Thanks to our fast-paced lifestyle and hectic work schedule, it’s safe to say that we’ve never been more disconnected with nature. We wake up, work out, rush to work, aim at climbing the corporate ladder, return home stressed, and have a troubled sleep. In the midst of this, we often forget to experience and value the simpler joys of life – be it walking barefoot on the grass or letting the cool breeze hit our faces every morning. While we often dismiss the importance of reconnecting with nature as hipster philosophy, science believes otherwise. So, let’s explore the healing energy that the earth has, our relationship with this energy, and why it all matters.
What Is Earthing?
When your skin comes in direct contact with the surface of the earth, it is referred to as earthing or grounding. Earth’s surface consists of a large number of electrons. When transferred to the human body through earthing, it can promote health and enhance well-being. It is also theorized that the physical ailments faced by our generation today are the result of our disconnect with nature. Several ancient cultures around the world, in fact, support this theory and believe that walking barefoot makes you healthier and happier.1
How To Grow Closer To Nature?
Reconnecting with nature is easier said than done. Our erratic lives don’t leave us with a lot of space to meet our work deadlines, let alone connect with the earth. While it’s not possible to leave behind all our daily tasks and spend more time outside, there are small things you can do to connect with nature.
Every morning, go to a nearby park and take a long walk. Better still, walk barefoot on the grass. Feel the soft grass beneath your feet and observe how your feet land on the ground. Look around you and observe the trees, plants, and the flowers. Watch how they respond to the sunlight, the wind, and to your touch. If possible, sit under a tree and meditate to feel and imbibe earth’s energy. Alternatively, try gardening and get your hands dirty.
What Does Science Have To Say?
1. Reduces Pain And Improves Physiological Well-Being
Chronic pain and arthritis can be difficult to deal with. In fact, if statistics are to be believed, 1 in every 4 Americans suffers from chronic pain.2 It is, hence, important that we take measures to prevent and manage chronic pain. A pilot study that explored the association between earthing and body pain, revealed interesting results. Two groups of participants were given conductive carbon fiber mattress pads to sleep on. But, the pads of one group were connected to a dedicated earthing ground next to their windows, and the pads of the other group were left unearthed. The group whose pads were earthed exhibited significant improvements in not only arthritis and chronic pain, but also in the following health conditions.
- Asthmatic and respiratory conditions
- Pre-Menstrual Syndrome
- Sleep apnea
- Hypertension
Moreover, studies also report that earthing can significantly boost your immune system and keep diseases at bay.3
2. Improves Mental Well-Being
Another study examined the effects of earthing on stress. A conductive adhesive patch was placed on the sole of the participants’ feet. The patches of one group of participants were earthed using a wire, while the other group wasn’t connected with the earth. The group that underwent earthing observed a significant reduction in stress and an increase in the function of the autonomic nervous system.4
Earth’s energy is powerful and healing. To grow healthier both mentally and physically, it’s important to reconnect with nature and experience its energy.
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