Many people would like to feel closer to nature and more connected to the earth, but achieving this isn’t always simple. That is, until you learn about earthing, which is sometimes to referred to as grounding but the two are one of the same.
Grounding simply refers to contact with the earth and is a mindfulness technique that has been practised for thousands of years.
In this article, we are going to be looking at what earthing or grounding is and how it can benefit you both physically and mentally.
What Is Earthing?
Earthing, or grounding is a wellness technique that works on the principle that the electricity from within the earth can serve as a form of healing. In order to attain this healing, we must connect the human body to the earth. This can be done in many ways but one of the most common is by walking barefoot through nature.
This may sound simple, and it is but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a viable practice and people have noticed the positive effects of earthing for a long time. In modern culture, more and more people are experimenting with grounding techniques and noticing these benefits of earthing for themselves.
There have been some studies into the effects of grounding but there is still much research to be done. However, what we do know is that the central connector between the cells in the human body is affected through grounding. This living matrix serves as a way of defending the immune system in a similar was to antioxidants and this earthing research showed that free radicals may be removed from the body.
How Does Earthing Work?
The immune system of the human body uses white blood cells to release free radicals which are scientifically known as reactive oxygen molecules. These free radicals suffer from an imbalance of electrons and must find free electrons to neutralise themselves. However, in the process, this can damage healthy cells and negatively affect the body systems.
Fortunately, the immune system is able to remove these electrons through the use of white blood cells. But if they are not removed, this can lead to things like chronic inflammation.
However, when you are connected to the ground, you are able to access millions of electrons that the free radicals can attach to and this will stop your body from experiencing chronic inflammation and any other related health disorders. This is the main and most notable effect of grounding.
This is exciting and there are many more grounding or earthing benefits which we will look at in more detail a little later on.
How To Do Earthing
A lot of people are confused as to how you can do grounding and there are many grounding techniques that you can use to make yourself feel better. So, before we look more closely at the effects and health benefits of this practice. Let’s learn how to do earthing.
Walk Barefoot
When we wear shoes, we are not directly connected to the earth s surface and so we cannot feel the effects of grounding when we go about our day to day activities; most of which involve wearing soled shoes. But there are plenty of opportunities to kick off your shoes and connect to the earth.
Walking barefoot is one of the most common ways to perform grounding earthing and is thought to be an effective way of connecting to the earth.
It is believed that by letting the feet make contact with the earth, whether in grass, mud, sand or anything else, you will benefit from the natural electricity and energy.
Lie On The Earth
The idea of grounding is that when you allow your body to make contact with the earth, the earth s energy can get into the body and have positive health effects. This is because Mother Earth is filled with sublty charged free electrons that have an impact on human beings. Everything is made up from some sort of energy and energy works with other energetic sources.
So, it would stand to reason that bringing your body to the earth to rest is one of the best ways of grounding earthing.
Use Grounding Aids
If, for some reason, you are unable to make direct contact with the earth, it is possible to take part in grounding using an earthing aid. There are several pieces of equipment including earthing mats, earthing socks, earthing patches and even earthing rods.
The earthing rod is a metal pole that makes contact to the earth and connects to your body using a ground wire. You will still reap the same benefits from earth s natural energy. These grounding systems can be purchased online.
Getting Into Water
There are some people who would agree that using water for earthing is just as effective as using the earth s surface. it is important that you use a natural water source such as a lake, the ocean or a stream and you are free to swim, wade or simply paddle.
What Is The Difference Between Earthing And Grounding?
Earthing and grounding are the same thing and are simply referred to by these two interchangeable names but the benefits of earthing and grounding are the same.
Does Grounding Earthing Really Work?
We understand that the idea of earthing may seem a little far fetched, and the first reaction of most people is ‘does this actually work?’
There have been a number of studies that have shown some impressive effects of grounding, including a reduction in pain, higher energy levels and better sleep – but we will look at these more closely later on.
In short, while research is limited, it is safe to say that grounding does work.
What Are The Benefits Of Grounding?
There are a lot of benefits associated with the practice of earthing grounding and using the earth s energy may serve you in more ways than you might initially imagine.
The human body is a complex machine and requires careful attention – but we have been given everything that we need by the earth so why not use it? Let’s take a look at how something as simple as a walk with bare feet can help you.
Studies have shown that earthing grounding can help to reduce fatigue. There is no denying that modern life takes a toll and we are left feeling shattered for most of the time. This research demonstrated that in as little as four weeks, subjects noticed an increase in their energy levels and sleeping grounded improved how fatigued they felt during the day.
Alongside this, the study showed that those who practised grounding noticed fewer sleep disturbances and it is likely that this added to the reduction in fatigue. What’s more, the less tired you are, the lower your stress levels will be.
Furthermore, it has been noted that grounding can effectively lower blood pressure. This decrease in high blood pressure has a direct impact on the circulatory system and as such can help to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Even more research has been done on the effect of earthing patches. This showed that there was a significant decrease in chronic pain. Chronic pain is one of the most common ailments and this pain can cause people to be bedridden at times. Taking these electrons from the earth can reduce pain and has also been known to prevent muscle damage.
In a psychological sense, it is thought that grounding can be very useful for those who struggle with conditions such as anxiety and depression. There have been some smaller pieces of research to back this and it was demonstrated that as little as just an hour of earthing can prove to be advantageous.
One of the over-looked advantages of earthing is that it allows you to get back to nature. All too often, we are focused on our careers, families and social lives and we are not able to appreciate what is right in front of us. If you walk barefoot through a field or a forest, or wade in the ocean you will be able to connect back to the earth and this can be extremely therapeutic in itself. You will likely notice that your level of stress is reduced.
Are There Any Risks To Grounding?
As a general guide, grounding outdoors is thought to be relatively safe. The main consideration is where you do the practice. For example, if you are doing earthing in water, there are natural dangers such as drowning. It is wise to remain mindful about the location you choose for grounding and ensure that you follow common sense practices.
In contrast, if you use grounding equipment like a mat or socks, these have an electric current running through them and as with anything electrical, there is a risk of shock. For this reason, it is always recommended that you follow the instructions to the letter to avoid accidents.
Finally, if you have decided to take part in a grounding practice to address something like stress or depression, you may have an underlying health problem that needs to be addressed. Regardless of your earthing practice, you should always seek medical assistance if you feel that this is needed.
How Long Should You Do Grounding?
There is no reason why you should not do as much earthing as you wish but if you want to notice the benefits, it is advisable to do at least 20 to 30 minutes in a single session as this will give the electromagnetic radiation time to enter the body and get to work.
It is also important to think about how long it will be before you begin to notice positive changes. This can differ greatly from person to person. In some cases, people will begin to pick up on the effects almost straight away. Conversely, there are those who may not feel any different for some months. The key is to be consistent and strive to take part in some grounding every day.
Conclusion
Grounding, or earthing as it is sometimes called is the practice of connecting the body to the earth to benefit from the electrons that can be found within it.
Human beings are made from energy and it is entirely possible to use this energy along with the earth s energy to benefit us in many ways. Those who practice earthing have noticed many positive changes such as an improvement in pain, prevention of cardiovascular disease and an increase in energy, therefore, reducing fatigue.
