Earthing for Self-Connection

Humans have sat, stood, strolled and slept on the ground throughout the ages with the skin of our bodies touching the skin of the Earth and this contact has served to transfer the planet’s natural healing energy into the body. The ground has a subtle negative electrical charge, and its energy field is constantly releasing ions into the environment at a low level.

Earthing, also known as grounding, represents the discovery that reconnecting to the Earth restores a timeless link to nature, revitalizing the body, reducing pain and stress and improving our health, sleep, mood and appearance.

While modern lifestyles have disconnected us and made us more vulnerable to inflammation, pain, stress, poor sleep and sickness, the idea behind this practice is that by connecting directly to the Earth, either through direct skin contact with the ground (such as through our bare feet) or by standing on something conductive, we can absorb its bioelectrical charge in the form of electrons that deliver energy and antioxidants to our cells. Here are five ways to try earthing.

Go barefoot: This is the easiest way to practice grounding. Take a walk barefoot on grass, sand, soil, rocks or concrete in a park the backyard or elsewhere in nature.

Lie on the ground: The more contact made with the ground, the better. Lie on the beach and let the bare skin come in contact with the sand or find a patch of grass in a park or the backyard.

Do some gardening: Gardening puts us in direct, sustained contact with the Earth. Make it a point to spend 20 to 30 minutes gardening and connecting with the soil a few times a week.

Touch a plant: Go out for a walk in the woods and touch the trees and foliage.

Go for a swim: Water conducts electrical charges well, which facilitates our being grounded. Go for a swim or just splash feet or hands in the water.

Virginia Gullo-Ciaccio is the founder and owner of the Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, located at 60 W. Campbell St., in Arlington Heights. For more information, call 224-735-2355 or visit PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com.