Children love to play outside - digging in the mud, picking wildflowers, walking barefoot, or simply lying in the grass. As we grow up we often lose this connection with the earth and the many benefits it provides.
Since many of us don’t connect with the earth as part of our daily lives, we may need to be intentional about it. The practice of grounding has gained popularity in the holistic wellness community; even attracting the attention of some researchers.
Let’s look at this ancient practice and think about how we can engage in it today!
What is Grounding
Grounding is an ancient practice of putting the body in direct contact with the earth’s soil or water. The practice is based on the belief that we can draw from the earth's energy by picking up the free electrons on the earth's surface. These electrons act as antioxidants, pairing with free radicals to neutralize them.
There is no right or wrong way to do it. As long as your body is in contact with the natural world through substances that conduct these electrons you are grounding.
How to Ground
Most people think that you have to be barefoot for grounding, but there are some things that are conductive and won’t block the electrons.
Leather, copper, natural fibers (in clothes or blankets), concrete, and even metal are conductive materials. The following are some ideas of grounding that are enjoyable.
- Swimming in a lake or ocean.
- Sitting in the grass or on a stone.
- Going on a picnic with natural fiber clothes and blankets.
- Walk barefoot along the beach.
- Play in the dirt or sand.
- Walk in the rain.
- Go barefoot to get the mail or walk around the block (if walking on concrete).
- Eat a meal on your patio without your shoes.
- Climb or hug a tree.
- Work in your garden.
- Do a grounding activity that you enjoyed as a child.
- Petting a dog if you have one.
Recently, I have made a habit of going for a barefoot walk around my yard each morning. Standing in the rain for a few seconds is also a favorite. I look forward to these routines each day. It’s so refreshing!
Benefits of Grounding
Grounding is believed to have many benefits. While more research is needed, studies are beginning to find that grounding results in…
- better sleep
- stress reduction
- improved mood
- pain reduction
- cardiovascular health
- decreased inflammation
If you are interested in looking at the science behind grounding, check out Exploring Earthing Science and the Benefits Behind It or The Effects of Grounding (earthing) on Inflammation, the Immune Response, Wound Healing, and Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory and Autoimmune diseases.
Risks of Grounding
You will need to listen to your body. Our feet get used to the support our shoes offer, so it can be difficult to make a transition to walking without them. You may need to start grounding for short periods of time, gradually increasing it as you are able.
It is obviously important to be aware of your surroundings. Watch for uneven surfaces, sharp objects, stinging insects, etc. Don’t let these risks deter you. The attention it takes to walk barefoot safely can turn into a mindfulness practice, increasing your awareness of your body and the environment around you.
The best way to see the benefits of such a simple practice is to try it yourself! What do you have to lose? Give it a try, see how you feel, and let me know what you experience.
Dr. Jamie