Guest blog post by Honestly Natural
Have you ever noticed when you’re walking barefoot outside on the grass
or at the beach you feel different? Children act differently when barefoot.
They seem happier, calm, more explorative and in tune with nature.
This rewarding feeling isn’t just a coincidence, but is because there isa constant flow of energy between your body and the earth. This strange phenomenon is known as grounding and is also known as earthing.
The earth has an enormous negative charge which is rich with powerful free-electrons that are free-radical busting and supply an abundant source of antioxidants. A free electron is “any electron that is not attached to an ion, atom, or molecule and is free to move under the influence of an applied electric or magnetic field.” (1) Our bodies are capable of absorbing these free-electrons when we have direct skin contact with the ground, such as walking barefoot. This is due to the high amount of electrolytes that we have in the fluid of our bodies such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium.
Grounding is a technique that our ancestors did every day - they slept on the ground and didn’t wear any shoes, so they were able to get the full benefits daily.
Research suggests that humans now have a significant lack of direct physical contact with the earth’s supply of electrons. This can, unfortunately, lead to health issues. Allowing ourselves time for “reconnection with the Earth's electrons has been found to promote intriguing physiological changes and subjective reports of well-being” (1) .
So, how do we ground ourselves?
We obviously don’t live in caves or out in nature anymore and we generally wear shoes. There are also other options to just getting your shoes off so don't worry if that's not your thing!
Grounding can be performed by walking barefoot for 20-30 minutes a day.
You could do this just hanging out the washing or walking around the block.
Another way to ground is by touching the earth with our hands, gardening is a good way or lying on the grass with your bare hands or body touching the ground. If there is no time for those you can try connecting to conductive systems that transfer the Earth's electrons from the ground into the body. These conductive systems can include special sheets on the bed or a pad to place on your chair at work. These need to be connected to a power point which needs to be grounded. Grounding barefoot however is probably the easiest and cheapest way to do it and my favourite. When I’m sick with a cold I walk barefoot outside and I can literally feel the energy go through my whole body, I kid you not. I only feel this when sick which just blows my mind.
What does Earthing do for your body?
Earthing or grounding can give you a feeling of well-being, you feel more centered and balanced with less tension or stress. It is one of the most
potent antioxidants that we know of and is a very simple yet effective technique that can support our nervous systems and overall health. Unfortunately these days, many people who live in developed countries are rarely grounded anymore.
Studies have shown that grounding/earthing our bodies can help:
- Improve sleep
- Reduce inflammation in the body
- Normalise the day–night cortisol rhythm
- Reduce pain
- Reduce stress
- Make us feel happier
- Keep you upright in old age
- Increase heart rate variability
- Speed wound healing
- Reduce blood viscosity
Those benefits are perfect for young and old!
Some extra tips when you choose barefoot grounding
Water can increase the conductivity so try strolling through the grass on a dewy morning, in the humid rain or through a stream. Get your shoes off at
the beach, the park or in your backyard. As long as you are on a natural
surface such as dirt, rocks or grass and you’re good to go! Barefoot walking
has an extra bonus! I have been told by a medical practitioner that I should
walk barefoot not only for the grounding effects but also the pressure points in our feet. So get yourself some free reflexology and some electrons at the same time.
Stay connected
When it comes to living a more natural lifestyle there are endless, books, articles and resource available and it can be overwhelming to explore. Our blog at Honestly Natural has been designed to be all things natural; from Tips and Tricks, DIY ideas, Healthy Recipes and useful Information to help you on your Natural Lifestyle Journey.