Forest Bathing with Dr. Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller

Episode 8

Christa Rymal of The Point interviews Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller, MD, FACOG, FABOIM, on the resurgence of an old practice- Forest Bathing. Dr. Suzanne, a healthcare leader reintroducing forest bathing into the US, offers anecdotes, studies and much more backing the approach that time in nature medically heals. An author, speaker, an expert in several integrative modalities, having her own conventional MD background, and with an active client base in OB-GYN, Dr. Bartlett Hackenmiller didn't miss a beat in acknowledging the potentially 'out-there' claim that simply being in nature can tangibly better your health. As you listen-in, she will debunk any hesitancy with anecdotes, stories, and studies as Suzanne teaches us not only what forest bathing is, but how and why it may be practiced. 

"Going outdoors and walking, hiking, running, sitting, gazing, bird watching, fishing. Whatever the activity is, if you enjoy it and you're outdoors, you're benefiting from it. It doesn't have to be some fancy new thing - it's just getting outdoors." - Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller, M.D.

Board certified by American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Board of Integrative Medicine, Suzanne holds additional certifications in herbal medicine and is a certified forest therapy guide. She currently serves as medical director for the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and as medical advisor for the organization, AllTrails. Her partnership with AllTrails paris well with her interest in outdoor adventure; something she notes is a great alternative to quiet meditative time in nature while still having the wellbeing benefits. Her personal interest in mountain biking and National Park hiking also brought to light insider trail recommendations - shared in the podcast!

Dr. Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller is a great resource for any person interested in health and wellbeing. Though her stories commonly speak to the symptom solving and healing nature of time outdoors; her work also pairs well with nutrition and movement in living a preventative medicine lifestyle. As a bonus, Suzanne also dives into breathwork and the importance of breathing exercises. Another integrative modality she recommends that, alone or paired with forest bathing, can surpass many conventional approaches in resolving unwanted symptoms. 

Tune into this episode to be reminded of the small but impactful changes that you can implement immediately without side-effects or a need for continuing education. Better yet, you get to individualize how you bathe in the forest, so you will enjoy the practice on both a visceral and cognitive level - all while you're improving your health. 

 Resources

Personal website providing integrative wellness offerings and opportunities - events, media, blog and more. 

- https://integrativeinitiative.com/

Authored book: The Outdoor Adventurer's Guide to Forest Bathing: Using Shinrin-Yoku to Hike, Bike, Paddle, and Climb Your Way to Health and Happiness 

- https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Adventurers-Guide-Forest-Bathing/dp/1493042025

Join Dr. Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller as she leads and facilitates activities and education at The Point. She will partner with The Point for the following CME retreat in 2021:

- September 30th - October 2nd: https://thepointretreats.com/program-retreat/510