By Lana Shapiro
When was the last time you took a leisurely walk through the grass barefoot? Walked barefoot on the beach? Dug into the earth with your bare hands? If you’re like most of us, it’s been way too long.
What is Earthing and why do we need to do it?
We live on this planet, yet we’re separated from its inherently healing energy.
Grounding or earthing is the practice of reconnecting the human body to the Earth. The theory of grounding states that our modern lifestyle has disconnected humans from the electrons naturally present in the ground. This loss could be responsible for increased inflammation, affected sleep, and chronic pain.
A direct physical connection to the Earth’s natural electrical charge stabilizes our physiology, resulting in profound and transformational health benefits. Getting connected can be as simple as standing barefoot on the ground to reestablish our lost and needed connection with the Earth. This Earth energy, which comes from a virtually unlimited supply of sub-atomic particles called electrons, is constantly replenished by the sun, lightning, and our planet’s deep molten core, giving our landmasses and oceans a subtle negative electrical charge.
Scientists have found that it’s these free negatively charged electrons, from the Earth, that keep our bioelectric bodies balanced by altering the positively charged free radicals, which are the hallmarks of inflammation.
Our original ancestors earthed around the clock, they were constantly connected to the Earth’s frequency. To receive the full benefit of Earthing, it is recommended to be done for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Benefits Earthing has been shown to help with are:
• Defuse the cause of inflammation, and improve or eliminate the symptoms of many inflammation-related disorders
• Reduce or eliminate chronic pain
• Improve sleep and promote a deeper sleep
• Increase energy and vitality
• Lower stress and promote calmness in the body by cooling down the nervous system and stress hormones
• Normalize the body's biological rhythms
• Thin the blood and improve blood pressure and flow
• Relieve muscle tension and headaches
• Lessen hormonal and menstrual symptoms
• Dramatically speeds healing time and can help prevent bedsores
• Reduce or eliminate jet lag
• Protect the body against potentially health disturbing environmental electromagnetic fields (EMFs)
Accelerate recovery from intense athletic activity
Other Ways to “Earth”
• Swim in the ocean or lakes
• Garden with bare hands
• Lay on the Earth
• Hug a living tree
• Lean up against a living tree
• Sleep on the earth while camping
• Wear natural leather-soled shoes instead of synthetic rubber/plastic shoes
Consistency is Key!
In order to receive the full benefits of this practice, it is important to make it a consistent part of your routine. If you live in an area where Earthing year around is not possible due to seasonal changes, there are products that you can invest in that can be used around your house that can provide similar benefits, such as Earthing pillows, blankets, frequency mats, etc.