afternoon practical, during which you will both receive and give the oil treatments within the group (previous massage experience or knowledge is not essential). A single potentized herbal oil is used throughout the course and the treatment itself is done with a very light mindful touch; the face, arms, legs and chest are sensitively touched with herbal oil as opposed to being massaged. Gifts from the forest are gathered, we then make tinctures and foods together which we then share. There is no age limitations set for Forest.

2026 Norfolk Workshop dates:

• • • 10th, 11th and 12th July