By Jonás G. Chong Curiel
Head of Department – Psychology and Spirituality Programs
Sanoviv Medical Institute
There are many things to consider when following a healthy lifestyle: the right diet, the right type and amount of exercise, the right supplementation and a long list of etcetera’s that culminate in our desired health goals. Most of us like to stay up to date and learn any new information that can support improved health and vitality.
One thing that is rarely considered and yet of vital importance for overall health is to know if we are plugged into our vital source of energy. Because just like TV’s, computers and other devices are plugged into the light socket, human beings need to plug into their source to function at optimal levels. This source is the Earth. Many scientific studies have been produced that show the direct correlation between connecting with the earth and multiple health benefits. Also, being disconnected can contribute to many of the health problems that we face in modern societies.
As life has evolved on the surface of the Earth, these energies and frequencies have helped shape our constant change. In early civilizations, we lived connected to the Earth; we walked barefoot or with leather shoes that are electrically conductive, when in contact with perspiration. We slept on the Earth on animal skins. Since the 1960’s and the general use of insulated shoes, this connection has been lost, as very rarely do we spend a significant amount of time receiving these energies.
The scientific study and practice of this phenomenon is called Earthing. Earthing is defined as “coupling your body to the Earth’s eternal and gentle surface energies.” Studies suggest that while connected to the earth, you receive its natural healing energy into the body.
Our body responds favorably to this Earth energy, stimulating healing responses, by directly connecting our skin (preferably our feet) to a natural, electrically conductive surface like grass, dirt, gravel or sand. It might seem surprising that one of the best things that you can do for your health is walking barefoot on natural ground.
Many scientists have been studying the effects of Earthing with very promising results. Research indicates that when we are connected to the Earth, the energetic output of our body becomes one with the Earth, thus cancelling out other frequencies that can be harmful to our well-being.
One of the main health benefits of Earthing is being able to use the surface electrons of the Earth for our own internal energetic processes. Electrons play a huge role in the cells ability to stay healthy, decrease inflammation and create balance. Antioxidants are simply molecules that inhibit oxidation of cells by donating an extra electron that free radicals normally steal from cells.
Also, some research suggests that being in direct contact with the Earth helps balance the stress hormone cortisol that is implicated in many of the chronic diseases that we face. Earthing has been shown to stimulate the normal cycle of this hormone.
Some of the benefits of Earthing include:
- Defuses the cause of inflammation, and improves or eliminates the symptoms of many inflammation related disorders.
- Reduces or eliminates chronic pain.
- Improves sleep in most cases.
- Increases energy.
- Lowers stress and promotes calmness in the body by cooling down the nervous system and stress hormones.
- Normalizes the body’s biological rhythms.
- Thins blood and improves blood pressure and flow.
- Relieves muscle tension and headaches.
- Lessens hormonal and menstrual symptoms.
- Dramatically speeds healing and helps prevent bed sores.
- Reduces or eliminates jet lag.
- Protects the body against potentially health disturbing environmental electromagnetic fields (EMFs).
- Accelerates recovery from intense athletic activity.
This is possibly one of the easiest things that you can do for your health. We recommend trying to integrate the practice of Earthing into your daily routine, spending at least 15 to 20 minutes walking barefoot on a natural surface.
For more information on Earthing you can read the book “Earthing” by Clint Ober or visit his website www.earthinginstitute.net
Any alternate recommendations for those who live in cold climates? Walking barefoot in the grass this time of year, and up until about May, would be VERY cold and uncomfortable!
Check out Earthing.com for their line of products that create a grounding effect and connect you to the Earth’s energy without actually having to be barefoot on the ground.
How about walking barefoot on timber or natural tiled floors indoors? Any good at all?
Definitely not on timber, as it is not electrically conducive. As for the natural tiled floors, you would need to know if the material is electrically conductive and if it has been insulated or not. If it is electrically conductive, is not insulated and is in direct contact with the earth, this is probably a good earthing conduit.
I have a sheet from the Earthing Institute that is on my bed, connected with a ground wire to the outside. It has helped tremendously with the inflammation in my leg. Also all the Usana vitamins my wife has me take. Living in the north means we can’t be in the yard for nearly 9 months, just to cold or a few feet of snow. But in the summer I like to read a book in the sun and have my feet in the grass. That seems to help with the arthritis in my hips (car accident years ago crushed). I would highly recommend the sheet, they also have some pads that when sitting for long times you could put your bare feet on. Will try that some day also; they also have a mouse pad that would be great for computer workers. I have the book and would also say read it. I remember my grandmother gardening with bare feet, it does seem we have lost these simple things as we have become a less agrarian society.
That explains why I fel so centered when I am watering my garden. Just being outside in God’s nature is so stress free. I also notice when I hug and kiss my doggie it does gives me the same feeling of de-stressing. It’s amazing the things God has given us to help us cope.
If one was to purchase a single earthing item, which one would be best to choose?
That really depends on your individual lifestyle and needs. Probably the most versatile of the products is the Earthing mat, as you can use this at work, home and during sleep.
Hi! How long do I have to be barefoot on the ground to start seeing benefits? I’m assuming this is something I should try to do daily? I live in downtown Chicago on the 7th floor of a concrete building so there are some challenges this time of year with weather (snow) as well as being in the city, everything seems to be concrete or the open grass areas are “peed or pooped” on from the many dogs here.
Any suggestions would be well appreciated.
Hi Chris:
Ideally from 30 to 40 minutes, either walking or having your feet be in contact with the Earth. Given the difficulties of Earthing at this time of year where you live, I would recommend looking at the Earthing products available from http://www.earthing.com. They have some amazing products that connect to the grounding part of the light socket, thus connecting you to the earth in the comfort of your own home or office.
Thank you Donny! I’ll probably be back to Sanoviv in April!
I am assuming this would be very helpful for those with fibromyalgia to learn about. Is there any examples of this being a solution or a part of it?
Sorry, we don’t have any examples but there may be some good information in the book “Earthing” by Clint Ober, Stephen T. Sinatra M.D. and Martin Zucker which can be found on the Sanoviv store website.
Peace