A former ONF forestry engineer, Bernard Alméras is notably at the origin of the creation of the Capucins trail, in the heart of the Sancy massif in Puy-de-Dôme. He has released a book to explain his approach to sylvotherapy and “well-being forest”. Interview.
In search of tomorrow
This special “forests” content is offered to you free of charge by 50 regional daily press titles brought together by Sparknews in order to highlight initiatives and solutions to the consequences of climate change.
Hug the trees. This alternative therapy technique, increasingly fashionable among city dwellers seeking to “reconnect with nature”, can make you smile. Except that we must go beyond the esoteric aspect: the benefits of the forest in terms of well-being are supported by scientific data.
“The forest has long been considered an economic resource that could be exploited extensively. Since the last century, some have become aware of its other riches such as biodiversity, soil maintenance, climate regulation. More recently, it is its action on our well-being which has been highlighted”.
In Puy-de-Dôme, a unique sylvatorium in France
Forestry engineer, Bernard Alméras worked for more than forty years at the National Forestry Office (ONF). His knowledge of forestry practices has allowed him, with his teams, to imagine and implement several public reception projects in the forest.
He is notably at the origin of the creation of the Capucins trail, at Mont-Dore, a resort nestled in the heart of the Sancy massif in Puy-de-Dôme. A “sylvatorium” which, to this day, remains unique in France.
In search of tomorrow
This special “forests” content is offered to you free of charge by 50 regional daily press titles brought together by Sparknews in order to highlight initiatives and solutions to the consequences of climate change.
How was this idea born?
“The commune of Mont-Dore wanted to set up an innovative course. I took the opportunity to develop a project that had been in my head for several years.
My approach aimed to extend the work of Franc-Comtois Georges Plaisance, the first to popularize silvotherapy in France until the 1980s. To reassure the town and its thermal establishment, I therefore carried out some scientific measurements on the ground. .
What is silvotherapy?
“It is a practice which consists of seeking well-being and recharging one's batteries through contact with the forest. It has been developing in France since 2015, as an extension of research carried out in Japan and the United States. It is based on the observation that immersion through the five senses in the heart of the forest provides beneficial and therapeutic effects to humans.
What if you took “forest baths” at Mont-Dore (Puy-de-Dôme)?
Walking among the trees, embracing them, soaking up the smells of the undergrowth, letting yourself be lulled by the sounds of the fauna and flora or observing the colors heals the mind and body. Walking in the forest, under certain conditions, leads to a reduction in heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels while strengthening the immune and respiratory systems. With positive effects on overall physical condition and cognitive abilities.”
That's to say??
“We rely on clinical data to measure the effects of essential oils, negative air ionization or chromotherapy. The Japanese are more advanced in this area and provide real scientific data. But more recent studies , carried out in Switzerland or Franche-Comté, highlight the benefits of an outing in the forest. We are catching up in this area. We are Cartesians more focused on clinical medicine than on prevention.
But the health crisis has turned things around a bit. Until the 1980s, the forest was mainly considered for its economic aspect. It then became more and more open to the general public, first for sporting activities. Demand today is focused around the need for well-being and balance.”
How do these forest “spas” work?
“For the Capuchins sylvatorium, the first station invites you to discover the smells and perfumes of the forest. Further on, the second station allows you to observe the play of shadows and lights which vary with the rhythm of the wind. The greens and Yellows are much more present than reds or blues.
The walker then moves on to the bicentennial fir trees which he can touch, caress, hug or simply contemplate. It can perceive the vibrations transmitted to the trunk by the ground or from the crown. After meditation, time for breathing: it is possible to inhale the pure air of the forest, particularly rich in negative ions. These anions are beneficial to our blood circulation and our endocrine system. They are beneficial for our good mood and our immune defenses.
Finally, the last station offers to enjoy the little music of the forest, to the rhythm of birdsong, and a platform allows you to indulge in relaxation exercises, tai chi or yoga.”
This “well-being” aspect works in all forests??
“Any walk in the forest is beneficial because, at a minimum, it filters light, pollutants or noise. But essential oils depend on the tree species. Colors and noises also vary from one forest to another, of its location or the type of foliage. Air ionization is surely the phenomenon which presents the greatest variability among the characteristics measured.
There remains important scientific work to be carried out to go further. I continue to campaign to encourage researchers to work on this issue and to bring the hygienic aspect of the forest out of oblivion.”
Bernard Alméras published “Forêt bien-être” with Lemme Edit (100 pages, 12 euros).
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