How does it work?
Our bodies make their own electricity. Electricity is required for the nervous system to send signals throughout the body and to the brain, making it possible for us to move, think and feel. Everything is made up of atoms, and atoms are made up of positively charged protons, negatively charged electrons, and neutrally charged neutrons. Since our bodies are huge masses of atoms, we can generate electricity. However, modern technology is capable of throwing that electrical energy off. In addition, continual exposure to pollutants and technology’s electromagnetic fields can cause free radicals (or unpaired positive ions) to build up in our bodies. Luckily, reconnecting with the earth can bring us back to a balanced, neutral state. That’s because when we make contact, negative ions from the surface make their way into our bodies and release the free radicals we’ve been accumulating. These free radicals have been linked to premature aging, inflammation, and disease. Getting back in touch with nature can protect you from those issues.
Physical and emotional effects of grounding
Some of the effects earthing has on human bodies are:
- Better sleep
- Easier breathing
- Calmness
- Increased blood flow
- Reduced inflammation
- Reduces chronic pain
- Speeds healing
- Increases energy
- Reduces blood viscosity
- Improves mood
- Reduces stress
How to practice grounding?
Over the years I have accumulated practices and tips that helped me stay grounded and connected to my body. All you have to do is make direct skin contact with soil (or another conductive surface that’s also in direct contact with the earth). The simplest strategy for grounding is to slip off your shoes and take a stroll outside, whether it’s in your grassy backyard, a beach, or the local park or you can try glove-free gardening. It takes at least half an hour of exposure to access significant health benefits, so the recommended time is a minimum of thirty minutes of barefoot time outdoors daily, if possible. If this isn’t possible for you, or you are living in a big city try these practices that will give you a sense of grounding:
- Bring nature into your home – try to fill your home with house plants, bring home freshly cut flowers, install a living green wall or use natural wood and fiber furniture.
- Grounding mats – a grounding mat is intended to replace direct contact with the earth that we would experience if we went barefoot. Find more about it here.
- Get out of the city – plan a weekend trip to nature. Getting out of the city and into nature has in every study been found to have an immense effect on our wellbeing and happiness.
- Connect with family and friends – find people that make you feel grounded and make you safe.
- Massage – you can do this by yourself or get it done professionally. The important thing is to let go of the stresses of life and to be present in the moment.
Initially negative effects on Lyme patients?
There is information that grounding can ignite a Herxheimer reaction – it is an inflammatory response to a die-off bacteria which manifests as fatigue, nausea and fever. This reaction is possible because people with Lyme have thick blood and poor circulation. When the human body is grounded, it reduces blood viscosity so blood can get in and out of the capillaries. When that happens, the blood starts clearing out the spirochetes, creating initial flu-like symptoms that eventually clear. Therefore, while earthing can be very therapeutic for people with Lyme, they should proceed with caution.
Conclusion
I’ve practiced grounding for years and realized that connecting my body with Earth’s electrons only boosts my overall health and wellness. Try it! Head outside and lay on the ground and enjoy the spring breeze. Take time to connect with the Earth and watch the benefits it’ll have on your mental and physical health.