Dadirri Forest Healing

Forest healing (also called forest therapy or forest bathing) involves spending intentional, mindful time in a forest or natural environment to positively impact mental and physical well-being. It is based on scientific evidence that spending quiet time in nature has profound beneficial effects on the human body and mind.

5 Fundamental Principles of Forest Healing

Everything you need to know about Forest Healing before you start.

Reconnect with Nature

Forest healing encourages a general slowing down and quiet engagement of all five senses — seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, and sometimes even tasting — to relax and connect deeply with nature.

Scientific Basis

Since its inception in Japan in the 1980s, over 1000 scientific papers have been published showing how spending quality time in nature lowers stress hormones, reduces blood pressure, improves immune response, and enhances mental wellbeing. These benefits can last days or even weeks after a single exposure to nature.

Origin of the Term

The Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, literally translated as “forest bathing,” emerged in the 1980s as a public health initiative to combat stress among people living in dense urban environments.

Common Activities

Walking slowly through the forest, guided meditation, breathing exercises, silent contemplation, sensory engagement, digital detox, journaling, and creative expression in nature.

Therapeutic Uses

Forest healing supports people with anxiety, depression, burnout, PTSD, and those undergoing stressful treatments like chemotherapy. Doctors worldwide now offer "green prescriptions" to encourage nature-based recovery.

Reconnect with Nature

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Experience Nature

Begin your journey to balance, peace, and renewed energy through the healing power of the forest.

What we offer

Our sessions are either structured as an introduction or a 2-hour gentle walk. All sessions are weather dependent and hence, you need to book in advance so we can notify you should session need to be cancelled. Sessions for 1 up to 10 people can be catered for and will be specifically designed to cater for the ages and needs of participants.

What you must bring

Sturdy, closed shoes
Jackets or coats in case of rain
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Small towel
Paper and pen
Phones switched off (or on aeroplane mode)

Introductory sessions

$30

Per person

Book now

Perfect for those who want to find out more and experience the basic principles of forest healing. These sessions take about one hour and are followed by an opportunity (optional) to engage in a Q&A discussion with the forest therapist and the group in a relaxed environment. They take place on private property in The Patch, a charming village between Kallista and Monbulk in the Dandenong Ranges.

Advanced 2-hour session

$50

Per person

Book now

The walks usually take place in and around the Dandenong Ranges. Please contact us for more information on any upcoming walks. The walks are suitable for all ages and fitness levels but may involve walking up- and downhill for short segments. The pace is deliberately slow so all participants can join in.

Globally recognised health partner

Get to know us

About Us

Dr Michal Schneider

BSc, DipEd, MRepSc, GDipHealthProfEdu, PhD

Michal is a scientist and former Professor (Monash University). She has six academic degrees, including Science, Health Professional Education and a PhD in reproductive science. During her 20 years as an academic and medical researcher, she has published over 160 scientific journal articles, has supervised 20 doctoral students and has presented her research at many national and international conferences.

Her main research interest included cancer and musculo-skeletal injuries, but she has also published on occupational burnout and education of allied health professionals. A cancer diagnosis in 2018 led to a shift in her awareness about how our stressful, technology driven lives can impact health. She retired during the Covid pandemic and has since dedicated her time to studying the benefits of nature, specifically forest healing on mental and physical health in adults and children.

She established Dadirri - Healing in the forest' after experiencing the powerful benefits of forest therapy herself on her property in the beautiful forests of the Dandenong Ranges, near Melbourne. Based only on scientifically proven activities (no 'woo woo' or chanting), her forest healing sessions aim to help people improve their overall health by reducing stress, improving relaxation and well-being and re-establishing a connection with nature.