Did you know that you can improve your health by grounding or earthing? The word “grounding” usually makes us think of keeping ourselves safe from getting electrocuted. Grounding is usually part of the electrical system inside our homes and work places. Actually, it has benefits for the human body too.
Grounding, also called Earthing, is a practice that can greatly benefit our health. Unfortunately, in our modern world, we don’t do much of this or none at all. For example, when was the last time you walked barefoot on the ground, or on the grass? Taking some time off to reconnect with the earth is a form of self care.
What is Grounding or Earthing?
Think of the planet Earth as a giant battery that contains an electric charge. This electric charge is subtly transmitted into our bodies through our skin; specially through the soles of our feet. “Earthing” or “Grounding” is being in actual conductive contact with the earth.
There is a comforting, warm sensation after walking barefoot on the grass. We have all felt uplifted after walking along the beach. This is what being grounded means. You feel centered, strong, balanced, solid, less tense and less stressed.
Overall, you just feel good when you are grounded. If you are feeling some pain, you usually feel less pain or even none at all afterwards. When you get off from an afternoon of playing on the sand; you usually feel some soreness from overusing your muscles but you generally feel less pain and are more calm and relaxed.
How It Works
The concept behind grounding is that our bodies has its own electrical network between cells which works as our natural immune defense system. This defense system is naturally enhanced and activated when we connect to the earth’s own electrical field. One of the most noticeable effects of grounding is reduced pain and inflammation in the body. Stress and fatigue are also greatly reduced. People who ground have also experienced better sleep.
Grounding works by utilizing the negative electrical energy of the earth. This neutralizes the positive electrical energy in the body which causes pain and inflammation, among other things. Earthing also helps your body discharge excess electricity which helps you to feel more balanced and stable afterwards.
Ways to Practice
We usually go through our whole day wearing slippers or shoes. This means we are disconnected from the natural, electrical charge of the earth so we miss out on its health benefits. The good thing about grounding is that it can be done anytime and for free.
The best way is to spend more time touching the ground with your bare feet. Just stand on the grass or ground in your backyard during the morning when you’re trying to catch some sunshine for a dose of Vitamin D. This way, you also get a dose of Vitamin G or grounding.
You can also ground by submersing in water. You can wade on the beach and enjoy the ocean water. A lake or river or a waterfall is a good way to do this too. Just be sure to observe safety in the water. Another way is to use grounding mats, blankets, sheets, bands and patches as well as grounding kits.
Of course, make sure that you practice grounding under safe and healthy conditions. For example, don’t drench yourself outside on a cold, rainy night just to get some grounding done. Do it while there’s still sun and on dry ground. When stepping on grass, make sure you’re not stepping on ants.
Try to ground yourself at least 30 minutes a day. You can never overdose from grounding and the more you do it, the more health benefits you’ll start to experience. So try doing it as much as you can through the course of the day.
Try asking yourself these questions to assess your physical health. This way you can see where else you can improve. If you are already practicing grounding, tell us your experiences on grounding and how it helped your health.
Updated. First published on Pinoy Smart Living on 2019.05.12.
Feature Image: Original Photo by B Pixels.