2024-04-23 15:00:23
Have you ever been told to “come back to Earth”? If so, this expression was probably figurative, encouraging you to disconnect from the Internet and reconnect with the “real world.” However, some earthing fans think touching the Earth might be just what you need health-wise. But what exactly is earthing?
What is earthing?
Earthing involves having direct contact with the Earth’s surface, whether with your bare feet, hands, or other parts of your body. According to proponents of earthing, our physical contact with the ground helps rebalance our own electrical energy. They argue that the increase in chronic diseases is partly due to our modern shoes with rubber soles that don’t conduct electricity.
Earthing and its benefits
So, what are the benefits of earthing? Although research on the subject is limited, some potential benefits have been posited by proponents of the practice:
Improved mood and reduced stress : Earthing can help improve mood and reduce stress.
Improved sleep and prevention of fatigue : Studies suggest that earthing can promote better quality sleep and help prevent fatigue.
Reduction of inflammation : Some researchers believe that earthing may play a role in reducing inflammation in the body.
Acceleration of healing and reduction of pain : Earthing might help speed up the healing of injuries and reduce the sensation of pain.
Improved functioning of the immune system : Preliminary research suggests that earthing may have a positive impact on the functioning of the immune system.
Improved heart health : Some indicators of heart health, such as blood pressure and heart rate, might be improved with earthing.
Modulation of the autonomic nervous system : Earthing might help regulate the autonomic nervous system, which controls functions such as breathing and digestion.
Difference between grounding and earthing
It is important to note that there is a difference between grounding and earthing. Grounding is an umbrella term for a wide range of mindfulness techniques, including physical grounding activities like earthing. All earthing practices are therefore grounding practices, but not all grounding is earthing.
Techniques d’earthing
There are different ways to practice earthing, whether outdoors or indoors.
Outdoor earthing
Outdoor earthing can take many forms and many are free. Here are some examples of outdoor earthing techniques:
Walk barefoot : Walking barefoot allows you to be in direct contact with the ground.
Sit or lie down in dirt, grass or sand : Sitting or lying down in these environments also allows you to have direct contact with the Earth.
Sit on a chair and let your bare feet touch the floor : This technique can be practiced in an outdoor environment.
Swim or relax in a natural body of water : Swimming in a natural body of water also allows you to be in contact with the Earth.
Play with the earth : Touching or playing with the earth can be another way to practice earthing.
Many people consider outdoor earthing to be beneficial for their health. However, indoor earthing is a more controversial topic.
Indoor earthing
Not everyone has equal access to nature, which is why indoor earthing was developed. There are several products on the market that claim to bring the benefits of the outdoors indoors. Here are some examples of indoor earthing products:
Tapis d’earthing.Chaussures d’earthing.Couvertures d’earthing.Surmatelas d’earthing.
However, it is important to note that research into the effectiveness of these products is limited. Additionally, their safety is also up for debate.
The benefits of nature
Although specific research on earthing is limited, there is a large body of research suggesting that being outdoors and in contact with nature has many benefits for our physical and mental health.
For example, it is well known that walking, hiking, and other forms of outdoor exercise have many health benefits. Likewise, responsible exposure to the sun can be beneficial. Green environments, such as forests, are rich in phytoncides, antimicrobial compounds released by trees and plants. Inhaling these phytoncides might stimulate the immune system and help reduce stress. In summary, being outside and in contact with nature is beneficial for our health, whether we practice earthing or not.
The risks of earthing
Although earthing techniques are generally safe, there are some precautions to take.
When it comes to safety, it’s important to note that walking barefoot carries certain risks, such as injury, allergic reactions, and infections. Additionally, if you have difficulty balancing on uneven terrain, it is best to practice earthing while sitting or remaining still.
When it comes to indoor earthing, it is important to note that earthing products must be plugged into a grounded electrical outlet. It is therefore crucial to never use them during a thunderstorm, as this poses a risk of electrocution in the event of lightning. Additionally, it is recommended that you have any outlets you use for earthing devices checked by an electrician, as faulty wiring can result in electric shock.
Some people should also be careful when practicing earthing due to specific health concerns. It is recommended to consult your healthcare professional if you have problems with foot health, nerve damage, serious allergies, if you are pregnant or if you have immune system problems.
Finally, it is important to note that some online earthing resources may contain incorrect medical information. It is therefore essential to approach the subject with a critical mind and not to consider earthing as a substitute for modern medicine.
To be retained
Earthing is a practice of coming into contact with the energy of the Earth by having direct physical contact with the ground or by using specialized electrical conduction products. Although the benefits of earthing are not supported by high-quality research, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that being outdoors (with or without contact with the Earth) has benefits for our physical and mental health.
Earthing is generally safe, provided you take basic health and safety precautions. However, some people with chronic health conditions or taking certain medications should consult their healthcare professional before adding earthing to their self-care routine.
It is important to note that earthing cannot prevent or cure disease, and it cannot replace modern medicine. However, incorporating nature into your daily life can have benefits for your overall well-being. So why not try spending some time outside, whether it’s earthing or simply taking a walk in a park? Your health will definitely benefit.
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