Just as the sun gives us warmth and Vitamin D, the Earth underfoot gives us something you never, ever thought about - an eternal, natural and gentle energy. You can't see the Earth's energy but some people can feel it as a warm, tingling and pleasant sensation when they are walking barefoot.
Throughout history humans walked barefoot and slept on the ground. But modern lifestyle, has introduced us to the widespread use of insulative rubber or plastic-soled shoes, and houses and beds far off of the ground, which has disconnected us from the Earth's energy. Fascinating new research has raised the possibility that this disconnect may actually contribute to chronic pain, inflammation, fatigue, and poor sleep that plague so many people.
The remedy for the disconnect is simple. Walk barefoot outdoors whenever possible and/or sleep, work or relax indoor in contact with conductive sheets or mats that transfer the energy to your body. People who do this on a regular basis say they sleep better, feel better and have more energy during the day.
This simple practice is called Earthing or some people call it grounding.
"It is when you are connected to earth through walking barefoot, (or connected to a grounding mat) and gathering up earth's free electrons into your body. And this grounding effect is one of the most potent antioxidants we know of." Dr. Mercola.
Your immune system functions optimally when your body has an adequate supply of electrons, which are easily and naturally obtained by barefoot contact with the Earth. The electrons you absorb when grounding neutralize free radical damage: squelch inflammation: restore healthy endocrine function: enhance cellular gating and circulation, which improves cellular uptake of nutrients, oxygen and hormones while maximizing the removal of cellular waste- the list goes on and on.
Getting as much grounding in as possible is ideal. And sleeping grounding is even more ideal, as it is when your body does most of its healing.
Sleeping grounded on an indoor grounding device has been shown to:
Reduce pain and inflammation
Improve sleep, metabolism, cellular function, HRV and vagal tone.
Decrease cortisol, stress, anxiety and depression
Improve circulation, blood pressure, blood viscosity and blood glucose levels
Up-regulate energy performance, recovery and wound healing.
Improve mood, thyroid function, other hormonal production and immunity.
*Earthing is safe and natural, for people of all ages, young, and old, but it is not medicine or a substitute for medical treatment. If you have a medical condition, see your physician or healthcare provider.