When your skin makes direct contact with the surface of the earth, your body receives an electrical charge of energy that makes you feel better, fast.
The first time I heard of earthing (aka grounding) it was very early on in my quest for living a holistic lifestyle. The thought of walking around barefoot in my backyard seemed like a risky way to level my emotions and improve my immune system when considering I have two pugs that run around (and go potty) in the yard- it was a gamble I wasn’t willing to take!
Even science can’t deny it
The science behind earthing asserts that the earth has an abundant supply of free electrons and when we contact it with our bare skin- it charges us and helps neutralize free radicals enabling our bodies to cure anything from inflammation and arthritis to insomnia and depression. In the Journal of Environmental and Public Health, studies have shown that earthing naturally relieves health implications of all types– for people and animals.
Emerging evidence shows that contact with the Earth—whether being outside barefoot or indoors connected to grounded conductive systems—may be a simple, natural, and yet profoundly effective environmental strategy against chronic stress, ANS dysfunction, inflammation, pain, poor sleep, disturbed HRV, hypercoagulable blood, and many common health disorders, including cardiovascular disease. Dr. Frank Sinatra
Taking the plunge
As my search and mindset matured, I revisited the topic, realizing how important our relationship is with the environment and how connected our bodies are with nature. The idea to make skin contact with the earth for approximately 10-20 minutes a day, twice a day, for my health’s sake seemed too easy to pass up. So just like that, I kicked off my shoes and took the plunge.
People stay inflamed because they never connect with the Earth, the source of free electrons which can neutralize the free radicals in the body that cause disease and cellular destruction. Earthing is the easiest and most profound lifestyle change anyone can make. James Oschman, Biophysicist
If you’re like me in my primal quest and you’re not certain you want to walk in the grass barefoot, it’s good to know that you can get the same benefits by walking on the beach, swimming in a large body of natural water, or you can throw down a blanket or chair, allowing your feet to hang into the soil and you may even get some energy through the blanket if the ground is damp. There are also a plethora of earthing products like shoes and mats that you can use, but I find the simplest, least expensive, and most beneficial way to do it is to plant those bare piggies right on the ground.
Start charging now
Just place your bare skin in contact with the earth (dirt, sand, and concrete are all conductive) or a large body of water for as long as you can. Think of yourself as your cell phone and the earth as your charging station and plug yourself in for at least 20-40 minutes a day (but any amount of time is better than none).
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