Grounding or “Earthing” refers to contact with the Earth’s surface electrons by walking barefoot, sitting, or laying outside so that energy is transferred from the Earth to the body. Studies and research [1] are starting to confirm what many of us have suspected all along, that grounding can provide positive effects on your body for physical ailments such as pain, muscle damage, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease. Further, there is research to support the notion that it can also help improve certain mental aspects related to anxiety, depression, and dementia [2].

What I like to refer to as “Vitamin G” (for Grounding), is a technique that I personally used during my bout with anxiety and depression. It’s a technique that my chiropractor and nutritionist, Dr. Jason Albracht, encouraged me to try when I was at my worst. Although I was looking for instant gratification and healing at the time, I started to notice an improvement in my sudden despair after going outside and laying in the backyard or walking around the yard barefoot. When laying in the yard, it would sometimes put me in a state of meditation, where I could “get away” from all my negative thoughts and emotions and just allow the Earth’s energy to flow through my body. I’d look for a spot where the sun would hit me and I’d feel the warmth of its rays while also increasing my Vitamin D intake, another important vitamin linked to depression when deficient [3]. I’d try to lay in the yard for at least 30 minutes, but sometimes up to an hour to allow the earth’s energy to flow through my body. Often, my anxiety and/or depression would subside while other times it would completely go away, at least temporarily. That temporary relief was something, and anything during that time was another push to help keep fighting through it.

One of my greatest joys during my illness was walking barefoot on the beach. This is where I felt the most energy, and the most relief. Whether it was at sunrise or sunset, the emotional balancing I experienced during those summer days at South Padre Island were priceless. Whether you’re at the beach, in the wilderness, or in your backyard, grounding has shown to be a therapeutic technique we all should implement into our daily routine.

Whenever going barefoot, there are some precautions to take. If you have any health issues or concerns, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor before exposing your bare feet to nature for an extended period of time. More strenuous activities such as barefoot hiking or running should not be incorporated until you’ve spent adequate time preparing your feet for this type of activity. You should also ease up if you feel any pain or discomfort, especially early on. For older people, not having the appropriate strength in your feet could put you at risk of having poor mechanics while walking and thereby increasing your risk of injury. You should try walking barefoot indoors first or take it slow when first doing so outside. Make sure you first practice on safe surfaces such as turf, grass, and sandy beaches to help build up your muscle stamina. Also, you can ground by simply standing and/or doing exercise in one spot while barefoot, hence, avoiding risk of injury from unknown surfaces.

I encourage everyone, whether or not you’re suffering from a form of illness, to incorporate grounding into your routine. Whether it’s daily or once a week, there are numerous studies and personal accounts out there ( I believe you should do your own research as well), that support the idea of absorbing the earth’s energy to help support both your mental and physical state. 

Much Love, 
Kristin

References

1. Ober C, Sinatra ST, Zucker M. Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever? Laguna Beach, Calif, USA: Basic Health Publications; 2010. [Google Scholar].

2. J Environ Public Health. 2012; 2012: 291541. Published online 2012 Jan 12. doi: 10.1155/2012/291541 PMCID: PMC3265077 PMID: 22291721. Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth's Surface Electrons.

3. Mann, Denise, “Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Depression.” 2012 June 27. WebMd.com https://www.webmd.com/depression/news/