Most of us has heard the word “grounding” before, most
likely in reference to electricity and wiring. Basically, this means creating a
low resistance path from an electrical appliance to the earth, in case there is
a short or fault in the appliance. That way, rather than the user becoming
electrocuted, the electricity will flow directly to the earth and dissipate. It
is similar to times when the human body picks up electrons through fibers in
clothing, furniture, or carpet, then when the body comes into contact with a
metal or even another charged human, there is a discharge of those electrons
which produces a shoch as the voltage is channeled to earth or to the other
person.
So, we are all well aware of the fact that there are
electrons and protons all around us in our environment, especially if we are
surrounded by electronic devices. Any item that we plug into an outlet, or that
we “charge” in order to use, carries varying amounts of voltage, and these voltages
in motion produce electromotive forces (EMFs). We are not usually aware of
these forces, but they can present some long-term issues because they may alter
or interfere with the natural electrical currents of our bodies.
So while scientists may disagree about the risks and
implications of emf exposure, and what level of exposure may or may not be
considered “safe,” no one can argue about the fact that finding ways to
discharge the accumulated electrons regularly is going to benefit us.
This is where grounding, or “earthing,” comes in once again.
Just like proper wiring and precautions being commonplace in the electrician’s
world, we can take time regularly to ground our own bodies, funnel those extra
electrons into the earth, and restore electrical balance to our neural systems.
This is so much easier and more fun than you may think.
Earthing is exactly what it sounds like…making contact with
the earth! This means taking off the rubber soled shoes that you wear all day
and making contact with the earth. Put your feet on the dirt, the grass, or in
a natural water source like a creek or at the beach. Water is a fantastic
conduit and taking a swim in a natural body of water connects the whole body to
the earth’s natural electron flow, bringing fantastic balance to your body’s
electrical system.
The health benefits of earthing may surprise you, unless you
are a person who regularly swims, walks barefoot in the grass, or works in the
dirt…these activities have an obvious calming effect, benefit number one! But
it can also help to reduce pain and inflammation, improves circulation and
delivery of oxygen and nutrients, and increase cardiovascular health. All that
benefit and all you have to do is have some fun in the sun, barefoot!
It is also possible to purchase products that will help you to ground
yourself while you sleep, which has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol
and, if you have trouble sleeping, can help you get into a natural circadian
rhythm.
I try to do this every day. I like to be barefoot as much as
possible, so when I take the dogs out in the morning, I’m barefoot. I make
contact with the grass, and if the grass is wet it’s even better! I even go out
in the snow, if it isn’t too icy. And on a nice warm day I lay down in the
grass and make as much contact with the earth as I can. I have always noticed
that this has a way of relaxing me, and now I understand why.
References
Deziel, C. (n.d.). Why Do I Keep Getting Shocked
in My House? Retrieved from Hunker: https://www.hunker.com/13414281/why-do-i-keep-getting-shocked-in-my-house
Eleesha Lockett, M. (2019, August 30). Grounding:
Exploring Earthing Science and the Benefits Behind It. Retrieved from
Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/grounding
Erica Cirino, Karen Laboreux. (2021, July 8). Should
You Be Worried About EMF Exposure? Retrieved from Healthline:
https://www.healthline.com/health/emf
Ketler, A. (2018, January 23). The Science of
Grounding & What Happens To Your Body When You Connect To The Earth.
Retrieved from Renegade Tribune:
http://www.renegadetribune.com/science-grounding-happens-body-connect-earth/
