Earthing

There is an interesting new concept found in a book, Earthing, by Clinton Ober. Check it out or keep reading for the high points.

The proponents of Earthing believe there is a lost connection to our planet’s natural flow of surface electrical energy and the electron deficiency in our bodies this creates. Because of this, they are suggesting we get grounded daily. Stay with me! This is not voodoo--it’s science.

The sole of the foot is covered with over a thousand nerve endings per square inch. The foot is the vital link between the person and the Earth. The Earth is covered with an electromagnetic layer. It’s this layer that creates the sensory response in our feet. The energy residing on the surface of the Earth is primarily electrical. We draw electrical energy through our feet in the form of free electrons fluctuating at many frequencies.

The Earth is negatively charged. It has an endless supply of negative-charged free electrons. Anytime you have two conductive objects and they make contact (your bare feet and the ground), electrons will flow from the place where they are abundant to the place where there are fewer of them. The electrical potential of the two objects will thus equalize. That’s grounding.

If you have lots of positive-charged free radicals running amok inside your body, guess what’s going to happen when you make contact with the Earth? Big negative-charged Earth overwhelms little, positive-charged free radicals.

Why should you care? Well, one of the primary issues said to be responsible for the health decline is the demise of our immune system. Asthma, hay fever and other common allergic reactions have increased. Pediatricians see more children with food allergies. There is a jump in lupus, multiple sclerosis and other afflictions caused by misfiring immune systems. Cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer are linked to chronic inflammation. Inflammation is now believed to be the underlying cause of more than 80 chronic illnesses, and more than half of Americas suffer currently from one or more of them. Earthing advocates believe daily grounding will help the immune system stay in check.

Earthing research has shown study participants with a high level of tension showed a decrease in muscle tension. There are results demonstrating pain reduction to individuals living with a plethora of ailments. Athletes describe enhanced performance and reduced recovery time after grueling events when they practice Earthing. U.S.--sponsored teams in the Tour de France now use Earthing blankets.

What can you do? Walk barefoot in your backyard, on the beach, in a grassy park, on concrete or open ground (not asphalt, wood, vinyl, painted concentrate), or any place outside wherever comfortable. Ground yourself by sitting on the Earth or on a chair with your feet planted on the ground, while reading a book or listening to music. To make the Earthing experience most effective, dampen the soil or grass for added conductivity. Leave your feet squarely on the earth and sit there for thirty or forty minutes. It’s simple--unless, of course we have snowfall. Then I recommend taking a vacation where walking on the Earth doesn’t freeze your toes.