Earthing is the latest wellness trend that is designed to connect humanity back to nature. Simply put, this trend involves going outside barefoot to allow your skin to connect with the earth.1 This trend is also said to help boost your mental health and well-being.2 This trend has been scientifically proven to aid with insomnia, arthritis, cardiovascular disease and anxiety.2
Breaking Down "Earthing"
When broken down on Earthing.com, being surrounded by non-conductive materials (i.e. wood, carpet, tile, etc.) leaves us feeling isolated from the earth. However, when you connect directly with the earth again either with your hands or bare feet, the body receives a charge of energy that provides a revived feeling similar to receiving vitamin D from the sun.3
The premise of earthing comes down to absorbing the charge that comes from electrical products. It is as simple as standing outside in the grass with no shoes on. When doing this, you are absorbing the nutrients from the earth which allows your body to neutralize.2
"To put it briefly, when your bare feet or skin comes in contact with the earth, free electrons are taken up into the body. These electrons could be referred to as nature’s biggest antioxidants and help neutralize damaging excess free radicals that can lead to inflammation and disease in the body..the earth is a conductor or free electrons and so are all living things on the planet, including us. The body is composed mostly of water and minerals which in combination are excellent conductors of electrons from the earth providing there is direct skin contact or some other conductive channel for them to flow through," Barefoot Healing explained in an interview with Glamour.4
How to Partake in Earthing
The real bonus of this new wellness trend is that anyone can do it, and it's free. Check out this breakdown for when you decide to try out this trend.
- Go barefoot outside for at least 30 minutes.
- Sit, stand, lay or walk on grass, sand, dirt or plain concrete. These are all conductive surfaces, and the body can draw energy from them. Avoid wood, carpet, asphalt, sealed or painted concrete and vinyl, as they will block the flow of electrons.4
- Next time you are feeling stressed, anxious, pain, discomfort or generally feeling unwell try earthing and see the difference it can make.4
Scientists have been reporting results from this wellness trend noting its ability to sooth the nervous system, reduce blood viscosity and reduce inflammation.4
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