Grounding or “Earthing”
What is grounding? Grounding is when you connect to the earth by walking barefoot on sand, dirt or grass and absorb electrons from the Earth into your body. Why does this matter? Humans are bioelectrical. Our brain, heart, immune system, nervous system and muscles rely on electrical currents to function. We wear shoes, live in houses, are around wi-fi and electronics daily and don’t connect to the Earth the way our bodies were originally made to. This leads to inflammation, interrupts our sleep, chronic pain, lowered immune systems, disturbs our hormones and so much more. This concept may be foreign or thought to be the crunchy new age way of thinking, however this has been something that has been studied for a very long time. Think about when you are the happiest. Where are you? Usually I hear people are happiest at the beach, on a hike or being outside. I hear a lot of “vacations on the beach, laying in the sun. Or, camping and being around the campfire with family.” Our bodies were meant to connect with the Earth. We have adapted to always having a barrier between us and the Earth which means we aren’t reaping the healing benefits like we were made to.
Grounding is not complicated, it’s just connecting your body to the Earth. The Earth’s surface constantly produces a supply of mobile electrons. The Earths negative charges will regulate our internal bio-electrical environment which helps reset our cardiac rhythms and helps balance cortisol levels. Our skin acts like a conductor and lets us absorb these electrons. This can help with a number of issues we may have such as:
- Reduces inflammation (helps circulation which helps you push certain nutrients through your body better and push out toxins)
- Increased energy
- Helps reduce stress hormones (A study was preformed where a conductive patch was placed on the sole of participant’s feet and half of those people showed a significant decrease of stress reactions.)
- Improved sleep quality (from regulated hormones)
- Lower pain levels for people with chronic pain. And so much more.
How to ground?
- Go swimming in the lake or ocean
- Garden or plant without gloves. Touch the soil
- Lay in the grass
- Walk barefoot through the grass or sand
Even if you are skeptical, try it! It can’t hurt! It is us reconnecting with the Earth like our ancestors did. I know it personally helps me decompress and become more at peace when I am outside. I love doing Yoga or deep breathing outside as well taking in everything around me (sights, sound, smell, touch). I feel so much more energized after and my stress levels melt. This is a great tool to help manage life that may feel out of our control or overwhelming especially if you are a parent. Anything to help improve quality of life or mental health is awesome and worth a shot!
