Grounding, otherwise known as earthing, is one of the most powerful and simplest things you can do to improve your health. As Aristotle once said, “In nature, there is something marvellous.” This conductive contact of the human body with the surface of the earth can have intriguing benefits on our physiology. Let’s discuss this simple and powerful technique, its benefits, and of course, how you can do it.
What is grounding?
Essentially, it is the direct contact of the skin on the hands or our bare feet on the surface of the earth. Or it can be done via a grounding system. The amazing thing about grounding is that people all over the world in diverse cultures have talked about the benefits and how to improve their health and well-being from being barefoot on the earth for thousands and thousands of years. Although this may seem new to some, it is really prevalent in other cultures.
Benefits of Grounding
Let’s get into the evidence-based benefits of grounding
1) Reduces inflammation
We know that ninety percent of all of our chronic health conditions are linked to excessive or persistent inflammation. Grounding is one of the simplest ways to address that.
2) Decreases pain
3) Decreases stress response
It can help shift us from our sympathetic state to our parasympathetic state in our autonomic nervous system
4) Increases heart rate variability
The higher our heart rate variability is, the interbeat between the heartbeats, the better the function of our autonomic nervous system. This can be associated with better recovery, better emotional resilience, and overall well-being.
5) Improves sleep
6) Improves cortisol rhythm
Cortisol is one of our key stress hormones.
7) Improves wound healing
Grounding can be a great thing to include in an integrative approach to healing.
8) Reduces blood viscosity
This can be one of the best things you can do for reducing your cardiovascular risk.
So, how can you include grounding in your life?
The easiest way is to just get outside barefoot. You could spend as little as 10 minutes to see some benefits up to an hour. Stand or sit in a chair and place your feet on the ground. You can put your hands in the grass but be sure to make sure it is consistent time outdoors. This is the simplest way to include grounding, but if that’s not realistic for you, you can use a grounding system. That can come in the form of a sheet, mat, patches, wristbands, and ankle bands, and connect to a grounded outlet. By connecting to this grounded outlet, you’re connecting to mother earth. Through visualisation and meditation as well, never underestimate the power of the mind. Using crystals- Black Tourmaline is a grounding crystal that balances your root chakra and foot chakras, Black Tourmaline is excellent to use when you need to ground down before meditation or healing. It also energises and focuses your mind.
Why does this work?
One of the theories is that our skin contact with the earth allows electrons to spread into the skin as well as the body, which thereby impacts immune markers. We have foot chakras that can help this transfer of energy.
As I mentioned, grounding has been around forever. Now, through research, we are seeing the potential health benefits. Think barefoot is a way of life. When you stimulate the small nerves in the bottom of your feet, you can connect to the earth’s surface and bring your body back into a state of balance; reducing inflammation and driving parasympathetic nervous system response.
Check out the free grounding meditation in the shop and keep an eye out for the Foot chakra Masterclass coming soon......
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