Shinrin-Yoku, or “forest bathing,” is a Japanese practice of connecting with nature to improve health and well-being. Some research suggests that spending time in forests can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system.
doTERRA is a company known for its focus on essential oils and their potential therapeutic benefits. The doTERRA Touch line offers pre-diluted essential oils, making them safe and easy to apply directly to the skin, much like when creating DIY essential oil roller bottles.
The doTERRA Shinrin-Yoku Touch blend combines the principles of forest bathing with the convenience of essential oils. This article explores the benefits, uses, and ingredients in the doTERRA Shinrin-Yoku Touch blend.
Understanding Shinrin-Yoku: The Science and Benefits
The Japanese Practice of Forest Bathing
Shinrin-Yoku is a Japanese practice that literally translates to “forest bath,” but it’s much more than just a hike in the woods. It’s about intentionally immersing yourself in nature with all your senses. It’s about slowing down, breathing deeply, and connecting with the environment around you.
In Japan, Shinrin-Yoku isn’t just a leisure activity. It’s a recognized part of preventative healthcare, and people have been practicing it for decades. It’s a way to de-stress, recharge, and reconnect with the natural world.
Scientific Backing of Shinrin-Yoku’s Benefits
The benefits of forest bathing are more than just anecdotal. Studies show that spending time in nature can have a measurable impact on your physical and mental well-being. For example, forest bathing can:
- Reduce stress hormones (like cortisol)
- Lower blood pressure
- Improve your mood
- Boost your immune system
A key factor in these benefits are phytoncides. Phytoncides are airborne chemicals that trees and other plants release. When you breathe them in, they can increase the activity of your natural killer (NK) cells, which play a crucial role in your immune system’s ability to fight off illness and disease.
doTERRA SHINRIN-YOKU TOUCH: Ingredients and Their Properties
While we don’t have the full ingredient list, we can guess at some of the essential oils in doTERRA’s Shinrin-Yoku Touch based on common forest scents and what doTERRA typically offers. Here’s what we’re likely to find:
- Siberian Fir: With its crisp, woody aroma, Siberian Fir is known for its grounding properties. Some people use it to support healthy respiratory function and create a sense of calm. Imagine breathing in the fresh, clean air of a Siberian forest.
- Cypress: Cypress essential oil has a clean, invigorating scent. It’s often used for its cleansing properties and is thought to promote vitality. The aroma evokes the feeling of walking among tall, slender cypress trees.
- Juniper Berry: Juniper Berry oil has a woody, spicy, and fresh scent. It’s often used for its detoxifying properties and is believed to have a calming effect on the emotions. Think of the scent of a forest floor after a light rain.
- Spruce: Spruce essential oil has a refreshing, earthy aroma that can promote feelings of clarity and balance. It’s like taking a deep breath in a dense spruce forest, feeling the weight of the world lift from your shoulders.
Other potential oils might include Pine, Cedarwood, or even Frankincense, depending on doTERRA’s specific blend.
Fractionated Coconut Oil as a Carrier
doTERRA’s Touch line always uses fractionated coconut oil (FCO) as a carrier. FCO is a lightweight, odorless oil that absorbs quickly into the skin, making it perfect for topical application. It also has moisturizing properties, which can be beneficial for dry or sensitive skin, much like using an eucalyptus massage oil recipe for easy DIY relief at home. The FCO ensures the Shinrin-Yoku Touch blend is gentle and safe to use directly on the skin, allowing you to fully experience the benefits of the essential oils without irritation.
How to use doTERRA Shinrin-Yoku Touch for a forest bathing experience
The Shinrin-Yoku Touch blend is designed for topical use, so it’s easy to incorporate into your daily routine and enjoy its benefits.
How to apply it
For the best absorption and aromatic experience, try applying it to these areas:
- wrists
- neck
- temples
- behind the ears
- soles of your feet
As you apply the oil, take slow, deep breaths and pay attention to the aroma. Be mindful of how the scent makes you feel.
How to incorporate Shinrin-Yoku Touch into your day
Here are some ideas for making Shinrin-Yoku Touch part of your daily rituals:
- Use the blend during meditation or yoga; similar to how aromatherapy associates bath oil sets can help you feel more relaxed and focused.
- Apply it before spending time in nature. Even if you’re just walking in a city park, Shinrin-Yoku Touch can help you feel more connected to the natural world.
- Use it as a personal fragrance. The scent can promote feelings of calm and well-being throughout the day.
- Apply it during stressful times. The aroma can help you relax and feel more grounded when you’re dealing with a difficult situation.
The doTERRA Shinrin-Yoku Touch blend is a simple and effective way to bring the benefits of forest bathing into your everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of Shinrin-Yoku doTERRA?
The dōTERRA Shinrin-Yoku blend is designed to evoke the feeling of “forest bathing,” aiming to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance overall well-being. Users often report feeling grounded, peaceful, and more connected to nature. While individual results vary, the aromatic properties are intended to support a calm and balanced mood, similar to the effects experienced during a walk in the woods.
What are the ingredients in Shinrin-Yoku oil?
The dōTERRA Shinrin-Yoku Touch blend typically includes a combination of essential oils known for their woodsy and grounding aromas. Common ingredients often feature oils like Hiba Wood, Hinoki, Douglas Fir, Siberian Fir, and Frankincense, diluted in a base of Fractionated Coconut Oil for safe topical application. The specific blend may vary slightly.
What is dōTERRA Rose Touch used for?
dōTERRA Rose Touch is a pre-diluted essential oil known for its skin-benefiting and emotionally uplifting properties. It’s often used topically to hydrate and soothe the skin, reduce the appearance of blemishes, and promote an even skin tone. Aromatically, Rose Touch is used to ease feelings of stress and anxiety and promote feelings of love and compassion.
What dōTERRA oils are good for respiratory viruses?
While essential oils are not a cure for respiratory viruses, some dōTERRA oils may provide symptomatic relief and support respiratory health. Oils often recommended include Tea Tree (Melaleuca), Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Lemon, and On Guard Protective Blend. These oils are known for their cleansing and immune-supporting properties, but always consult with a healthcare professional for medical advice.
Closing Thoughts
doTERRA’s Shinrin-Yoku Touch combines the best parts of forest bathing with the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. It’s an easy way to get the calming and restorative effects of nature, even when you can’t physically get out into the woods.
Connecting with nature is so important for our overall well-being. Even a few minutes spent outdoors can lower your blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and boost your mood.
That’s where Shinrin-Yoku Touch comes in. Rubbing it on your skin can be a reminder to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the world around you. It’s a small way to bring the peace and tranquility of the forest into your everyday life.
Ultimately, Shinrin-Yoku Touch is about finding synergy between nature and essential oils. It’s a tool to help you reconnect with yourself and the natural world, even when you’re stuck inside.