As the spring sun gradually warms the earth, plants grow, leaves unfurl, and buds bloom. Just as these plants thrive from soil, so do you! Touching the ground with your feet or hands is known as earthing, or grounding, and has been proven to be therapeutic. With so many positive effects on the body, make time to head outside and take off your shoes!
The Earth, according to the spiritual health site Chopra, is one giant battery with its own negative charge. You too are electrical, with your very own cells transmitting to your heart, nervous, and immune systems.
Yet modern living has disconnected many from the healing electrical currents of the earth. City dwellers live inside high rises, walk around in rubber-soled shoes, and asphalt covers much of the soil. The grounding movement, first popularized by Clint Ober, was developed to make a reconnection between humans and earth.
To enjoy the health benefits of earthing, Healthline recommends spending 20 minutes daily outside with your shoes off. This can be in sand, on grass, in a lake, or the sea. If you live in the city, there are ways to ground while sleeping, working at the computer, and even walking around. You can purchase a conductive sheet for your bed, wear a wrist, ankle band, or patch. You can even place a conductive plug right in your shoes.
Here are five healthy reasons why you should touch the earth every day.
Earthing improves sleep
Grounding helps you sleep better at night as it assists in normalizing stress hormones. It can even reduce hot flashes.
In a study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, people with sleep disorders slept under a cotton sheet with conductive carbon threads woven into it. This was connected to a wire that led to a metal rod placed in the earth outside. Participants slept better when they were grounded and also reported a reduction in pain and stress.
(Ivan Kruk / Shutterstock.com)
Grounding reduces pain
According to a study published in the Journal of Inflammation Research, when you ground, mobile electrons from the Earth make contact with your skin and enter your body, acting as natural antioxidants. They protect cells, tissue, and organs from oxidative stress.
People with muscle soreness who slept on a grounding system experienced a reduction in inflammation according to a study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Their blood markers also indicated that grounding facilitated quicker healing.
(Ivan Kruk / Shutterstock.com)
Earthing improves mood
Those who practice grounding regularly tend to be centered, balanced, calm, strong and positive, according to Chopra. In fact, a study in Explore reported improved mood, plus reduced depression and stress in those who received grounding therapy.
(Tatevosian Yana / Shutterstock.com)
Grounding benefits heart health
Grounding is good for your heart rate variability, according to a study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Participants wore grounding patches on the palms of their hands and soles of their feet, then had bloodwork done. Results showed that after grounding, they had less red blood cell clumping. Good news for the heart!
(Smileus / Shutterstock.com)
Earthing improves facial blood flow
The Earth protects your skin and enhances its appearance according to a study in the Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications. Participants were grounded in a chair using a conductive mat, pillow, and patches.
In just one hour, they experienced improved blood circulation, which allowed for better delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body as well as the face. This also enhanced skin tissue repair. Connecting with nature embellishes your beauty!
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