One of my favourite ways to beat inflammation and beat stress is through the simple yet profoundly beneficial practice of earthing/grounding.
Earthing, also known as grounding, refers to the practice of connecting with the earth’s electrical energy by walking barefoot or using special conductive products. It really is as simple as that.
Below I discuss the benefits of earthing/grounding:
Earthing/grounding Reduces inflammation: Earthing has been shown to reduce inflammation by decreasing neutrophil migration and cytokine production in the body. This effect has been observed in several studies, including one conducted on healthy individuals exposed to simulated night-time grounding in a controlled environment (Chevalier et al., 2012).
Earthing/grounding improves sleep quality: earthing has been suggested to improve sleep quality by regulating cortisol levels and increasing parasympathetic activity. A randomized controlled trial conducted on patients with chronic insomnia found that earthing improved sleep quality and reduced night-time cortisol levels (Ghaly & Teplitz, 2004).
Earthing/grounding reduces stress levels and improves your mood: Earthing has been suggested to reduce stress levels by decreasing sympathetic activity and increasing heart rate variability. A study conducted on individuals with hypertension found that earthing for 30 minutes per day reduced blood pressure and increased heart rate variability (Chevalier et al., 2013).
Weight-loss & earthing/grounding: There is limited research on the implications of earthing on weight loss. However, some studies have suggested that earthing may have indirect effects on weight loss by reducing inflammation, stress, improving sleep quality, and increasing physical activity by increasing serotonin.
In relation to earthing, did you know that spending time outside and in contact with soil, a specific bacteria (Mycobaterium Vaccea) in healthy soil triggers the release of serotonin in our brain – serotonin is our happy chemical and a natural anti-depressant. no wonder gardening can make you happy.
In summery, studies suggest that earthing daily may have several health benefits and best of all it is a simple and low-cost practice that can easily be incorporated into daily life.
The ancient Japanese practice of forrest bathing suggests that the practice of earthing has been understood for a long time in their culture. To read more about forrest bathing, navigate here.
How much earthing do we need?There is no consensus on how much time one should spend earthing each day to achieve health benefits. However, some studies have suggested that as little as 30 minutes per day may be sufficient to see improvements in various health parameters.
To realise the goal of implementing more earthing opportunities into your schedule, ask yourself the following questions:
- How can you weave in, and habituate more earthing into your schedule?
- Can you perhaps pair this up with other activities to save time, and even create more connection with your loved ones?
- How can you perhaps pair this up with your movement/ exercise practice every week? Think barefoot running on the beach, playing barefoot with your children in the garden, barefoot trail running/ or hiking, or barefoot gardening.
I hope this article was informative and useful to you, please share it, or leave a comment. I would love to hear about your experience with the practice of earthing.
Marlien Wright is the author of 3 books, The Yoga Kitchen & The Mandala Kitchen (Jacana Media), and 7 Days to Blood Sugar Balance (Amazon/ Kindle Direct Publishing) podcast host of Masterpiece & Mess, a wellness coach/ mentor, retreat facilitator, a Kinesiologist in training, and a certified yoga & Pilates teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience. Her wellness philosophy and support are anchored in helping her clients uncover their inherent well-being by creating and habituating a simple and sustainable framework of daily well-being practices.
References:
Chevalier, G., Sinatra, S. T., Oschman, J. L., Sokal, K., & Sokal, P. (2012). Earthing (grounding) the human body reduces neutrophil activity as well as increases lymphocyte response to mitogens. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 18(3), 243-250. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2011.0820
Chevalier, G., Mori, K., & Oschman, J. L. (2013). The effect of earthing (grounding) on human physiology. European Biology and Bioelectromagnetics, 9, 303-317.
Ghaly, M., & Teplitz, D. (2004). The biologic effects of grounding the human body during sleep as measured by cortisol levels and subjective reporting of sleep, pain, and stress. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 10(5), 767-776. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2004.10.767
