Buzz
Tree hugging as a stress-relief technique has gained popularity across China after making its debut in the coastal city of Shanghai.
The 'tree-hugging fever' for stress and anxiety relief is spreading among the youth in China. Photo: SCMP /Xiaohongshu According to the Morning Post, a discussion group on this unusual relaxation activity on China's baidu.com has attracted 10,000 members who have shared over 50,000 posts about their 'intimate encounters' with trees.
On the short video app Douyin, videos about 'tree therapy' have garnered 330,000 likes and 40,000 comments. On Xiaohongshu - another social media platform, hundreds have shared their tree-hugging experiences and organized group tree-hugging sessions to fulfill their passion.
As reported on Shanghai TV, proponents of the tree-hugging trend say they simply choose a tree they like in the park or on the street to organize group hugging sessions, which can last from a few minutes to several hours.
Some people express that they enjoy tree-hugging as it helps alleviate anxiety and stress.
“Clearly, I'm hugging a tree, but it feels like the tree is hugging me back,” shared one individual.
Another person revealed: “This is a very new form of relaxation to heal the mind, and many stressed-out young people are secretly embracing large trees.”
Traditional Chinese medicine experts suggest that hugging trees can enhance 'qi' energy. Photo: DouyinA woman who quit her job due to overwhelming work pressure mentioned that tree-hugging helps her stabilize emotionally.
“I immerse myself in hugging trees. It's like meditation. I feel truly liberated and perceive the world as vast. I also become more courageous,” wrote a woman using the alias Lvzi.
Another internet user shares her first experience hugging a tree.
“When my entire body and face touched the tree trunk, a sense of tranquility flowed to my brain. Gradually, I felt more energized and experienced healing. Moreover, the longer you hug the tree, the more connected you feel. It's truly magical,” said this woman.
Shanghai TV reported that actresses like Kim Thanh, Chu Da, and supermodel Ha Tue also share this peculiar passion, posting a series of tree-hugging photos on social media.
The tree-hugging girl. Photo: DouyinAccording to Li Xiaolin, a traditional Chinese medicine doctor in Beijing, hugging trees is not only beneficial for physical health but also has a positive impact on the spirit. In an interview with Life Times, the doctor stated that people can receive 'qi' energy by hugging trees.
Advice on proper tree-hugging techniques is spreading widely on Chinese social media. A social media user in Shanghai, self-proclaimed as Sky and an expert in mental health healing, suggests choosing trees aged 10 years or older and avoiding tree-hugging on sunny days.
“First, you should feel grateful for the tree. While embracing it, remind yourself: 'Thank you, and I love you.' Then, you can unload your deepest thoughts onto the tree,” she said. Additionally, it is advised not to hug trees in the dark to avoid encountering insects and to steer clear of stormy days as lightning strikes are possible.
Back in May, a woman in Shanghai - known as a pioneer in the tree-hugging trend for stress relief - described it as an incredibly 'fantastic' experience. She asserted that after hugging a 1000-year-old tree, the ringing in her ears miraculously disappeared.
