
When we think about the environmental impact on our health, more often than not we focus on the negative factors like polluted air, water, toxic chemicals, and so on. Let's talk about a hugely beneficial environmental impact that few are aware of. Grounding!(earthing) Omnipresent throughout our environment is an abundant source of healing that is all too commonly overlooked: the Earth itself. The benefits of grounding are plentiful and profound, from decreasing stress levels to improving blood flow. So what exactly is “grounding”? How does it work, and how can you access it?
Grounding (also commonly called earthing) Is the practice of walking barefoot directly on the Earths surface. Grass, dirt, sand, it doesn’t matter, as long as those shoes are off (socks too for the full benefit) you are grounding. Yep it’s that simple. And highly underrated. Stand, walk, lie down, however you feel called to ground. Just kick those shoes off and experience the Earth's healing magic.
Scientific research and evidence continue to emerge supporting the concept that the Earth's electrons create various positive physiological changes to our health and well-being. The surface of the Earth possesses an abundant and continuously renewed supply of energy (free/mobile electrons). The surface of the planet is electrically conductive. We (bioelectrical beings) are living on an electric planet. All of our cells transmit multiple frequencies that help our body’s internal system run. When you take shoes out of the equation we are able to more deeply connect to the earth beneath us. In a literal sense we are allowing the energy of the earth to freely flow into our bodies. Without the presence of rubber (shoes) blocking the flow from the earth to our body, we are allowing our bodies to receive the Earth’s natural energy, and support the body and minds natural healing mechanism. It’s like plugging yourself into the Earth’s power source to recharge your batteries, feel more alive, and bring yourself back to a more balanced and harmonious state of being. And the best part, it’s 100% free. No pills, no insurance, no co-pays. None of that. The earth is everywhere and available to all of us at all times.
The benefits of spending time with your bare feet on the Earth are endless and range from physical mental and spiritual well-being. Scientific studies continue to emerge and are proving these array of benefits to be true. Some of the benefits of grounding include:
Reduced inflammation
Decreased pain
Decreased stress response
Improved sleep
Improved cortisol rhythm
Improved wound healing and tissue/cell repair
Enhances blood flow
Improved electrical activity in the brain
Enhanced energy levels
Improved immunity
Throughout history humans primarily walked barefoot and slept directly on the earth. The Earth's abundant energy was able to enter the body unhindered. Every part of the body could equilibrate with the electrical potential of earth, therefore stabilizing the electrical environment of all organs, tissues, and cells.
Modern lifestyle has increasingly separated us from the primordial flow of Earth's energy. What once was a natural act of walking out in public barefoot is considered taboo in today’s western world. In fact you could be rejected service for merely walking barefoot. In recent decades we’ve seen a rising number of chronic illness, immune disorders, inflammatory diseases, and mental illness. I’m willing to bet our disconnection to the Earth plays a large role in these rising numbers.
The large amount of free electrons and ions (energy) absorbed into the body from grounding, act as antioxidants which neutralizes toxins, reducing inflammation. The Earth’s energy aids in creating the ideal internal bio electrical environment for the normal functioning of all body systems.
Nature has a huge Impact on our mental well-being. Spending time grounding in nature on a regular basis improves the serotonin feedback loop in the brain and releases endorphins. Serotonin is our mood stabilizing hormone creating feelings of well-being and happiness. And endorphins create a natural pain killer. Grounding also aids our nervous system In shifting from sympathetic (stress response) to parasympathetic (relaxation response). Significantly decreasing feelings of stress and anxiety. Furthermore grounding also has a positive effect on regulating cortisol and adrenaline levels in the body, as well correcting hormonal imbalances causing PMS.
Sleep is another major factor in our health and well-being. Connecting with the Earth’s energy is important for setting our biological clocks and stabilizes circadian rhythms in the body which in turn helping us sleep better and prevents insomnia.
The level of blood circulation directly correlates to a person’s physical and mental well-being. And I bet you’ll never guess what might help with that. Yep, that’s right, grounding! According to research noted in the National Public Library of Medicine, walking barefoot decreases blood viscosity by increasing the surface area of red blood cells, which results in improved oxygen delivery and blood flow throughout the body. Grounding also releases nitric oxide into the body which relaxes the arteries, leading to a reduction in blood pressure.
I could go on and on about the positive effects of grounding, but I hope at this point you get it. The Earth is healing. Recharging, balancing and harmonizing our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Don’t just take my word though, go try it out for yourself! If you’re feeling stressed anxious, or simply out of balance, taking off your shoes and walking barefoot is sure to leave you feeling more grounded, connected, and energized. It’s simple, effective, and abundantly available. Go get connected to Mother Earth's healing!
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