Earthing, also known as grounding allows people to directly connect their bodies with the Earth and use its natural electric charges to bring them back to homeostasis. This practice usually involves walking barefoot outdoors or using indoor grounding systems while sleeping or sitting.
Throughout history, indigenous societies have supported the Earth's healing power benefits and described it in varying ways. For example, in Chinese medicine, the term Qi is defined as the vital energy that fills the universe.
Ancient philosopher Ge Hong said, "People reside within qi, and qi resides within people. From heaven and earth down to the ten thousand things, each one requires qi to live."
This belief and study of the earth's natural energies could also be found in Europe in the 19th century. In 1891 Louis Kuhne published "The New Science of Healing." Then, Adolf Just wrote "Return to Nature" in 1896, which encouraged people to begin walking barefoot outdoors.
A few decades later, George Starr White, an American physician, even explored the use of sleeping while grounded to improve sleep quality.
Earthing has nothing to do with taking supplements, clinic appointments or expensive treatment plans and is not a magic cure or fad. Earthing is safe and natural, for people of all ages, young and old *if you have a grass allergy you may not wish to lay on the grass.
Other ways to earth include:
Swim in the ocean or lakes
Garden with bare hands
Lay on the Earth
Hug a tree
Lean up against a living tree
Sleep on the earth while camping
Wear natural leather-soled shoes instead of synthetic rubber/plastic shoes
So, What does the research say?
Multiple clinical investigations indicate that grounding the body generates broad, beneficial, and significant physiological changes. The source of these effects is believed to be the mobile electrons omnipresent on the surface of the earth, which are responsible for the planet's negative charge.
Lifestyle changes have disconnected most humans from this being in nature and these types of healing resource, creating an electron deficiency in the body, an overlooked cause or contributor to chronic inflammation and common chronic and degenerative diseases. High blood pressure, disturbed HRV, and hyperviscosity are potentially destructive cardiovascular situations that can be improved with grounding.
When earth connection is restored through grounding, electrons flood throughout the body, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress while also reinforcing the body's own defense mechanisms. Electron transfers are the basis of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. When the supply is restored, humans have the potential to heal. Touching our skin to the earth, is perhaps the perfect natural anti-inflammatory supporting biochemical and physiological effects that enhance healing.
How long does it take to feel the impacts of grounding?
In this particular study; the patient reported "After an initial 30 minutes of exposure to grounding, the patient reported a noticeable decrease in pain. After 1 week of daily grounding, she said her pain level was about 80% less. At that time, she showed no evidence of a limp. At the end of 2 weeks, she said she was completely pain-free."
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