Barefoot Benefits: Reconnecting with the Earth for Better Health

I’m always on a mission to boost my well-being using Mother Nature’s gifts. I’m a 40-something with no health issues, but I’m always keen on sleeping like a baby, dodging those pesky aches, and having boundless energy. The latest technique that has caught my attention is Earthing. But, what is Earthing?

First, let’s delve into the concept of Earthing. What is Earthing? Then, stay tuned for my personal experiment and the outcomes. Did it make a difference?

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What is Earthing?

Earthing, also known as grounding, refers to the practice of connecting with the Earth’s natural electrical energy by physically touching the ground.

The concept of earthing has been understood and practiced by various cultures throughout history. However, the modern understanding and popularization of earthing can be attributed to Clint Ober, who is often credited with bringing this practice to the forefront.

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Clint Ober, a pioneer in the field, extensively researched and promoted the benefits of connecting with the Earth’s natural electrical energy for improved health and well-being. His work has played a significant role in raising awareness about earthing in recent years.

My own prescription for health is less paperwork and more running barefoot through the grass.

Terri Guillemets

How Does It Work?

The concept behind earthing is based on the idea that the Earth carries a negative electrical charge, while our modern lifestyles often expose us to positive electrical charges from electronic devices and environmental factors.

Proponents of earthing believe that direct contact with the Earth allows for the transfer of electrons, which can neutralize excess positive charges in the body and promote various health benefits.

The Benefits

Advocates claim earthing can help reduce inflammation, improve sleep, boost energy levels, enhance immune function, and promote overall well-being.

What to Expect

• Most people feel better after they start grounding.
• Benefits can come quickly and dramatically, or subtly and gradually. We are all different.
• Some people may not feel any benefits until they increase their grounding time.
• Some people may initially feel temporary tingling, a sign of improved circulation and the body equalizing with the natural energy of the Earth. As the nervous system relaxes, the tingling abates.
• If you have radiant health and sleep well, you may not feel a big difference.
• If you are an athlete, you may notice less muscle soreness and faster recovery.
• Some people experience temporary flu-like symptoms (including malaise, achiness, a foggy mind, tiredness). We relate these responses to the body detoxifying.
• Important tip: Drink plenty of water. Being dehydrated can impair the grounding effect.

We touch the earth with our feet, and we heal the earth, we heal ourselves…

Thich Nhat Hanh

Who Should Practice Earthing?

I think we all fall into at least one of the ailment categories that Earthing claims to improve.

Here are some specific groups of people who may benefit from earthing:

• People with chronic pain: Earthing has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation in people with conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
• People with sleep problems: Earthing can help to improve sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety and promoting relaxation.
• People with chronic fatigue: Earthing can help to increase energy levels.
• People with anxiety and depression: Earthing can help to reduce stress and anxiety and improve mood.
• People with autoimmune diseases: Earthing has been shown to reduce inflammation.

As always, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting any new health practice, including earthing. This is especially important if you have any underlying health conditions.

I like to walk, touch living Mother Earth — bare feet best, and thrill every step.

John Muir

How Can I Perform Earthing?

There are two basic ways of Earthing: The free way and the paid way. In its most natural, free form, you can ground yourself by spending time barefoot outdoors in contact with natural conductive surfaces, like grass, soil, gravel, stone, and sand. If the free method is inconvenient or restricted by the environment or weather, you can purchase grounding products (conductive mats, pads, body bands, or patches).

1. Barefoot walking: Take off your shoes and walk barefoot on natural surfaces like grass, sand, or soil. This allows direct contact between your feet and the Earth, facilitating the transfer of electrons.

2. Gardening: Engage in gardening activities like planting, weeding, or tending to your plants. Digging your hands into the soil and feeling the Earth’s texture can provide a grounding experience.

3. Outdoor exercises: Choose outdoor exercises like yoga, tai chi, or meditation in a natural setting. Find a peaceful spot where you can sit or stand barefoot, allowing your body to connect with the Earth.

4. Beach visits: Spending time at the beach offers an excellent opportunity for earthing. Walking along the shoreline, sitting on the sand, or even swimming in the ocean can help you connect with the Earth’s energy.

5. Grounding mats or sheets: If direct contact with the ground is not feasible, you can explore grounding mats or sheets that are designed to mimic the effects of earthing. These products are typically connected to the Earth’s grounding system and can be used indoors.

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As for the complex ways of living, I love them not, however much I practice them. In as many places as possible, I will get my feet down to the earth.

Henry David Thoreau

Tips

Here are some tips for earthing safely:

• Talk to your doctor first.
• Earthing outdoors: Earthing is safest when done outdoors on bare ground, such as in a park or beach.
• Use grounding products: If you are unable to do natural earthing, you can use grounding products, such as grounding mats or grounding sheets.
• Start slowly: If you are new to earthing, start by earthing for short periods and gradually increase the amount of time you spend earthing.
• Listen to your body: If you experience any discomfort or negative side effects while earthing, stop earthing and talk to your doctor.

And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.

Khalil Gibran

My Experience

My initial thought- but I’m outside all the time already! BUT, I am always wearing shoes, which prevents grounding. One thing I noted after a day of hiking through the forest (crawling on rocks and touching trees) is that I feel better. So maybe it really does help. Or maybe it’s just the effect of being outside—time to find out.

I decided to try a 2-week experience. My first step was to order a grounding mat. After reading reviews and checking price points, I settled on –

I decided to do daily outdoor grounding until my mat arrives and then use a grounding mat anytime I am on my laptop (which accumulates to at least 2-3 hours a day).

Here are the results of that experiment!

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The Book

What is Earthing? Podcast interview

What is Earthing? Watch The Movie

What is Earthing? Resources

A couple of websites full of more information-

Science Direct: Integrative and lifestyle medicine strategies should include Earthing (grounding): Review of research evidence and clinical observations

The Earthing Institute: What is Earthing, with links at the end of their page to many studies that have been performed

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Now that you know the answer to “What is Earthing?” jump on over to Earthing in Practice. Real-world results of Grounding and find out what my experiment results were!