Earthing, also known as grounding, is the practice of connecting your body to the Earth’s natural environment. It involves making direct contact with the Earth’s surface, such as walking barefoot, lying on the ground, swimming in the ocean or using grounding equipment. Doing this regularly helps to discharge the electromagnetic (EMF) buildup, or static electricity in the body.
The science of Earthing refers to the discovery that direct bodily contact with the Earth’s natural electric charge stabilizes the physiology at the deepest levels. Inflammation, pain, and stress are reduced, blood flow, energy, and sleep are improved, and well-being is enhanced. Such effects are profound, systemic, and foundational, and often develop rapidly.
Earthing is as simple as routinely walking barefoot outdoors and/or using inexpensive grounding systems indoors while sleeping or sitting, practices that restore a lost and needed electric connection with the Earth. Some 20 studies to date have reported intriguing evidence of wide and significant physiological improvements when the body is grounded vs. non-grounded. The research, along with numerous anecdotal reports, demonstrates that Earthing clearly deserves inclusion in the clinical practice of preventive, alternative, and lifestyle medicine and has great potential to render these approaches more effective.
How to practice earthing:
- Walk barefoot outside
- Lie on the ground or sit with bare feet and hands on the ground
- Swim or paddle in the ocean
- Use grounding mats, sheets, or other equipment
- Use footwear with a conductive plug in the sole
Resources:
Down to Earth: The Earthing Movie 15 min short film (must watch!)
Better Earthing Australia website – suppliers of indoor grounding products for better health