Summer in Minnesota is a great time to practice Earthing. Earthing (also known as grounding) involves direct physical contact with the earth’s surface electrons by walking barefoot outside or sitting, working, or sleeping outdoors connected to conductive systems that transfer the energy from the ground into the body. New evidence is emerging that suggests that direct contact such as this can help balance the body’s internal bioelectrical environment and help restore wellness. The free electrons gained through direct contact with the earth are thought to act as a form of antioxidant in the body and reduce inflammation. Research shows that grounding may have a positive impact on sleep, chronic pain, stress response and cortisol levels. Additionally, it can help to shift the body’s autonomic nervous system from a sympathetic (fight/flight response) to parasympathetic (rest/digest) state and even change blood viscosity, having a thinning effect, which may have cardiovascular implications. Clinically, positive therapeutic effects have been observed in as little as 30-40 minutes of barefoot walking a day. Earthing, it turns out, may be an important factor in our health – much like fresh air, sunshine, clean water, proper nutrition and physical activity. So Minnesota, take off those shoes and socks, and get those feet in the dirt.

written by Deb

Photo by Artur Kornakov on Unsplash

Reference

Chevalier, G., Sinatra, S. T., Oschman, J. L., Sokal, K., & Sokal, P. (2012). Earthing: health implications of reconnecting the human body to the Earth’s surface electrons. Journal of environmental and public health, 2012, 291541. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/291541