Does anyone remember the movie Barefoot in the Park? Once again, I’m dating myself and reaffirming my love of rom-coms. But, I’m not talking about the 1967 (And no! I wasn’t old enough to be into romantic comedies in 67!) Neil Simon rom-com film starring Jane Fonda and Robert Redford. I think it was adapted from a play, but since that’s not what this post is about, I won’t keep talking about the damn movie!
Anyone that knows me knows that as much as I love shoes,(or used to) I love being barefoot. I’ve been told that I have the feet to prove it! When I get home, the shoes come off and don’t go back on until I’m leaving again. It kinda officially started when we had our first NYC apartment. Not only did we remove shoes, we damn near stripped at the apartment door after being on the subway all day. I was always quick to kick off my shoes, but in NYC it became the rule! Those subway car seats have seen more than you really want to think about. In my last house, which happened to be in the woods, I would always be barefoot. Inside. Outside. The yard. The deck.
I used to really enjoy walking on the beach. Of course that was before folks started thinking it was a good idea to bring the dogs and let them S*#T in the sand! Pet peeve! Like “PET” PEEVE. And then they’re not on a damn leash. Never mind the signs posted everywhere that say “NO DOGS!” (Pets really don’t need to go everywhere! Sorry!) But back to being barefoot in the park. (Where, once again, you might be dodging dog crap!) While you ladies might think that you don’t really want to mess up that pedicure, there are benefits to walking barefoot in nature. The park. The beach. Your yard.
In various cultures around the world, the earth’s surface is described as an abundant and renewable source of healing energy. Reconnecting with the ground has been thought to improve physical and emotional health in many ways. Recent developments in the field of biophysics suggest that this healing energy of the earth comes in the form of free electrons that enter the body every time we establish direct contact with the ground.
The earth’s surface is a gigantic reservoir of mobile electrons that possess immense healing potential for living organisms. As it happens, all living species – except for us unfortunate humans – have been enjoying this primordial power for restoring internal bioelectric balance. But this disconnect from the earth is a recent phenomenon. For centuries, humans have received pleasure and health benefits from grounding practices like walking barefoot, sitting on the grass, or sleeping on the earth. With urbanization and the increased use of shoes made from insulating materials, we’ve lost this healing touch of nature. Experts have pointed out that this disconnect from the earth may be one of the reasons behind rising mental health problems and chronic inflammatory diseases.
What is grounding, and how to do it?
Grounding means establishing direct physical contact with the earth’s surface. It can be achieved by simple relaxation practices like walking in a park with your bare feet, lying down directly on the grass, as well as immersing yourself in natural bodies of water. In addition, there are sophisticated grounding systems like conductive beds and equipment that serve this purpose as well. If walking barefooted sounds scary, there are various kinds of grounding equipment available that can be used indoors instead. These pieces of equipment use conductive materials to make everyday products like mats, mattresses, chairs, recliners, body bands, socks, and blankets.
How does grounding work?
Living beings generate bioelectrical currents as a result of various biological processes, such as nerve impulses and muscle coordination. Bioelectricity is different from the electricity we use in our homes. It refers to the continuous movement of ions (of elements like sodium, potassium, phosphorus, or calcium) that help the brain send signals to cells and organs, enabling us to perceive things and perform daily activities.
Earthing or electrically grounding the body is a therapeutic practice that enables the flow of electrons from the earth to the body. The ions inside the human body are either electrically neutral or carry a slightly positive charge, whereas the earth’s surface has a slightly negative charge. Experts suggest that the earth’s negative potential can help stabilize the electrical environment of living beings, thereby evening out imbalances and restoring biological rhythms. Nobel Prize winner Richard Feynman has explained that when the body is grounded, its electric potential equalizes with the earth’s electric potential. The body thus becomes an extension of the earth, and the earth acts as a healing agent that neutralizes or cancels out electric fields from the body.
The benefits of grounding
1. Reduces inflammation
When you walk on the grass with your bare feet, mobile electrons from the earth’s surface are absorbed and spread into your system through acupuncture points and meridians, which are known to have low resistance pathways for the flow of electrons. Research suggests that these free electrons may act as antioxidants inside the body, neutralizing reactive oxygen species (also known as free radicals) and lowering chronic inflammation caused by them.
Grounding techniques have also been shown to reduce signs of acute inflammation during the healing process of an injury, including swelling, redness, and pain. This also enhances immune response and promotes faster wound healing. According to a 2015 study, electrons from the earth’s surface create an anti-inflammatory microenvironment around the injured tissue, protecting adjacent healthy tissues from damages that may be caused by white blood cells and free radicals. This reduces the chance of a low-grade inflammation persisting around the injured tissue. In 20 case studies, grounding was shown to prevent and reduce chronic inflammation following an acute injury.
2. Reduces stress and induces relaxation
Cortisol is our primary stress hormone that regulates a wide range of functions, such as metabolism, sleep-wake cycle, inflammation, blood pressure, mood, and energy levels. Research suggests that grounding exercises, like walking barefoot or lying on the ground, may help improve the body’s stress response by restoring the diurnal rhythm of cortisol and supporting the autonomic nervous system. Some small-scale studies using brain imaging techniques have shown that when you are connected to the earth, your brain shifts from the sympathetic (fight or flight state) to the parasympathetic (rest and digest) state. Parasympathetic activation promotes relaxation and stabilizes blood pressure and heart rate, making you feel emotionally calm, balanced, and contented.
3. Promotes healthful sleep
In a 2004 study, individuals facing stress-related sleep disturbances were given conductive mattress pads that were connected to the earth using wires. Researchers found that sleeping while grounded reduces night-time cortisol levels and brings hormonal secretion more in sync with the circadian rhythm (natural body clock). As a result, participants reported better sleep, fewer awakenings, improved morning energy, and lowered stress levels throughout the 8-week trial period. Interestingly, grounding was found to be more beneficial for women than men in this study. In another placebo-controlled trial, sleeping on grounded mattresses reduced pain and irritability associated with respiratory conditions, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, PMS, menopausal symptoms, and hypertension.
4. Improves heart health
A 2013 study shows that earthing can alter the electrodynamics of red blood cells, reducing blood viscosity and thereby improving blood circulation. This blood-thinning effect may help stabilize heart rate, boost the oxygen availability to tissues, and prevent clotting. Higher blood viscosity has been known to be associated with an increased risk of heart diseases and stroke. Researchers concluded that grounding may be one of the simplest and yet most profound ways of protecting the heart. Grounding is also known to reduce stress levels, lower chronic inflammation, and fight free radical damage, which can altogether go a long way in protecting vital organs.
So, if you are interested in an easy way to potentially improve your health, try kicking off those shoes and establishing the healthy habit of walking barefoot and connecting directly with earth!
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