When I first heard that the earth herself is the most potent antioxidant and anti-aging medicine available to us today I was a bit flummoxed. After all, I’ve been studying and practicing alternate methods of healing including yoga, meditation, nutrition, and many other technologies for years and yet I wasn’t familiar with the health benefits of earthing or grounding. How can standing on the earth be so good for us, and aren’t we doing it all the time anyway?
What is Earthing and Grounding?
Earthing and grounding are essentially the same thing, making DIRECT contact with the earth. I was familiar with the
term grounding from my medical device days when the technicians used grounding straps on their wrists so they didn’t generate any static electricity that would damage delicate electronic components. In other words, they were directly connected to “ground” by tapping into the grounding portion of an outlet. The earth’s surface has a negative charge generated from free electrons that cover the earth’s surface and when we directly connect with Mother Earth we are benefiting. This primordial relationship between earth and humans allows for the flow of electrons to pass directly into our bodies, which we need to stay healthy.
Many of Us Never Touch the Earth Directly
To my surprise, I learned that I almost never am in direct contact with the earth. What gets in the way? Think about
taking a walk in nature, it could be around the block where you live, out to the garden, or taking a hike on a beautiful trail. Although you are in nature you may not reaping the benefits of the earth’s flow of healing electrons.
What is on your feet? Shoes of course, the vast majority of which have rubber or synthetic soles which abruptly interrupts the flow of these glorious electrons from entering your body. I looked through my closets and ALL of my shoes have rubber or synthetic soles, even my sandals. Leather soles allow the electrons to flow freely into our feet and up our legs, but leather is not practical in the mostly wet Pacific NW and can be expensive.
What are the Benefits of Earthing?
Earthing helps heal the body. The magnificence of nature never ceases to amaze me and her innate intelligence boggles my mind. Cardiologist Stephen T. Sinatra, MD is a pioneer in bringing awareness to the power of Earthing, and he uses it extensively with his cardiac patients. I highly recommend his book Earthing: The most important health discovery ever. This book is filled with clinical examples of people healing and improving from serious conditions. Sinatra explains in simple language how the grounded body:
- attenuates inflammation (emerging evidence that inflammation is the underlying cause of heart disease and many others)
- promotes healthy circadian rhythms
- improves sleep
- reduces cortisol
- reduces red blood cell viscosity (makes them less sticky) Note: researchers recommend “patients using blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin (Coumadin), need to have their clotting time monitored
when they begin to make more frequent conductive contact
with the earth.” - Raises heart rate variability (HRV)
- the list goes on and on (read Earthing)
I came upon the work of Dr. Stephen Sinatra from researching the work of James L. Oschman, PhD, an expert in the field of energy medicine who wrote the forward to Earthing. If you are interested in delving deeper into Oschaman’s book Energy Medicine: The Scientific Basis, 2nd Edition.
Researchers are finding that “many of the most debilitating diseases, as well as the aging process itself, are caused by or associated with chronic inflammation and oxidative stress,” and connecting directly to the earth is a powerful (and free) way to improve inflammation related illnesses with no side effects. Can you work barefoot in the garden too long–not really.
Since my special area of interest is the heart, I am especially interested in the effects of Earthing has on the heart. In the most simplistic terms, the heart beats due to its electrical conductivity system, the SA node “sparks” or fires and the heart beat is initiated. Paul Ridker MD, a Harvard cardiologist cautions us that “we have to think of heart disease as an inflammatory disease, just the way we think of rheumatoid arthritis as an inflammatory disease” (Earthing, p 63).
What Helps Earthing and What Blocks It?
Going barefoot on the ground, that is to say soil, grass, ocean, are examples of a direct Earthing or grounding experience. Salt water is a great conductor and that’s partly why it feels so good to walk barefoot at the edge of the sea. Dewy grass is a great conductor of those lovely electrons as is leaning against a tree.
Natural products doesn’t mean they conduct electricity well. Wood, rubber, glass are all insulators, meaning they inhibit the flow of electrons. This includes most shoes, as I mentioned, sticky yoga mats, wooden homes, cars; basically the way we live in today’s world.
The electro smog that surrounds us by our computers, cell phones, and the plethora of electro magnetic devices further prevents the natural absorption of the earth’s electrons. Mother Earth is bathing us in a constant stream of nourishing electrons, and we are all but stopping the flow–in many cases, we are stopping the flow. As I sit writing with my laptop computer on my lap, I realize that I must make some changes–asap.
How to do Earthing?
Go barefoot as much as you can, and in the house doesn’t count. Remember, houses with wooden studs and flooring are not grounded. Not to mention engineered hardwood flooring and laminates. Take your shoes off in the park, garden in bare feet, lie on the lawn (hopefully without pesticides).
I look outside and see deer most every day. They live in a perpetual state of being grounded, as do all wild animals and insects. To that end, I personally am now using Earthing products daily, simple relatively inexpensive mats or straps that plug into the grounding portion of an outlet. The prong won’t fit in the live current portion of the plug so you won’t accidentally electrocute yourself, but please always read directions and use common sense.
I had a grounding strap in my nightstand drawer for years. It wasn’t until I started reading Earthing: The most important health discovery ever! that I finally took it out and started using it every day.
My Favorite Earthing Products
Earthing Books
Earthing: The most important health discovery ever! is a must read. The Forward was written by James L. Oschman, Ph.D. who is considered the “Father of Energy Medicine.” The authors, Clinton Ober, Stephen T. Sinatra, MD (cardiologist), and Martin Zucker provide scientific evidence for earthing. I believe in doing your research first, and have learned tremendous amounts from this gem.
Check this book out from your local library or click on the image.
This book is changing the way I live.
I started with just an ankle strap and later purchased the book. To do it again, I would purchase this starter kit that contains the book Earthing and learn about the benefits.
Pros:
- Economical way to start daily earthing.
- Learn about Earthing before investing in other products
- Good if you sit for long periods of time at a desk (use ankle strap)
- Easy to transport
- Allows for multiple Earthing stations
Cons:
- Not too comfortable sleeping with the strap, can get tangled. Better for use sitting at a desk.
Earth grounding mat reviews
LandKissing Grounding Mats (2sets)
Pros:
- Adds a layer of protection between you and your electronic devices
- Good for sitting on at desk
- Great for your pets as well if they don’t get out enough
- Outstanding reviews
Cons:
- Some people found no effect, test your product if you know someone with a mulit-meter.
Earth grounding sheet reviews
LandKissing® Half Bed Sheet For Grounding- Flat Sheet Beige 118”x51” Pure Cotton With Silver Threads – Includes Two Grounding Cords and Two Wrist Bands
Pros:
- Protects you from EMF’s, helps re-direct electromagnetic pollution.
- Non-intrusive.
- If you want 8+ hours of Earthing without having to think about it then this is a way to go.
Cons:
- More expensive
The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease.
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