RDWC Helps Patients Relax with Phytoncide Baths

Time quietly slips into autumn. From October to November, the Rare Disease Welfare Center (RDWC) hosted its final two bathing therapy sessions of 2024, warmly welcoming patients not only to come to RDWC to bathe and relax, but also to heal themselves through gardening classes and farming experiences to let go of the stress and fatigue that has built up over time.

The sixth session of the therapeutic bathing experience took place from October 19 to 20, welcoming a total of seven participating families. Tim's father shared his heartfelt thoughts after the event: "At home, Tim can only take showers, so it's been a long time since he's had the chance to enjoy a proper bath. After this session, he felt completely relaxed—both physically and mentally. Seeing how refreshed and happy he was made the trip here absolutely worthwhile."

The following day, the participants gathered in the horticulture classroom to decorate flower pots before heading to the farm to plant vegetables and harvest leafy greens. Wheelchair users experienced firsthand the specially designed elevated garden beds - created at an accessible height for effortless harvesting. The freshly picked produce was then transformed into a shared midday meal, allowing everyone to savor the sweet, garden-to-table flavors.

During this year's experiential program, we found that many patients with limited mobility had previously been limited to hurried "military-style showers" at home, with virtually no opportunity to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of immersion bathing. Many parents were touched by the happy smiles of their children when they saw them relaxing and feeling comfortable. In the coming year, RDWC will launch more bathing experience activities, expecting those who need it most will come and give it a try.

Translator: David Lee (Becker Muscular Dystrophy)