Grounding or earthing is when you walk barefoot on the earth (typically grass) and can actually have a lot of mental health benefits.
But before I get into the benefits of grounding I want to explain the science behind it.
Essentially, when you walk barefoot on the earth or are in bodily contact with the earth’s natural electric charge it can stabilize one’s physiology at the deepest levels.
Therefore grounding restores the electric connection to earth that we humans have lost over time.
Restoring that connection we have to through grounding brings many health benefits such as reduced inflammation, chronic pain, stress, improves blood flow, sleep, and generates a better well-being over all ( Menigoz et al, May-June 2020, para.2).Researchers have found that these benefits can take into effect very quickly as well and there are no negative side effects.
Particularly for mental health however, grounding produces a calming effect on the body as we humans have a positive electrical charge and earth has a negative charge. The process of grounding therefore acts like an equalizer as the positive and negative electrical charges combine(Menigoz et al, May-June 2020, para.2).
As a result stress and tension levels are reduced and researchers report people feeling mentally calm and have a clearer mind. The equalizing effect grounding has on the physiological aspect of our bodies serves as evidence to support this fact.
Continuing on the benefits of the equalizing effect of grounding, grounding can also improve one’s mood leaving them feeling a lot more positive. Researchers have also pointed out that grounding can reduce anxiety and depression(Lockett, 2019 para. 26).
All in all, grounding has amazing mental and physical health benefits and the best part is that grounding is free and fun!
Note: Grounding should not be an alternative to any chronic pain treatment, it can be used to supplement treatment. Please consult a doctor if you experience chronic pain and would like to try grounding.
References
Lockett, E. (2019, August 30). What is grounding and can it help improve your health? Healthline. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/grounding
Menigoz, W., Latz, T. T., Ely, R. A., Kamei, C., Melvin, G., & Sinatra, D. (2019, November 14). Integrative and lifestyle medicine strategies should include earthing (grounding): Review of Research Evidence and Clinical Observations. EXPLORE. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550830719305476
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