We need to be connected with the Earth which gave us birth.
—
Dr. David Suzuki, Ecologist
Earthing is not a new discovery, but a rediscovery of what the ancients knew would help them to heal. This healing modality has been used since the dawn of time but was lost in the bustle of the modern age—until recently.
Earthing is the practice of placing bare skin on the bare Earth in order to absorb millions of electrons into the body. The Earth is negatively charged and emits negative ions and electrons which help detoxify our bodies from free radicals, heavy metals, air pollution, trans fats and others. Negative ions also help to recalibrate our ki energy and our sympathetic nervous system (responsible for handling the stresses of daily life). This practice has
helped many heal from a wide range of ailments including inflammation, muscle pain, snoring, anxiety, depression, stress and much more!
In our modern days, we spend a fraction of our time outside in comparison to our ancestors. The soles of our shoes are made of rubber and our homes can be sky-high—disconnecting us from the Earth’s healing current. With feet on the ground and heads in the clouds, we have removed ourselves from the ebb and flow of nature; from being grounded and conscious of our oneness.
However this practice, and the many advocates of it, have the potential to change our lives, our health, and our perception of our
true connection to nature.
It was good for the skin to touch the bare Earth, and the old people liked to remove their moccasins and walk with their bare feet on the sacred Earth. They sat on the ground with the feeling of being close to a mothering power. The soil was soothing, strengthening, cleansing and healing. —Luther Standing Bear, Sioux Tribal Leader 1868-1939
Earthing is the easiest, cheapest, most primitive way of healing to help the body achieve the optimal state of homeostasis and get grounded.
People who are described as “grounded” are calm, cool and collected in almost all scenarios. They have “a good head on their shoulders” and don’t make impulsive decisions that could compromise their health, happiness or safety. This is no mistake. Being grounded bring balance and tranquility to your life and earthing is the easiest way to maintain this sense.
Benefits of Earthing
A buildup of positive ions in the body is when dis-ease and illness can occur. By spending time in nature, mindfully and regularly, we can reconnect to the natural rhythm of Mother Nature and enjoy more peaceful lives in addition to many more benefits.
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Calms nervous system and soothes the left and right side of the brain
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Protects from electromagnetic fields (EMFs)
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Eases chronic pain and inflammation
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Relaxes tense or sore muscles
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Shortens recovery time from injuries and promotes healing
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Balances emotions, reduces stress and anxiety, boosts energy
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Improves mental clarity and ability to make decisions
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Deepens sense of oneness with nature and all beings
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Reconnection to child-like wonder and play
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Alignment of energy body (chakras, meridians)
How to do Earthing
All you have to do is get outside as often as possible—easy enough right? The more often the better, but even just a few minutes a day or once a week will have benefits. Any physical contact with nature is earthing, but these tips can help you connect deeply.
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Take off your shoes as you walk through the park or sit in the grass with your shoes off
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Lie your entire body down in the grass—touching as much of your bare skin to the ground as possible
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Go to the beach and walk in the sand barefoot - the salty air is extremely conductive
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Put your feet in a freshwater stream and turn your face to the sun
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Breathe in deeply when you are in nature and savor the freshness of the air—smell flowers, touch plants as you pass by, and observe the vibrancy of the color palette that surrounds you
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Spend at least 15-minutes in direct physical contact with nature
While you are earthing, maintain a conscious mindset and treat this practice as a meditative and sacred act. The more attentive energy you place towards opening up and absorbing the healing power of nature, the more you will reap its benefits.
If you don’t have easy access to the outdoors, there are also ways to bring the grounding energy of earth into your home with grounding rods and
various other products which emit negative ions. You might look crazy to other people, but you will actually be the smartest person around.
We must ground down to rise up and open ourselves to the flow of the universe.
Have you tried this practice? Please share your experience or curiosities with us in the comments!