
We’ve all heard over and over the importance of getting in nature. What’s not emphasized enough is that once you get there to take off your shoes. It’s natural to be barefoot at the beach, but it’s important to have your bare feet on the earth’s surface in general as much as possible. Connecting with the earth in this way is one of the most powerful healing modalities. Most importantly it’s completely FREE!
The earth’s electrons emitted from the ground restore the body’s electrical rhythms, balance, and stability.
Our body has an undeniable bioelectrical nature. Sadly many of us aren’t even aware how much of our energetic connection to the earth has been lost. As a result, we experience health imbalances and even depression. In this modern day society we spend much of our time indoors. Even if we do go outside in nature, we’re most likely wearing shoes with synthetic soles which prevents this healing and balancing energy exchange.
When you fully connect with the earth, “your body becomes suffused with negative-charged free electrons abundantly present on the surface of the earth. Your body immediately equalizes to the same electric energy level, or potential, as the earth.” The healing effects of earthing are necessary and absolutely amazing.
Earthing has the ability to…
…defuse inflammation and inflammation related disorders
…minimize or eliminate chronic pain
…increase energy and vitality
…help improve circulation and digestion in the body
…improve blood pressure
…promote better sleep at night
…reduce stress levels by calming the nervous system
…minimize or even eliminate muscle tension and headaches
…reduce allergies
…relieve menstrual discomfort and hormonal imbalances
…speed up the healing process
…reduce or eliminate jet lag
…protect the body from health disrupting electromagnetic fields aka EMF’s
…accelerate recovery from intense athletic activity
A study was done during the 1960’s and 1970’s at Max Planck Institute in Germany where researchers purposely isolated volunteers from the earth’s electric field for months. “Patterns of body temperature, sleep, urinary excretions, and other physiological activities were carefully monitored. All of the participants developed a variety of abnormal or chaotic patterns, sort of like head-to-toe arrhythmia.”
The earth naturally balances our body which was once connected to it indefinitely. Cultures who have maintained this natural energetic connection are much healthier overall and often live much longer.
Although it’s best to ground yourself sitting on the earth and/or walking barefoot, let’s be honest, this isn’t always possible. To remedy the issue, there are earthing shoes which allow this energy exchange when being barefoot isn’t feasible. Leather soled shoes also allow earthing to be possible especially when the ground is damp.
I’ve yet to try specifically earthing shoes, but I have had leather soled shoes in the past. I’ve also purchased two earthing products which allow me to ground at home. These two products are earthing half sheets to sleep on, and an earthing universal mat to place under my feet when working on the computer or tablet.
Earthing sheets and my universal mat allow me to ground at home easily while doing my everyday activities. Nothing truly replaces the full benefits of being outdoors to ground yourself, but this does help tremendously.
I originally purchased my earthing products five years ago. To be honest I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to share my knowledge of earthing on Minimalist Beauty. At the time I used each item consistently and spent as much time outdoors barefoot that I could. I felt great! When we moved to our current apartment some reason neither earthing product was used as often and then became stored in the closet.
Finally I have put both the earthing half sheet and mat back to full use. I can already feel a HUGE difference in how I feel overall. The first thing I immediately noticed was better sleep. For a new mom sleep is EVERYTHING and my little one sleeps even better too! To wake up with energy was something I never thought would be possible with a new baby. With better sleep, I automatically feel less stressed which also allows for more productivity.
Earthing has a dose-related effect.
The more you ground yourself earthing, the better your results. With an earthing sheet you can sleep grounded for eight hours and also stay grounded throughout the day with a mat while you work on the computer. Although this isn’t the free version of just going outside, this allows maximum benefits if you can’t be outdoors.
While eating abundant organic raw foods, drinking water, and exercise all help to heal and rejuvenate the body, earthing really helps to maximize all of the amazing things you already do to take care of yourself and more. You can read Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever! by Clinton Ober, Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D., and Martin Zucker which contains an abundance of case studies and information on earthing to learn more. Both quotes and sourced information above are from this book.
What undeniable benefits have you noticed from spending time outdoors in nature? Have you tried earthing?
(Image by Dawn Michelle)
nofixedstars says
i definitely find that nature is healing, in so many ways! earthing is on my list of things to do more of in daily life… i have a lovely patch of moss in my front yard that is just perfect for standing in and relaxing.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi nofixedstars,
That sounds perfect! I’m hoping to have a yard of sorts at our next place.
Asaake says
Would’ve never thought of this but we learn new things every day. I enjoy nature and used to be a barefoot kinda girl but I “outgrew” that. Time to return to the basics
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Asaake,
Returning to the basics is always good in so many ways. I hope you are having an amazing weekend!
Joanna says
New friend here. I love this!!
I have a planters wart on my foot and feel I need shoes on to protect my feet. But I will definitely add earthing to my repertoire. Very informative. Thx for sharing .
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Joanna,
Thanks! I’m so glad this was helpful to you. Have a beautiful day!