How often do your feet actually touch the earth? Most of us would probably say it’s pretty rare, especially in colder months. We are almost always wearing shoes when outside. Did you know there are health benefits associated with physically connecting your feet to the earth? It’s referred to as “Earthing” or “Grounding” and it is as simple as it sounds. Walking around barefoot outside whether in grass, sand, dirt, etc., can help your body to heal. Several studies have shown the effects of this (see references below).
What are the health benefits of Earthing?
- Lowered pain and inflammation
- Faster wound healing
- Cortisol regulation
- Lowered blood pressure
- Autonomic nervous system balance
- Improved blood flow/Lower blood viscosity/Better cardiovascular health
- Increased ATP production/ Higher energy
How does it work?
The earth is electrically charged meaning it’s full of electrons. The electrons in our body act like antioxidants, helping us to stay well or heal when needed. When we are lacking electrons, we see pathology show up. By connecting to the earth we can bring those electrons into our body and begin the healing process.
How do I start?
Walking barefoot outside (or even sitting with your feet in the grass or sand) for at least 30 minutes a day can help! Of course, longer is better. If you live near a lake or ocean, a nice long walk in the sand is perfect! If you live in a colder climate or you don’t have easy access to a grassy yard or seashore, you can purchase earthing products to use indoors. These plug into a grounded outlet and connect by a cord to patches, sheets or socks with silver fibers, floor mats, and more. They come with a device to make sure the outlet is grounded before using to avoid electric shock. You just need to have your bare skin in contact with the earthing item. Sheets are a great one to try because we are sleeping for about 8 hours a night which gives your body a nice long earthing session. The company I have personally used is called Earthing.com. They have lots of great products so you can easily find one that suits your needs.
Try a daily earthing regimen for a few months and see if you notice improvement in your symptoms! Chances are that you will be feeling less inflamed, less anxious, getting better sleep and feeling more rested and balanced in general. If you need a bit more support, acupuncture is amazing at helping to lower pain and inflammation, regulate the autonomic nervous system and improve energy. Give us a call today so we can get you feeling your best as soon as possible!
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