
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/