If you’ve heard of the term grounding or earthing before and pictured walking through the dirt barefoot, you aren’t far off. However, the reasons behind why we should are a bit more complex and scientific than you may think.
What is Grounding/Earthing?
Simply put, grounding is coming in direct contact with the Earth’s surface, like walking barefoot. The Earth is made up of negative electrons, and being that the human body is made up of an electrical system, connecting with the Earth’s electrons provides regulation to our system.
Think of electricity. Everything electrical is grounded to the Earth to provide electrical stability. This is due to the Earth providing a limitless and continuously renewed supply of electrons. If this sounds scientific, it’s because it is! Understanding how electricity works can help us better understand the natural healing powers of grounding without it sounding like a placebo effect.
The theory of how we first became disconnected from the Earth originates with the invention of rubber-soled shoes in the 1960s. While rubber can protect our feet in the modern world, it also limits the transfer of electricity, leaving us no longer naturally grounded to the Earth. And how often do we go outside without shoes, especially in Canada? It’s safe to say not very often.
The Benefits of Grounding
With 21 published medical studies on earthing/grounding, research has produced many ways grounding can benefit the human body. Grounding can:
- Reduce inflammation
- Balance the nervous system
- Reduce stress
- Reduce chronic pain
One big takeaway from grounding is how much it can reduce inflammation. And when inflammation is reduced, the need for pharmaceutical medicine goes down along with the risk for disease. While there hasn’t been much research conducted on how grounding can affect mood, it is known that simply being in nature can improve our mood and mental health.
How to Incorporate Grounding into Everyday Life
So, if grounding is proven to have all these benefits, how can we incorporate it into everyday life? If you’re fortunate enough to live in a warm location, simply walking barefoot in your backyard, garden, or sandy beach for 20 minutes a day can prove to be beneficial. If you don’t want to walk or lay on the ground, you can even grab a chair with your feet touching the ground.
If you live in a colder climate, don’t worry, there are other options. From mattress covers to grounding mats, grounding has been made easier than ever. Adding grounding mats to your home can help you practice grounding without freezing your toes off.
Immerse Yourself in Nature this Earth Day
With Earth Day coming up on April 22nd, it serves as a great opportunity to try grounding while reducing your environmental impact. Unplug, go outside, take off your shoes and let the Earth heal you. Try getting your hands dirty and start a garden.
If you don’t have the outdoor space to do so, start an herb garden in your kitchen and feel your mood improve. Take advantage of the free healing powers available to you and find a way to connect with nature and the Earth!
At Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic, our centre is located along the beautiful Sunshine Coast. Being a two-minute walk from the beach and surrounded by lush forests filled with trails, our clients benefit from the natural healing powers around us. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health and/or addiction, visit our website or call us today to learn about the services we offer.
To learn more about grounding/earthing, watch the free 15-minute documentary on YouTube below.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4378297/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3265077/#:~:text=Earthing%20
