06/01/2026
Season of Picnics---Time for Ayurvedic Rasayana Therapy!!
So here starts the season of picnics...Bon bhoj in my native state of Assam! A sweet nostalgia takes over me of my childhood picnics in the scenic surrounding of Assam and borders of Arunachal Pradesh and not to forget the forests of Kaziranga, Manas national park, Pobitora, Amsoi the names goes on....
But do you know with time, these moments spent in the nature, forest, green spaces has become a therapy called Forest therapy or Forest bathing!!
Studies show that Forest bathing is a Japanese preventive health care known as "Shinrin-yoku" and it is found that the practice of spending time in the forest or natural surroundings can reduce the stress hormones cortisol and increase your immunity.
So the traditional practice of Bonbhoj during the season of winter have a greater health benefit.
We all know how good we feel being in nature. The sound and smell of the trees, the touch of the earth and flowing water beneath your feet, the breath of the fresh, clean air, the sunlight playing through the leaves of the trees all these ease our stress and anxiety, help us to relax and slow down, gives us clarity of mind, restore our mood, energize, revitalise, refresh and rejuvenates us, this is not all nature also helps us to stay active, eat healthy and provide us the dose of minerals and vitamins we need and build our immunity. In a way this Forest therapy or nature therapy works as 'Rasayana' one of the eight branches of Ayurvedic Medicine.
Although , there is no specific description of forest bathing/ naturetherapy in Ayurvedic medicine but it does draw a close connection to Rasayana therapy mentioned in Ayurvedic medicine.
During ancient times being connected with nature was the only way of life. It was not mentioned as a therapy as such. People in the past knew to live in alingment with nature. Ironically today, time spend in nature has become a therapy in itself and a much needed one.
Rasayana is one of the eight clinical specialities of Ayurvedic Medicine.(1) Which means Rejuvenation therapy.
It consists of a specialized use of certain measures which are supposed to prevent aging and impart longevity, immunity, better mental and emotional health and improves vitality and lustre of the body.
Rasayana therapy is based on psychosomatic concept of health and happiness. It is needed in todays modern lifestyle and medical needs more than ever before.
As today everyone is challenged with diseases caused by stress, strain, improper dietary habits and lifestyle, work pressure, lack of physical activity to add on it is lack of open spaces and heavy vehicular and industrial pollution which are leading to an array of diseases and pre mature aging.
According to Ayurveda one of the primary ways of building 'Ojas' is to connect oneself to nature as much as possible. Natural surroundings enriches you with Ojas- the vital energy for the body and mind which is responsible for vitality, strength, longevity, immunity and mental and emotional wellness.
Some of the benefits of being in Nature
1. Being in Nature/ natural spaces rejuvenates and revitalizes you
2.Being in Natural spaces provides you 'Me' time for self refletion
3.Natural surroundings helps you stay active through walking or trekking around the space, swimming in the nearby water body, climbing and playing around the trees.
4. being outdoors with family and friends allows great bonding over meals and a chance to share and talk your mind which was kept covered due to the hustle and bustle of your busy life
5. Being in natural surroundings promotes healthy eating habits.
6.Being in nature relieves stress. Breathing the fresh air, basking in the sunlight, enjoying the greenary around, feel of the earth and the flowing water under your feet is so soothing and relaxing to the mind body and soul.
7.According to ayurveda your body is composed of the Pancha mahabhutas, the five elements of nature. They are earth, water, fire, air and space. When you come in contact with those elements in nature, your body gets revitalized and your mind gets stable, happy and healthy.
Lack of sunlight and fresh air in the city life affects our mood. so a monthly getaway in to the lap of nature helps reduce your stress and anxiety.
So why not try some Nature therapy this weekend... Plan a picnic and enjoy!!
Dr Ditimoni Goswami
Founder Ayurvedacharya
Pranasara Ayurveda Health and Wellness LLP
