"Our land is alive, Esperanza.... This whole valley breathes and lives.... You can only feel the earth's heartbeat when you are still and quiet." -Experanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Have you ever felt the earth's heartbeat? Or wondered why you feel so deeply rested after laying on a hillside watching the clouds pass by, camping in the woods, or even sunbathing on the warm beach sand? Science is unearthing (pun intended) why our bodies rejoice with connection to the earth. This connection is often called "Earthing" or "Grounding" and reaps positive change on the body even if it's a brief barefooted stroll on soft lawn grass.
Earthing, also known as Grounding simply defined, is the physical connection between the human body and the earth's surface which electrically reconnects the two.
What is the science behind Earthing? Or in other words, how does it work?
The science of Earthing relies on the naturally occurring electrical current of the earth. Earthing.com articulates this process best: "The earth’s surface has a virtually limitless supply of mobile electrons that gives the ground we walk on (as well as lakes and oceans) a natural negative electric charge. When you touch your body to the ground, it dissipates static electricity and extraneous environmental electrical charges that are on you. At the same time, you receive a charge of energy in the form of free electrons and your body synchronizes with the natural frequencies of the earth." Additionally, one study from PubMed Central holds the theory that the conductivity from grounding can help restore the body's natural defense systems through its affect on the living matrix (central connector between living cells).
Our environment is filled with protons (positive charges) and electrons (negative charges). While the earth holds an abundance of electrons, many of our modern day amenities such as computers, cell phones, televisions, microwaves, and others (see Electromagnetic Fields | EMFs) emit protons which can overload our bodies with positive charge. Earthing helps to balance these levels and recalibrate the body. These methods include walking barefoot outdoors, swimming in natural bodies of water, laying on the earth, Grounding bed mattresses, Grounding bed sheets, Grounding appliances, and more. Current research into the benefits of Earthing have revealed possible improvements in:
reduced stress and anxiety
mood enhancement (positive mood)
centering and mental clarity
improved sleep
reduced pain
muscle recovery
Some individuals may be skeptical of this method since research is generally conducted on small groups or some bodies might need different healing methods for their needs, and therefore it's important to listen to your own leading. If you're open to it, we encourage you to take a pause this summer. Walk barefooted, lay on a hill, a sandy beach, or play in the garden. Test your own theories or explore other Earthing methods. If anything, listen to the heartbeat of the Earth. And to your own.
References:
Gerke, M. (2023). Earthing or Grounding and Electro Magnetic Fields [blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.energywellnessproducts.com/earthing-emf.htm?gclid=Cj0KCQjwnf-kBhCnARIsAFlg493-sF5w0L_KWoXFUzF2zch9cnoupUcAoFZgjdvzKRBbHfZzft7LDm0aAjZbEALw_wcB
Lockett, E. MS (2023, March 27). Grounding: Eploring Earthing Science and the Benefits Behind it [blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/grounding#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
Oschman JL, Chevalier G, Brown R. (2015, March 24). The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, 8:83-96 [online article]. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4378297/
Scholastic (2023). Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan [Teacher's Activity Guide]. Retrieved from https://www.scholastic.com/esperanza/index.htm#:~:text=%22You%20can%20only%20feel%20the,will%20fall%20into%20your%20hand.
Additional Reading:
Earthing (2023). Shop [products listing]. Retrieved from https://www.earthing.com/collections/all
Gerke, M. (2023). Electromagnetic Fields | EMFs [blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.energywellnessproducts.com/electro-magnetic-fields.htm
Old House Journal Review Team (2023, June 13). The Best Grounding Sheets (2023) [blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.oldhouseonline.com/review/best-grounding-sheets/
World Health Organization (2016, August 4). Radiation: Electromagnetic Fields [blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-electromagnetic-fields#:~:text=Some%20members%20of%20the%20public,fatigue%20and%20loss%20of%20libido.