Earthing, otherwise known as Grounding, is a natural occurrence that happens when our bodies are electrically connected with the Earth. Our body is primarily electrical and mainly made up of minerals and water, making it a good conductor of electricity and therefore able to easily receive the free electrons from the Earth through direct contact. The Earth’s surface holds a limitless source of negatively charged free electrons, which provide us with wonderful health benefits. Earthing is one of the easiest and cheapest ways of creating optimal health.
Throughout history, and before the introduction of electricity and wireless devices, humans were constantly able to benefit from the Earth’s electric energy. By walking barefoot, or using footwear and sleeping mats made from conductive animal skins, our ancestors were able to benefit from the Earth’s abundant supply of free electrons. Our modern lifestyle, with the use of rubber or plastic-soled shoes, which are unable to conduct Earth’s electric energy, has disconnected us from the Earth and the benefits of the free electrons.
In today’s modern environment, through the use of computers, mobile and handheld phones, radios, TVs, Bluetooth and other electrical or wireless devices, we are constantly exposed to electromagnetic radiation, otherwise known as EMF’s, which create unnatural weak electric currents within our bodies. In addition to EMF’s, we are constantly exposed to free radicals, through the form of heavy metals, air pollution and trans fats, which cause inflammation in our bodies.
“Electromagnetic radiation disrupts the body’s system”
Electromagnetic radiation disrupts the body’s system, causing it to become charged with static electricity, which disrupts the normal bioelectrical function of the body’s systems. By weakening the normal bioelectrical function of the body, excessive interference and stimulation to the nervous system occurs, negatively affecting our quality of sleep and health. Without grounding our bodies to the Earth, the cells in our bodies are unable to rebalance and the free radicals cause inflammation and cellular destruction.
Research provides evidence of the significant physiological shifts towards a healthier body that take place when our bodies are grounded. By walking barefoot, we are soaking up millions of electrons, which helps to detoxify the body, improve heartrate variability and shift the nervous system back to a place of tranquillity. Studies show that Earthing has the ability to reduce inflammation in the body and that it can stabilise the bioelectrical circuitry, harmonise basic biological rhythms, boost self-healing, reduce pain and improve the quality of sleep. When sleeping connected to the earth, cortisol levels are optimised, which influences energy, stress and quality of life.
Earthing, in its most natural form takes place when we are able to walk barefoot outdoors, swim in the ocean, lakes and rivers, and soak in mineral hot springs. However, as this is not always convenient or possible, we are still able to be grounded through the use of Earthing products such as conductive sheets, floor mats and bands. Earthing products are designed to allow the natural energy of the earth to be brought into a house or building and through direct, physical contact, to allow you to receive the benefits of the Earth’s electric energy as if you were outside and connecting naturally.
It is also possible to purchase Earthing shoes, usually in the form of moccasins and sandals, which are specifically designed to allow the electrons to flow freely from the Earth to your feet and up into the body. Whilst leather soles are unable to conduct electric energy, it is still possible, with a thin leather sole, to receive the Earth energy when the feet sweat in the shoes, as the moisture allows the Earth to pass the energy through the leather into the body.
By reinforcing or re-establishing our connection with the Earth, we are able to support our bodies toward optimal health. Earthing provides us with a reconnection to our innate healing ability and to the healing power of the earth.
Earthing
So kick off the shoes
Feel the grass beneath your feet
Whenever it is possible
Let the Earth become your seat
Free radicals will enter
But then they will pass
As long as you’re willing
To get in touch with the grass
The blessings of Earth
Are there for a reason
And are with us always
No matter the season
So sit on the grass
Feel the Earth beneath your feet
Your body will love it
A delightful little treat! (c) 2017
Tina Sayer, Contributing Editor
Tina is a Wellness and Parenting Coach, writer and poet. Apart from her coaching, she delivers motivational speeches and workshops on Wellness and Parenting. She is passionate about healthy living and caring for our animals and planet. Much of her spare time is spent in nature with her dogs, and as a mother and nurturer. Tina has been a loyal volunteer with MCC (formerly Bloom in Wellness) for many years and is now a contributing editor.
