Better sleep, mental clarity, more energy, these are things we all want. But sticking to habits is tough. Especially as seasons change so do our levels of motivation. But what if something as simple as kicking off your shoes and planting your feet on the ground could improve your quality of life? Would you sink your toes into that?
According to decades of scientific studies, the simple, natural, and accessible act of going barefoot can benefit us greatly.
From better sleep and reduced inflammation to improved blood flow and energy, this article clears the (barefoot) path to better health.
Back-To-Nature Movements
As early as the 19th century, back-to-nature movements have taken place in Western parts of the world. Unlike the West, some parts of the world remain connected to the Earth’s energy in their daily lives. Because of this, they don’t face the same ailments that most of us live with.
Modern science now backs the back-to-nature movements, making it more appealing than ever.
What Exactly Are We Talking About Here?
All species on Earth are surrounded by electrical charges. The air above the Earth’s surface and the surface itself are constantly balancing each other. And just as power grids, power stations, homes and factories all tap into these electrical sources, so can we.
“Herein lies the surprise. Research conducted for more than a decade has demonstrated that Earth’s charge and storehouse of electrons represent a major natural resource of health and healing”. – James Oschman publication
This isn’t taboo. The animal and plant kingdoms have been using electrical charges to thrive in their environment for eons. Take, for instance, this scientific study that proves the static charges on the feet of geckos help them stick to surfaces so that they can run up walls.
Or that the static charges of insects and hummingbirds are strong enough to pull pollen through the air.
The Benefits Of Earthing
Gaétan Chevalier is the director of The Earthing Institute and researches the physics of electricity and the body’s electrophysiology. He says;
“Earthing, also known as grounding, is the discovery that reconnecting to the Earth restores a timeless link to Nature that revitalizes the body, reduces pain and stress, and improves health, sleep, mood, and appearance.”
Earthing pioneer Clint Ober, also part of the Earthing Institute, explains how humans who live in direct contact with nature can sense energy fields around them. It’s the energy field of a brown bear in the forest that makes the hairs on your skin stand up before actually sighting the bear. Throughout eons of time, this signalling has been built into us.
Just as the sun gives you energy from above, the Earth gives you energy from below. The benefits of earthing include better sleep, reduced inflammation and pain, improved blood flow, and vitality. You can tap into these benefits by simply walking outdoors… barefoot.
What Has Changed?
Throughout history, humans mostly walked barefoot, slept on the ground, and used footwear and bedding fashioned from animal hide (leather). Now, many of us live and work in high rises well above the ground. And we walk on materials that separate us from the dangers of the ground.
There is a barrier that separates modern lifestyles and the Earth’s healing power.
What Does The Science Tell Us?
Grounding studies, where participants were hooked up to the Earth using conductive bed sheets, floor or desk pads, and electrode patches, all achieved similar results.
- Reduced inflammation and pain
- Improved blood flow
- Reduced stress
- Better sleep
- Improved energy
- Improved response to trauma and injuries (faster healing)
Another study that was published by the National Library of Medicine found that 30 minutes of grounding five times a week significantly improved the sleep quality of participants.
Remember the article we published, “Deepak Chopra’s Impact On Modern Health Paradigms”? Here’s what Deepak Chopra says about Grounding.
“When I am grounded I am resetting my entire biological clock so that it is in harmony with universal, cosmic rhythms and that is the basis of healing.” − Deepak Chopra, M.D.
How Do I Practice Grounding?
Earthing pioneer Clint Ober stresses that Earthing routinely is key. The easiest way to do this is by setting up your indoor environment for success. From floor mats, pillows, and pads that stick to your body, there are products made available by Clint and The Earthing Institute on their Amazon shop.
To get started outdoors here’s what you can do. Kick off your shoes and stand, run, walk or sit on grass, soil, gravel, stone, sand, brick, or concrete.
For an in-depth guide on how to get grounded inside and outside, check out The Earthing Institute’s “Getting Started” page.
Grounded Living
This is a topic we’ve covered before, and if you’d like to try out a 6-minute guided grounding meditation, head over to The Mindful Steward.
We still have a lot to learn about Earthing and its role in improving our lives. At the very least, the practices listed above are further reasons to get outside and soak up the sun’s vitamin C and the Earth’s vitamin G.
