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Let her do "HER THING" (Earthing... aka Grounding)

Amongst some of the most interesting things I have learned while studying at IIN (Institute for Integrative Nutrition) is a practice called Earthing (also known as Grounding)

I recently spent a month in the Italian Alps and during the trip, I decided to try it! I was surrounded by green pastures, lush flora, and freshwater streams, with the added surprise of a few shy wild animals here and there. Although it rained for almost the entire time I was there, it became a cherished daily routine during my stay. I loved doing it and felt its benefits right away. There is something about being in “contact” with nature that is almost indescribable.

Earthing is simply connecting the body with the energy of the ground. I did it by walking barefoot on green-grass fields. But any other way to connect your bare skin to the Earth's surface works. You can sit or lie down on the ground, touch a plant, hug a tree, etc. If you are not near a place where this can be easily done, on the market there are several grounding products, such as mats or sheets.

More and more studies are being done on this practice. Some very good ones are found on the national library of Medicine website. They all concluded beyond doubt that grounding has several significant positive effects on the body and mind.

Here are some of the grounding benefits that impressed me the most:

 

  • Lower the nervous system activity and stress hormone levels.
  • Decrease inflammation.
  • Improve the respiratory and circulatory systems.
  • Increase the efficiency of the cardiovascular system.
  • Reduce blood pressure.
  • Reduce chronic pain.
  • Improve sleep.
  • Reduce anxiety.

 

“Grounding increases the surface charge on RBCs and thereby reduces blood viscosity and clumping. Grounding appears to be one of the simplest and yet most profound interventions for helping reduce cardiovascular risk and cardiovascular events.” *


Additionally, studies have observed a correlation between the human heartbeat and the electromagnetic field of the Earth. The Earth emits a frequency of around 7.83 Hz, which is known as the Schumann resonance. This frequency has been observed to be similar to the human alpha brain waves, which are associated with relaxation and a sense of well-being. Some researchers suggest that when we connect with the Earth's electromagnetic field through earthing, we are able to synchronize our own internal rhythms with those of the Earth, leading to a state of balance and harmony within the body.

Incorporating earthing into our daily routine can be simple, but it needs a bit of consistency for the effects to be lasting.

As for my “Alps Earthing”, walking barefoot on lush green grass gave me a sense of calm and peace. And it was fun! it made me feel like a kid again (extra bonus!)… Now I just need to figure out how to keep this going in NYC. However, with its 1200 green areas, I think I will have no problem.

So, the next time you feel stressed, or you are dealing with a problem that seems unsurmountable, take a walk outside, find a park and kick your shoes off, or lay down, and let Earth do Her Thing!

 

*Earthing (Grounding) the Human Body Reduces Blood Viscosity—a Major Factor in Cardiovascular Disease - PMC (nih.gov)


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