It has been proven many times: whoever dives into the forest does something for their health. Being outside, letting the atmosphere of the forest sink in and listening to the silence has a calming effect and helps to regenerate faster. Bad Füssing, Europe’s number one health resort, wants to make the spa and healing forest – in addition to the thermal water – a second “source of health” that can be experienced in the future and combine special outdoor therapy offers and the healing water into holistic health experiences.
positive effect
The forest as a natural remedy strengthens and improves health: Clean air, balanced temperatures, pleasant humidity, protection against UV radiation, gentle forest light and a rich, natural microbiome contribute to a positive health effect. Many effects have also been scientifically proven: These include relieving the respiratory tract as well as regulating blood pressure and lowering heart rate, strengthening cardiovascular health, better sleep or a positive effect on mood and improving concentration Creativity.
Bad Füssing – with more than two million overnight stays a year, the health resort with the most guests on the continent – surprises with almost endless opportunities to find balance and peace with a forest bath or to leave the worries of everyday life far behind with a forest meditation. This is another reason why Bad Füssing is part of the “Forest and Health” pilot project initiated by the Bavarian Spa Association. “The aim of the project is to develop criteria for spa and healing forests, to train forest health trainers and therapists and to develop individual prevention, therapy and rehabilitation offers in connection with the spa and healing forest, which are tailored to the location,” says die Bad Füssing spa & tourism manager Daniela Leipelt.
Strict quality criteria
The Bavarian Health Baths Association is a partner of the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs in this project. The project is managed by the Chair for Public Health and Health Services Research at the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. The spa and healing forest in Bad Füssing was recently certified. The German Forest Certification Council developed the strict quality criteria that apply to spa and medicinal forests.
Why is the forest so good?
“Forest and natural landscapes are sources of power for deceleration and regeneration,” says Gerhard Winklhofer, head of the Bad Füssing Health Service Center. “We humans long for distance from everyday life, for sources of strength in nature to recharge our batteries,” he knows. It is well known that the fast pace of our time, the effects of civilization, everyday life far removed from nature and a lack of natural time affect many people. Here the forest as a “natural remedy” can fulfill the need for an authentic experience of nature. “A bond with nature and well-being are mutually reinforcing,” says Winklhofer. Those who feel a strong connection to nature are also happier. “Nature and the forest offer the best conditions to activate the senses and to get in touch with yourself.”
In the future, specially trained forest therapists and forest health trainers will accompany guests in Bad Füssing on their way to regeneration, relaxation and new health. Forest therapy means that Bad Füssing makes it possible to experience the power of the forest as a source of health in a medically sound, indication-related manner. This includes movement and mindfulness exercises, but also exercises for the senses and the breath.
Source: Nachrichten
