Earthing Techniques
Earthing, also referred to as grounding, is the practice of making direct contact with the earth to neutralize the positive electrical charges that are naturally present within most human bodies.
There are electro-magnetic fields all around us that we are exposed to all of the time, especially when we spend time indoors surrounded by technology.
The body absorbs radiated electrical energy and holds onto it by not coming in direct contact with the earth to get grounded. This energy is partly responsible for the harmful free radicals that contribute to disease and premature aging.
Just like the wires entering the home need to be grounded, so does the body. Grounding allows the body to soak up detoxifying electrons.
The earth is similar to a huge battery that is constantly being fueled by the rays of the sun and the natural electrical charges in the atmosphere.
The natural energy within the earth helps to keep everything in balance. Our hunter/gatherer ancestors were constantly in contact with this balancing and healing energy because they walked the earth and slept on the ground.
We wear rubber soled shoes that shield us from the earth’s energy, sit on chairs when outside, and sleep off the ground on beds indoors.
To explain grounding in an easy to understand way, here is a video by Dr. Sinatra of the Heart MD Institute.
What are Some Earthing Techniques?
The easiest earthing method is to simply take a walk outside barefoot in the grass or on a sandy beach. Another way to get grounded is to sit, lie down, or do yoga on the ground or in the sand.
Touching a tree that has deep roots, or working with bare hands in a garden are other ways to make direct contact with the earth. A few seconds a day is good. An hour a day is even better. All of these things are free.
There are also devices that can be used indoors to get grounded. These can be especially helpful when living in an urban environment or when the weather is not conducive to being outside, such as during a snow storm or a rain event with lightning.
The way to practice earthing techniques indoors is generally by plugging a specific device into a grounded wall outlet and making direct contact with the device.
Energy, not electricity, passes through a cord to the conductive earthing device. Some examples of home earthing devices include:
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Grounding floor mats that can be placed under your feet while working or relaxing
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Earthing bed sheets with conductive silver threads woven into the fabric
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Earthing recovery bags
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Conductive socks, gloves, and joint braces
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Grounding yoga mats
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Patch kits
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Earthing throws
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Earthing wrist bands
Health Benefits of Earthing
Grounding stabilizes the body and allows it to absorb the earth’s electrons that help to regulate and balance all bodily systems. It has an immediate positive impact on overall health.
This is almost always noticeable as soon as the shoes come off for a walk on the beach. It might seem like just being on a seaside vacation is less stressful. In fact, the body really is less stressed when grounded in the sand.
Is it any wonder that so many people can easily fall asleep when lying on a towel in the sand?
This reaction is a direct response to more balanced hormones, reduced inflammation throughout the body, and minimized overall pain and discomfort. It is very centering and relaxing.
The Earthing Institute is an organization that has compiled years of research on earthing, or grounding. There have been several studies performed with evidence to back up the claims that this practice can have only positive impacts on overall health and immune function.
Some of the most noticeable health benefits that have been cited by the experts, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), are:
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Improved allergies and asthma
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Less arthritis and joint pain
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Better cognition and memory
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Less headaches
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Improved energy
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Restful sleep
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Cardiovascular health, especially improved blood viscosity
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Improvement in mood and decreased depression
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Relief from stress and anxiety
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Less inflammation
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Central nervous system regulation
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Balanced hormones
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Faster wound healing
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Reduction in damaging free radicals
Is Earthing Right for Everyone?
Earthing alone will not cure all that ails the human body. A more holistic approach to health and wellness also includes a whole foods diet, exercise, plenty of quality sleep, and relaxation techniques such as meditation.
Alternative and allopathic therapies may also be necessary when a serious medical condition is present.
Earthing is a perfect lifestyle adjunct to achieving a healthier balance. The benefits outweigh any potential negatives. In fact, the only negative is that one might get dirt in-between the toes or bitten by a pesky insect when outdoors.
Being mindful of the surrounding environment makes good sense. Walking barefoot on grass that has been sprayed with harmful chemicals isn’t a good idea.
Earthing, or grounding, doesn’t have to cost anything as long as there is access to the outdoors. If not, there are many products that can help with getting grounded while indoors.
The bottom line is that there seems to be no downside to earthing. It is worth trying.