The Benefits of Grounding (Earthing): How Grounding Can Improve Your Health
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CONTENTS
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WHY IS GROUNDING SO IMPORTANT?
In our modern, fast-paced lives, most people are disconnected from the natural world around us. Yet, there's an inherent connection between our bodies and the earth that we often overlook. This connection is at the heart of the practices known as earthing or grounding.
Earthing, is the practice of connecting with the earth's natural energy by direct physical contact. This involves simply walking barefoot on the ground, lying down on the grass, or even swimming in natural bodies of water.
Just like any electrical items needs to be earthed, so does our body and our animals' bodies. Grounding is the bioelectric communication between our physical body and the earth, through direct contact with bare skin. This connection is created when we go barefoot on the earth, immerse our hands in the soil while gardening, or touch a tree or plant. But what processes underlie this phenomenon?
Negative ions generated through earthing, can have profound effects on our well-being. When we make direct contact with the earth's surface, our bodies absorb an abundance of negative ions. These ions have been shown to neutralise free radicals, which are harmful molecules implicated in inflammation and various diseases.
By reducing oxidative stress, negative ions from earthing promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, and alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety. Additionally, they may enhance overall mood and energy levels, contributing to a sense of balance and vitality in our daily lives.
Furthermore, grounding facilitates a deeper connection with nature, offering a reprieve from the artificial stimuli of modern life. Embracing grounding practices in our daily routines can serve as a powerful tool in mitigating the detrimental
impacts of EMFs, promoting not only physical health but also mental and emotional resilience in the face of the technological age.
EARTHING CAN HAVE A RANGE OF BENEFITS
Immune Support
Earthing has been shown to modulate immune system activity, potentially enhancing the body's natural defence mechanisms.
Reduced Inflammation
Studies have shown that earthing can help decrease inflammation in the body, which is associated with various chronic diseases.
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Improved Sleep
Connecting with the earth's natural energy has been found to regulate sleep patterns and improve overall sleep quality.
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Stress Reduction
Earthing has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels by balancing the autonomic nervous system.
Pain Relief
Some research suggests that earthing may help alleviate pain by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
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Improved Circulation
Grounding has been associated with enhanced blood flow and circulation, which can benefit cardiovascular health.
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Faster Recovery
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts often use grounding to speed up recovery times after intense workouts or injuries.
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Mood Enhancement
Grounding is associated with heightened mood and enhanced well-being. This connection fosters balanced electrical activity within the body when it absorbs the negative ions from the earth. This contributes to a sense of calm and stability, promoting overall mental and emotional wellness.
Increased Energy
Many people report feeling more energised and revitalised after spending time simply being in nature and establishing connection with the earth.
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RESEARCH STUDIES
So how can we back up all of these claims? Grounding has been well studied over the years and I have poured through and read a heap of them. I'll list a link to some studies below and you can select which you would like to get our teeth into (yawn.....zzzzzz). I love research and it's always a great idea to be able to back up the claims for profound healing when the nay-sayers start.
Link: One-Hour Contact with the Earth’s Surface (Grounding) Improves Inflammation and Blood Flow – A Randomized, Double-Blind, Pilot Study
Link: Grounding the Human Body during Yoga Exercise with a Grounded Yoga Mat Reduces Blood Viscosity
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, there are many other completed studies available. If you would like more information, I encourage you to do some further googling or take a trip to the library. Leave a comment on this blog if you have found other relevant studies and include a link. I'll be more than happy to include what you find on our list.
HOW TO GROUND YOURSELF: 11 SIMPLE PRACTICES
So let's get grounding. Get ready to roll up your sleeves, I mean kick of your shoes and socks? I've listed 11 practical ways to start your grounding practice.
Aim for a minimum of 40 minutes per day. If you can spend more time grounding at work during the day and over night during sleep, you'll reap more health rewards!
Walk Barefoot
Take off your shoes and socks and walk directly on the ground, whether it's grass, sand, or soil. Rocks, pebbles, pavers and concrete will also radiate Mother Gaia’s energies, however if there is a plastic lining between the earth and the concrete, rocks or pavers, the negative ions will not pass through. Take a leisurely walk in the forest, immersing yourself in nature and soaking up the healing energy of the trees and plants. Hug a tree, lie in the forest naked – just kidding, too many bugs. The more skin to earth contact, the better the absorption of healing energies.
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Gardening
Spend time working in the garden, digging in the soil, and connecting with the earth's energy. Barefoot will radiate the earth’s energies, wearing shoes won’t do this. Unless you’re particularly sensitive, leave the gloves in the shed, put your hands in the dirt and have skin to plant / earth contact.
Crystals for Grounding
To use crystals for grounding, start by selecting grounding crystals such as the ones I've listed below. Hold the crystals in your hand or place one at the base of your spine or feet during meditation. With intention, visualise roots extending from your body and connecting you deeply through the earth's crust and into the centre of the earth. Carry the crystals with you or wear them as jewellery, place them in your car, your workspace. You may also grid your home by placing crystals at all four corners of your house to maintain grounding energy throughout the day and night.
Some of the best grounding crystals include:
Black Tourmaline
Known for its protective properties, black tourmaline absorbs negative energy and helps anchor you to the earth.
Hematite
With its strong grounding energy, hematite helps stabilise and balance emotions while enhancing focus and concentration.
Smoky Quartz
This crystal gently neutralises negative vibrations and disperses them, promoting a sense of stability and security.
Red Jasper
Often referred to as the "supreme nurturer," red jasper provides a deep connection to the earth's energy, enhancing vitality, strength, and endurance.
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Beach & Natural Pools Time
Spend time at the beach, walking along the shore, swimming in the sea, and letting the sand and surf rejuvenate your body and mind. You will experience the same level of grounding when swimming in any natural body of water such as a creek, stream, river or lake. The sad news is, your backyard swimming pool generally won’t radiate earth’s energies. Most pool builders place a synthetic or plastic lining between the earth and the concrete. This will prevent any grounding to occur whilst swimming in a manmade pool.
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Grounding Mats or Sheets
For those who find it difficult to spend time outside, using a grounding mat or sheet is a perfect remedy. A grounding mat or bed sheets can be used indoors to simulate the effects of earthing by connecting to the earth's natural energy through the electrical grounding system of your home. But more about that in the next section "What if I Can't Go Outside' - Grounding Mats Link.
Lie on the Grass
Find a comfortable spot in a park or your backyard to lie down on the grass, and simply relax, allowing yourself to connect with the earth beneath you. The more skin–to–earth contact you have, the better! Gather around a campfire with friends and family, sharing stories and laughter while feeling the warmth of the fire and the grounding energy of the earth beneath you.
Hiking
Explore natural hiking and trekking paths, breathing in the fresh air and feeling the earth beneath your feet as you trek through the wilderness. Grounding techniques can deepen your connection with nature and enhance stability. Before the hike, set an intention to stay present and connected with the earth. Take breaks to stand barefoot on the ground, feeling the earth beneath your feet. Practice mindful breathing, focusing on the sensation of each inhale and exhale. Observe the natural surroundings, immersing yourself fully in the present moment.
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Take Yoga Outdoors
Practice yoga or meditation outdoors, preferably on grass or soil, to deepen your connection with the earth and enhance the benefits of your practice. An innovative approach to grounding during yoga is to use a fully grounded yoga mat.
Link: Grounding the Human Body during Yoga Exercise with a Grounded Yoga Mat Reduces Blood Viscosity. This study talks about how grounding reduces blood thickness and stickiness, which helps the heart to pump more blood and increase oxygen levels delivered to the tissues and organs. You may purchase a Yoga Grounding Mat through our shop here.
Reiki & Chakra Healing
Reiki and chakra balancing practices offer a holistic approach to grounding the body, mind and spirit by realigning energy flows. Through gentle touch or 'beaming' reiki, the energies will help ground the energy centres, particularly the Root & Earth Star Chakras. Find a reputable practitioner to work with you to balance these energy centres and foster a deeper connection within your body and the earth. This connection promotes stability, clarity, and a sense of safety and security. This can benefit your physical health, emotional well-being, and mental clarity.
Check out our spiritual practices for grounding energy centres:
Meditation
Practice grounding meditation techniques whilst sitting outside. Sit or lie on the earth with as much skin to earth contact as possible. If not practical, take a chair outside and sit with your bare feet on the earth. Focus on visualising roots extending from your body, moving deep into the earth's crust, anchoring you and promoting a sense of stability. You may sit and breathe in the essence of the earth's energies, listen to the sounds, take in the beauty of your surroundings visually, or close your eyes and go within.
Check out our YouTube channel for Root Chakra meditation music.
Spiritual Practices
Spiritual practices for grounding and earthing encompass diverse modalities, including meditation, journalling, crystals, affirmations, yoga, teas and intentions for nature connection. Engaging in these practices involves centring your core, connecting with the earth's energy, and connecting with your inner stability. Whether through mindful breathing, grounding exercises, or spending time in nature, these practices facilitate a deeper sense of balance and alignment with the present moment and the natural world.
WHAT IF I CAN'T GO OUTSIDE?
Earthing or grounding offers a simple yet powerful way to reconnect with the earth's natural energy and restore balance to our bodies and minds.
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When you're unable to venture outside for grounding, there are practical alternatives you can explore. One approach involves using grounding equipment to establish a connection between your body and the earth. The simplest way to do this is to push a metal or copper rod into the ground and hold onto it. But that's not very practical or user friendly for the modern lifestyle. If the idea of tying a metal rod to your big toe doesn't float your boat, there are other practical options available.
These options offer effective ways to incorporate grounding therapy into your daily routine, helping you to stay balanced and connected even when indoors at work, home, sleeping and even driving in your car.
Our Serene Valley Shop offer some beautiful grounding products you can use in your home, workspace and vehicle:
Incorporating an earthing practice into your routine will help to develop a profound connection to nature's healing energy, facilitating numerous spiritual, physical and psychological benefits. By simply grounding ourselves barefoot on the earth's surface, we absorb electrons that neutralise free radicals, thereby reducing inflammation and stress levels while enhancing overall well-being.
Remember, the earth is more than just a planet beneath our feet; it is a source of revitalisation and balance. So, whether you're walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil, take the time to reconnect with the earth's energies. Cultivate a deeper appreciation for the ground beneath us and harness its remarkable potential to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit.
Stay grounded,
