What do you know about earthing? No, not like planet Earth. EarthING is a verb. It’s a thing you do. Earthing, also known as grounding, is the act of connecting your body directly to…the Earth. Riveting, huh?? Seriously, as a holistic practice, earthing has so many benefits. If you know me, you may think I am making this up as an excuse to not wear shoes (and even if I did my kids certainly do not), but after hearing about it you’ll be making it a priority and sticking those toes in some dirt too!!
Traditionally humans walked barefoot, in leather shoes, or slept low to the ground, establishing a needed link to their environment. Most people were working on the Earth and in some way were physically connected to it. Now, we work and live in artificial structures wearing artificial objects. Translation: we’re disconnected. Our bodies need this direct connection with the electrons that the Earth provides in order to function properly. AKA: our body is electric!
We’ve all seen Grey’s Anatomy and know all the different devices they hook up to people to measure this and that. By grounding, your skin acts as a conductor for this energy, creating health and wellness throughout.
Why You Should Try Earthing
At this point, you may think this earthing thing sounds a little extraterrestrial. The concept kind of is. Yet, earthing can do so much for you. Many of us live in a state of stress and do a bunch of things that lead our bodies to the “all the time” kind of inflammation. This sets our body systems completely out of whack. With some simple grounding, however, inflammation can be greatly reduced or even eliminated.
Oxygen is really cool because it kinda helps keep us alive. Grounding can make oxygen delivery through the body even more efficient. Upset stomach? Bloating? High blood pressure? Chronic pain? Earthing can help with this. From muscle tension and headaches to chronic pain, earthing can help reduce all these annoying dysfunctions that lead us to not feel so great. In an age where we need only the best immune systems to fight off…well, everything, grounding provides protection by strengthening our immune system. Hormones also need balance for processes in our body and grounding helps stabilize these. I mean I’ll take lighter symptoms during my period ANY month. Give me those electrons, am I right?!
The coolest part about grounding is that your body is just able to do this. No upgrades are required. All you have to do is connect a part of your body directly with the Earth. Your feet are an easy and ideal option, but depending on what activities you like, you could exchange the foot idea for a different body part, perhaps some hands. That’s it, voila!
Need some more specifics? Walk barefoot in your backyard. Don’t have a backyard? Try your front or side yard. The Earth doesn’t discriminate; you just have to make direct contact. If grass makes you itchy, substitute sand, rocks, whatever. Garden without gloves, dance through rain puddles during a storm or build a sandcastle (or dirt castle.) Get creative because there are truly endless options.
Read More: Why You Should Take Your Kids Hunting
How much or how long should you Earth for? Good question. There is no cookie-cutter answer. The challenge is to make a little note each week on how much time you spent earthing then try to increase it even by 1%. Depending on the person you may need to ground 10 minutes a day, you may need to do it 30 minutes a day. Think you don’t have time? Let’s increase it to 60 minutes a day because you probably need it. My prescription would be to spend as much time earthing as possible. Why? As long as you are safe about it, there are only benefits.
Commonly Asked Questions About Earthing
What does earthing actually do?
Earthing, or grounding, connects your body to the Earth's natural electrical charge by walking barefoot on grass, soil, or sand. This practice is believed to help reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and promote overall well-being by balancing the body's energy.
How do you practice earthing?
You can practice earthing by walking barefoot outdoors on natural surfaces like grass, dirt, sand, or even in water. Alternatively, using earthing mats or sheets indoors can simulate this connection and help you ground yourself without leaving home.
How long should I ground each day?
For optimal benefits, it's recommended to ground for at least 30 minutes daily. This allows your body to absorb the Earth's electrical energy and may help improve your health over time. Even shorter grounding sessions can still provide noticeable benefits.
Is earthing necessary for the human body?
While earthing isn't scientifically proven to be essential, many believe it offers health benefits by reducing stress, inflammation, and improving sleep. Grounding can be an easy and natural practice to incorporate into your daily routine for potential well-being improvements.
