Grounding or Earthing practice, is often dismissed as some kind of new age nonsense. With no actual ‘grounding’ (excuse the pun!) in real science. So it may come as a surprise to hear, that various research studies on the subject have been done over the years. The findings of which suggested that the simple action of connecting to the earth, really does have profound benefits on the human body.
Long, long ago, our ancestors unwittingly performed this simple practice on a daily basis. Connecting with the earth, just by walking around barefoot and sleeping or sitting on the bare ground. With little between them and the earth below. Of course, this was most likely out of necessity, rather than an innate knowledge that they were recharging their bodies. Nevertheless, that may actually have been what they were doing. Over the years, we have however, become ever more adept at developing ways to disconnect from this natural earth energy. Whether by covering our feet with thick, heavy soles, made of rubber or plastic or by sleeping on comfy beds, high up off the ground. Often nearer to the sky than the earth. And whilst this action has afforded us greater comfort, it has undoubtedly for many, resulted in a feeling of disconnection.
This connection that we have with the earth (or rather the lack of it), all comes down to electricity. The earth and all below it, is known to have a negative charge (5) and everything above has a positive charge. And sometimes us humans can become excessively positively charged too. So when we connect directly with the earth, there is a transfer of energy. The earth gives off it negative electrons, which we then take into our bodies. Where they neutralise the positively charged free radicals which can cause disease. (1) In fact recent research has shown that regular grounding can regulate our biological clock and the body’s natural rhythms. This in turn can improve inflammation (2), pain (3), sleep, stress (4) and even heart disease. One study in particular found that regular grounding reduced the surface charge of red blood cells. Which then led to reduced viscosity and clumping of the cells (5). Suggesting that if practised regularly it could help to reduce the incidence of strokes and circulatory disease.
In the short term grounding can make you feel stronger, more stable and more energised as though your inner battery has been recharged, whilst at the same time leading to a feeling of calmness and relaxation.
Here are some simple things you can do to feel more grounded in your day to day life: 
- Walk barefoot whenever you can, especially on soil, grass, sand and even concrete. Aim for a minimum of at least 15 minutes at a time.
- Lie or sit on the ground, grass or sand. Even if you use a thin, non-synthetic blanket beneath you.
- Wade or swim in a lake, river or the sea, whenever you get the opportunity. And when it is safe to do so, of course.
- Use grounding equipment such as metal rods, mats, sheets, socks and patches.
- Use essential oils which are extracted from the plant parts, that are in contact with the earth. Such as roots, barks and resins. Base note oils with a grounding action such as Vetiver, Patchouli, Ginger & Cedarwood. We have a grounding blend here
- Gardening is a good way to connect with the earth. Touching the soil and connecting with the plants that grow in the soil can make you feel more grounded.
- If you practice yoga, do it outdoors if weather permits. The following yogic exercises are particularly good for grounding and connecting with the earth below. Shavasana (Corpse pose), Tadasana (Mountain pose) and Sukhasana (Easy pose). For each pose, close your eyes and bring your attention to the ground beneath you. Imagine rooting to the ground and anchoring to the earth beneath you.
- Oschman J.L. Energy Medicine The Scientific Basis 2nd Edition Elsevier
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4378297/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4590684/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30448083/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3576907/
CHAMOMILE
The benefits of Himalayan Salt Baths
We use Himalayan salts in our bath soaks and teas. Partly because of the distinctive colour. But also because they are considered the purest salts, due to the lack of pollution in the area in which they are mined. Himalayan salts are mined from a salt mine at the foot of the Himalayan mountains and are an orangey, pink colour due to the high iron content.
We all experience stress at some point in our life and some would argue that a little stress is necessary, in order to get things done. However, left unchecked stress can very debilitating. In fact, long term chronic stress, can lead to major problems with health and well-being. So it’s important to have strategies in place, to help you to reduce your stress levels and thereby prevent it from affecting your health.
Over 20 years ago I received a gift. A gift which I think it’s fair to say, changed the course of my life. It was an essential oils starter kit, together with the book “Practical Aromatherapy” by Shirley Price. I had no idea back then, that 20 years later I would actually be an Aromatherapist, producing my own range of Aromatherapy products. In fact, a lot has changed since then, both with me and with the world around me. Yet despite that, sometimes when I smell Ylang Ylang, I am reminded of that exact time 20 years ago, when I opened my first ever bottle of Ylang Ylang essential oil. No doubt you’ve experienced something similar, when a familiar smell, evoked past memories and instantly took your mind back to that time and place.
Essential oils are made up of phytochemicals, some of which you may have heard of such as menthol, which is present in peppermint. Chemicals are not exclusive to synthetic items, they are all around us in nature (think back to your school science classes and the periodic table). All living things are made up of chemicals and so are plants and some of these chemicals are very potent, in fact too potent.
Roses are synonymous with Valentine’s Day. Particularly red roses, but have you ever wondered why that is? What is it about Roses that makes people think of love, passion and romance. To find out, we have to delve into myth and legend. So let’s go all the way back to Greek mythology.
Red roses symbolise deep love, longing or devotion.
As a massage therapist, I have lots of amazing natural oils at my disposal and I am aware of the many benefits that these oils have on the skin. But I had never tried them on my face before, at least not in this way. Yes it’s true that I have used them on my clients faces plenty of times, as part of a massage treatment. But until around a year ago, I had never actually heard of the Oil Cleansing Method. At first I was skeptical. After all, I had developed spots and spots are often a sign of oiliness. But it would seem that wasn’t the case. After just one day of using my chosen blend of oils, my skin was already feeling more nourished. More nourished than it had felt in a long time. So I persevered. After 2 weeks of this method I didn’t need any further convincing. The spots and the redness had reduced noticeably and my skin just felt so much better, less tight, less sensitive and generally more nourished. The oils I chose for my Cleansing Oil blend are Avocado, Sunflower & Castor oil and here’s why:
Hello everyone and welcome to Wildflower Aromatic’s blog page, where you can expect to find info on all things natural, healthy and aromatic.