Earthing has become increasingly popular as a wellness technique. But what is it, and how does it work?
All about earthing
Earthing, also known as grounding, allows people to directly connect their bodies with the Earth and use its natural electric charges to stabilize them.
This practice involves walking barefoot outdoors or using indoor grounding systems while sleeping or sitting. Although earthing can positively impact the mind, this form of grounding differs from the practice used in mental health treatment.
Earthing research suggests reduced pain, stress, and inflammation and improved overall mental well-being. This technique restores the connection between the body and the electrical currents of the Earth.
History of Earthing
Throughout history, Indigenous societies have espoused the Earth’s healing power benefits and described it in varying ways. For example, in Chinese medicine, the term Qi—pronounced “chee”—is defined as the vital energy that fills the universe.
A few decades later, George White, an American medical doctor, began investigating the use of sleeping while grounded—connected to copper wires affixed to home pipes—to improve sleep quality.
Modern scientists continue to advocate for Earth’s electrons’ ability to balance our body’s electrical current. This grounding technique continues to grow and get mainstream attention as people search for simple, inexpensive ways to heal themselves.
Should I Practice Earthing?
There are signs that an earthing practice will benefit your life. Experts advise that you may want to try earthing if –
- You experience anxiety or depression
- You have chronic fatigue
- You are dealing with cardiovascular disease
- You have post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic memories
- You struggle with pain and inflammation
Types of Earthing
Earthing techniques focus on reconnecting your energy with the Earth through direct or indirect contact. These methods include:
- Walking outside barefoot
- Laying on the ground
- Going swimming or taking a bath
- Gardening
- Using grounding mats, blankets, patches, and socks
How to Practice Earthing
There are many ways to reconnect with the Earth in your daily life and hopefully restore your body’s natural defense system.
Here are ways you can practice earthing:
- Take a walk: Find ways to connect your bare feet with the ground by walking on grass, across the sand, or in the mud. Pay attention to the feeling of the land beneath your feet, and be mindful of sharp objects as you go.
- Play in the dirt: Dig into the Earth and get the soil between your fingers. If you’re in an apartment, you can create a garden in your yard or windowsill and directly link to the energy in the dirt.
- Ground yourself indoors: When going outside is not an option, grounding mats come in handy by replacing the direct connection you’d get being barefoot outside. Grounding mats bring Earth’s electrical currents into the home or office by replicating the physical connectivity of a nature walk.
Whether you connect yourself to a metal rod outside or purchase grounding socks, you can easily incorporate earthing therapy into your wellness routine.
Benefits of Earthing
New treatments will emerge as modern scientists continue tapping into ancient holistic practices. Research shows a promising connection between earthing and measurable health improvement.
1. May Improve Chronic Fatigue and Sleep Disorders
A recent study showed that people who used grounding mats for four weeks decreased fatigue, sleep disruptions and improved length of sleep. They also reported an improvement in their depression, stress, and pain.
2. May Boost Immunity
Some researchers believe the Earth connects all living cells through a living matrix held together by electrical conductivity. This behaves similarly to antioxidants as an immune defense system that restores the body’s natural immunity by connecting to the matrix.
3. May Improve Heart Health
One study shows that prolonged use of grounding techniques reduced blood pressure levels in those experiencing hypertension. In a smaller study, grounding patches were used to minimize blood clumping.
Tips for Earthing
Earthing, like other forms of treatments, isn’t a quick fix. It requires patience and perseverance; however, the benefits are encouraging. Here are some tips once you decide to add earthing as part of your healing journey:
- Speak to a professional – If you’re new to earthing, you should find a guide to lead you. A growing earthing community can provide resources, connections, and best practices.
- Stick to a routine – Once you’ve got the ball rolling, go full steam ahead. The more you work on grounding yourself, the faster you’ll begin seeing improvements. Start your day with a grounding routine to get into the habit of doing it.
- Pay attention – However you practice earthing, be observant of yourself and your surroundings. Stay in the moment.
