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Writer's pictureMaria C Angel

Connecting with the earth: an ancestral practice

Surely you have heard about the practice of Grounding or Earthing, which, although it may sound modern, actually, has deep roots that go back in time to antiquity.


For centuries, civilizations around the world have embraced grounding as a way to maintain harmony between the body and nature, involving walking barefoot and absorbing the electrons flowing across its surface.


What type of surfaces are appropriate?


Asphalt, wood, plastic or vinyl, being insulating, are not suitable. Any of the following surfaces are suitable for you to receive the benefits of Grounding or Earthing:


  • Earth

  • Mud

  • Beach sand

  • Grass

  • Stones and rocks: while not all stones and rocks are equally conductive, slate, granite and sandstone have conductive properties.


It is worth noting that moisture increases the electrical conductivity of the surface. Therefore, in dry environments or with heavily compacted soils, the benefits may be less pronounced. For best results, look for suitable surfaces to be damp or slightly damp.



What are the benefits?


"One of the first studies on grounding was published in 2010 by the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Researchers measured levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in individuals who slept on grounded sheets for eight weeks. They found that grounding reduced cortisol levels and improved sleep quality. Another study published in the same journal in 2012 found that grounding reduced pain and improved sleep in participants with chronic pain".


"In 2015, a pilot study published in the Journal of Inflammation Research showed that grounding reduced markers of inflammation in the blood of healthy adults. Participants walked barefoot on grass for one hour while their blood was monitored before and after the session. The results showed a significant decrease in inflammation after grounding".


"A 2017 study published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health found that grounding reduced pain, stiffness, and fatigue in participants with fibromyalgia. Another study published in the Journal of Diabetes Research in 2017 showed that grounding reduced blood sugar levels and improved insulin sensitivity in participants with type 2 diabetes".


The benefits of this practice are very powerful and the best of all is that there is no cost involved, it is simply a matter of identifying a space where you can do it, for example in a park, in your backyard, on the beach, in the forest, etc. Here the invitation is to stay connected with nature on a daily basis and not just when you go on vacation. Like everything else, it is about creating the habit and doing it consciously, attracting any of the 5 greatest benefits it offers for your health and well-being:


  • Reduce stress

  • Improve sleep

  • Relieve pain and inflammation

  • Strengthen the immune system

  • Improve mood


The modern world undoubtedly has many benefits, but it is a reality that you spend more and more time in artificial environments and with your shoes on. Humanity in general is suffering from a disconnection with the natural environment in everyday life, and this lack can only be cured with vitamin N. N of nature. As you can see, grounding is a really simple practice, so why not give it a try? You have nothing to lose and much to gain.



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Disclaimer:

"The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only, and is made available as self-help tools for your own use; it is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with a health care professional."


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