Natural Healing and Wellness Thrives at Taitung’s Inaugural Nature Awakening Slow Living Festival
Taitung, a picturesque county on Taiwan’s eastern coast renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, recently played host to its first-ever Nature Awakening Slow Living Festival. The event, organized by the local government in response to the physical and emotional toll taken on residents and first responders by natural disasters and major accidents in recent years, aimed to promote healing and wellness through a series of therapeutic activities and workshops.
Rao Qingling, a spokesperson for the festival, highlighted the importance of addressing the accumulated stress faced by those involved in disaster relief efforts, healthcare, and social services. Recognizing the need for support in these demanding roles, the county government launched a range of healing courses in 2021, culminating in the establishment of the Nature Awakening Slow Living Festival brand. By leveraging Taitung’s abundant natural resources and combining them with healing activities, the festival aimed to provide a space for individuals seeking stress relief and professionals interested in exploring the field of natural healing to come together in Taitung, awakening their self-healing abilities and raising awareness of mental health.
Empowering Experiences and International Recognition
Over the course of three years, the festival has yielded significant results, with a total of 160 stress-relief activities conducted and the participation of 52 local communities. More than 35,000 individuals have had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Taitung’s slow living activities, experiencing firsthand the restorative power of the county’s natural environment. The festival has not only garnered attention domestically but has also captured the interest of international platforms such as Japanese travel websites and Philippine media outlets, shining a spotlight on Taitung’s brand of holistic healing on the global stage.
Today’s keynote address featured Dr. Uehara Iwao, a prominent scholar in forest therapy from Japan, who delved into the miraculous secrets of forest healing. Dr. Uehara shared insights on how forest therapy can enhance mental and physical well-being, drawing from examples of forest therapy practices and facilities in Japan to encourage attendees to engage with nature and explore the potential for forest healing in Taiwan. Dr. Uehara will also lead a forest therapy industry forum and workshop tomorrow, alongside Professor Yuan Xiaowei from National Taiwan University’s Department of Forest Environment and Resources and Xu Jianxi, founder of the “High Mountain Forest Base,” to facilitate discussions on the current state of forest healing development in Japan and Taiwan.
The Healing Power of Nature Unveiled
In a captivating afternoon forum, esteemed figures in Taiwan’s forest healing research and advocacy, including Professor Yu Jiabin from National Taiwan University’s Department of Forestry, Chairman Lan Mike from the Lan Mike Full People Education Association, and Chairman Li Zhangliyuan from the Dalumake Association, shared their perspectives on the theme “The Healing Power of Nature – Your Health in My Hands.” Each speaker shed light on the extraordinary energy that the natural world offers, with Professor Yu presenting scientific research and case studies demonstrating the positive effects of transitioning from urban environments to forests, such as regulating blood pressure, boosting immunity, and reducing allergies. Chairman Lan and Chairman Li shared personal anecdotes highlighting the profound healing capabilities of nature, emphasizing its ability to improve mental, physical, and spiritual well-being while fostering creativity in daily life.
The County Social Affairs Department noted that the inaugural International Exchange and Industry Forum had attracted nearly 20 professionals from Taiwan and abroad, with registration for the three-day event reaching capacity. In addition to the forums and healing workshops, the festival also featured cultural tours of indigenous communities and sound healing experiences, with the latter open to all attendees without prior registration. The Nature Awakening Slow Living Festival will continue its offerings with the “Autumn Healing Festival” at Guanshan Riverside Park on September 21-22, followed by “Purify Your Heart Slow Travel” and “Healing Workshops” in October and November. Detailed schedules and locations will be announced on the event’s official Facebook page and website.
This article was provided by “Fengchao Music.”
