The Power of Grounding

All my life I’ve had to deal with my eczema. Without delving into the pain, I want to speak on a recent triumphant finding.

As a kid I used to walk around barefoot. Going to the beach and walking in the sand gave me an overall great feeling — sort of electrical feeling that was also calming/soothing. And, there was also a fatigued feeling when walking barefoot or after a good day at the beach. This fatigued feeling was different than feeling tired from lack of sleep or physical exertion. It was closer to the fatigued feeling when one is recovering from sickness or ailment.

During a conversation with a friend the concept of grounding/earthing came up and I was intrigued. Because somewhere in my saturated mind I remembered the aforementioned walking barefoot and days at the beach.

I was able to tie this into how grounding could be of use. I also thought to myself, “You really don’t see any sick animals.” And, “Why do dogs like to be on the ground so damn much?” Then it was followed by, “I’m for sure trying this.“

It’s been a month of grounding thus far. I usually prefer more experience under my belt before advocating something. So, I won’t advocate just yet.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t educate.

What Is Grounding?

Grounding, also known as earthing, is the practice of connecting the human body to the Earth’s natural electrical energy. This can be done by walking barefoot on the ground, sitting, or lying on the ground, or using a grounding mat or sheet.

How Does Grounding Work?

Grounding is the transfer of electrons from the Earth to the body. These electrons help to neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells. Grounding also helps regulate the body’s electrical system and reduces inflammation.

What Are the Benefits of Grounding?

• Reduced inflammation: Grounding has been shown to reduce levels of inflammatory markers in the blood. Inflammation is a major underlying factor in many chronic diseases, so reducing inflammation can have a positive impact on overall health.
• Improved sleep: Grounding can help to improve sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety. It can also help to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, which is the natural sleep-wake cycle.
• Reduced pain: Grounding can help to reduce pain from a variety of sources, including muscle pain, joint pain, and headaches.
• Accelerated wound healing: Grounding can help to speed up the healing of wounds by promoting the growth of new tissue.
• Improved mood: Grounding can help to improve mood and reduce stress levels. It can also help to boost energy levels and improve cognitive function.
• Reduced stress: Grounding can help to reduce stress by increasing the production of calming neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA.
• Improved immune function: Grounding can help to improve immune function by reducing inflammation and boosting the production of white blood cells.
• Reduced blood pressure: Grounding can help to reduce blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels.
• Improved sleep quality: Grounding can help to improve sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety.

How to Practice Grounding

Grounding is done by putting any part of your body on ground that conducts electricity.

There are a few different ways to ground.

The most common way is to walk barefoot on the ground.

Ground by touching trees (I’m not joking) or submersing oneself underwater. Swimming pools and tubs do not work because there is a barrier blocking the flow of electrons from the earth.

Ground by sitting, laying, or have parts of your body touching the bare earth. Put your hands flat on the earth.

Grounding is not just grass and dirt; any electron conductive surface will work! You can test the surface for conductivity with a simple conductivity meter.

Surfaces that work

• Grass
• Soil
• Gravel
• Stone
• Sand
• Brick
• Unpainted and unsealed concrete (test the floor for conductivity)
• Unpainted and unsealed tile floors directly built on the Earth (test the floor for conductivity)

Surfaces that do not work

• Wood
• Vinyl
• Asphalt
• Wooden Floors
• Carpet
• Painted OR sealed concrete
• Painted OR sealed tile flooring

If you are grounding outdoors, it is important to find a spot where the ground is not contaminated with chemicals or pollutants. You should also avoid grounding near power lines or other electrical equipment.

You can also ground by using a grounding mat or sheet. Mats and sheets can be bought online. I don’t have experience with mats/sheets, although I may use them in the future.

How Long to Ground

The amount of time you need to ground each day will vary depending on your individual needs. Some people find relief in as little as 10 minutes of grounding; typically, 20-30 minutes a day is recommended.

One can never do too much grounding!

So, Is Grounding Safe?

Grounding is safe for most people. However, there are a few exceptions. People with certain medical conditions, such as pacemakers or metal implants, should talk to their doctor before grounding.

Grounding is a simple and natural way to improve your health. So, If you are looking for ways to reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost your overall health, grounding is worth a try.

My tips for grounding:

• Ground first thing in the morning to help you wake up and feel refreshed.
• Ground before bed to help you relax and sleep better.
• Ground during the day when you are feeling stressed or anxious.
• Ground after exercising to help your body recover.
• Ground when you start to feel under the weather.
• Ground with friends or family to make it a more enjoyable experience.
• Use a conductivity meter to see if the surface you wish to ground on is conductive.

The body is designed to heal itself. Grounding is a way to do that.

I urge you to give it a try and see how it makes you feel.