Naturism and Hugging a Tree

Another form of communion with nature is hugging a tree. A meditative-like practice that allows male naturist to feel his connection to the physical nature that surrounds him.

The negative consequences of a separation from nature has been termed “nature-deficit disorder” (Richard Louv: The Last Child in the Woods) where our disconnect from nature leads to negative consequences in terms of mental and physical health. It should therefore come as no surprise that studies show a wide range of positive effects on our health from the presence of trees and green spaces. We also know that being in the forest has a measurable physiological effect on the body’s immune system (e.g. see A forest bathing trip increases human natural killer cell activity and expression of anti-cancer proteins in female subjects). Does this meant that hugging a tree is good for us?

Research shows that spending time around trees can reduce stress, improve immunity, lower blood pressure, and accelerate recovery from illness or trauma. Furthermore, when you hug a tree, you release a hormone called oxytocin.

How can interacting with a tree actually produces a measurable and positive effect to our hormone levels? The hormone Oxytocin and its measurement and the significance of its presence is complex. While this is the case, studies have clearly shown that hugging your partner boosts the production of oxytocin. So the act of hugging may be the stimulant for hormone production. Oxytocin – known as the hormone of love and trust – which gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling. So you don’t even need a whole forest, you just need one tree!

Forests are complex networks that we are only just beginning to understand. Whilst it’s good to feel the benefits of practices such as Tree Hugging & Forest Bathing, it’s also super important to understand the magic that these beautiful beings behold. Trees emits positive ions which our bodies naturally needs to detoxify. The fresh water of the mountain streams are powered by minerals from the air and the earth, while the trees are good source of abundant oxygen and positive ions that make us human energized and feel light. So if by any chance that you join us in our nude nature adventures do not despair if you won't see the male naturists doing their intimate communion with nature ritual, because hugging trees is a good alternative of giving back to nature our love and gratitude. The trees would need hugs too. It is still an exchange of energies between male naturists and the trees.

HOW TO PRACTICE FOREST BATHING OR TREE HUGGING

1. For beginners, a good tip is to put your devices on silence to help you focus on the present moment.

2. Decide whether you want to practice forest bathing with lots of trees around you. Or perhaps if you’re limited for time, you could decide to hug a tree today.

3. For both activities, you will want to take in your surroundings using all your senses. Avoid thinking about issues in your daily life. Try to be mindful as you walk around and notice all the trees and other life that’s around you. What sounds, smells, and textures are around you?

4. When you’re forest bathing you can continue to walk, or find a quiet place to sit and continue your mindful observations.

5. If you want to hug a tree, for that quick boost of oxytocin, go ahead and choose a tree to hug. If you’re unsure about hugging a tree, sitting under a tree with your back against it is a great alternative.

6. Stay as long as you can, and try to build up to the recommended total of two hours for the full forest bathing experience!

When we start to understand that everything is energy, we gain a better understanding of our place in the world. Quite literally this means that the energy that flows through us, flows through all living things including all plants & trees. So, there you have it when you hug a tree you connect to it through its energetic vibration. The same vibration that runs through you.

"You are a living energy field. Your body is composed of energy-producing particles, each of which is in constant motion. So, like everything & everyone else in the universe, you are vibrating & creating energy." (source: HEALTHLINE)

References: Scottish Wildlife Trust; Wild Tree Adventures; The Wilder Route

Inset: Zhom & Leo (NU) / Richard (MNG Legacy) / Marc, Virgil, Mel (The Adam's Apple Group)