“Who let the dogs out?” – Gen Z
Pulling off the socks and shoes may release a vulgar vinegar smell, but according to science, it promotes internal healing and sounder mental health! “Letting the dogs breathe” has been shown to reduce chronic illness, improve wound healing, and prevent autoimmune diseases by increasing white blood cells, cytokines, and inflammation response molecules (NIH, 2015). Common signs of not ‘being grounded’ include inflammation and autoimmune hormone pathway dysfunctions that potentially lead to thyroid hormone imbalances, cortisol imbalance, adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism, insomnia, and so much more (Ghaly, Teplitz, 2004). Traditional medicine will prescribe a variety of pills to mask potentially simple insufficiencies, but might I suggest a few new concepts?
Struggle Sleeping? Make a daily 15-minute habit of grounding in the morning light which will re-sync your circadian rhythm with the global electrical circuit.
Digestive Issues? Physicians agree that food sensitivities, irritable bowel syndromes, food allergies, and intolerances are on a steady rise. Studies prove that grounding enhances gut absorption, boosts the vagal nerve tone, and assists in peristalsis digestion through proper enzyme secretions. (Koniver, 2023)
Depressed or Anxious? Grounding is essential anti-depressant therapy by releasing natural endorphins. (PubMed, 2015)
Need a Backpain Therapist? The natural reduction of inflammation provides long-term healing of your spine which is a very conductive part of the human body. (Koniver, 2023)
The Science: ‘Earthing’ also known as ‘Grounding’, is a multi-disciplinary research topic that confirms full body healing simply by direct contact with Earth’s conductive surface. After the COVID pandemic, mental health studies of 2,000 people compared time indoors to physiological changes and found a 60% increase in depression, 53% increase in sleep disturbance, 47% increase in irritability, 48% decrease in libido, and 76% increase in sleep circadian disorders, over an average of 14 days indoors (NIH, 2020). Professionals linked the time indoors to a lack of connection with Earth’s energy that is needed for the body to physically, emotionally, and physiologically process.
Our bodies are completely conductive. Scientists believe that free electrons are shared with the human body from the Earth’s electrical energy through physical touch. The goal of grounding is to restore electrical connections with the Earth which are lost as people continue to wear rubber soles and live indoors (Bronstein, 2023). In short, research states that nature’s DC circuit of energy flows through everything on the planet’s surface. This flow of energy enhances the function of muscle movement, heart rhythms, and brain operations (Koniver, 2023). On the other hand, many AC circuits are manmade altering currents that power lights and appliances and do not provide the same energy as Earth’s global circuits.
The Benefits:
- Improved mood through the reduction of anxiety and stress
- Reduced inflammation and autoimmune signaling
- Improved wound healing and physical energy functions within the body
- Decreased fatigue and tiredness
- Increased muscle recovery time
- Improved facial and abdominal circulation while aiding in lymphatic function and digestion
Time Requirements:
- Three times each day (Sebastian Kneipp 1800’s German naturopathic activist)
- 30 minutes a day for inflammation reduction (Barhum, 2023)
- 30 minutes a day for one week can reduce pain levels by 80% (Oschman, Chevalier, Brown, 2014)
- Any period of time can boost mood and energy (Bronstein, 2023)
Outdoor Grounding Techniques:
- Stand barefoot on any Earth element
- Press hands into the grass
- Sit in a chair with feet flat on the Earth
- Submerge in a body of water
- Garden with bare hands
Indoor Grounding Techniques: Individuals of the Western world rarely walk around barefoot without being considered insane, but there are other means of connecting to benefits without looking crazy in public. Similar to physical grounding, conductive systems through mats, wrist bands, specific shoes have all been deemed user-friendly for “grounding”. Many researchers have noticed the reduction of chronic inflammation, improved sleep, and increased connection and motor neuron patterns. All you have to do is leave your shoes and socks at the door…
The Cons:
Walking around barefoot did increase the likelihood of wasp stings, poison ivy, pollen allergies, and stickers. Pregnant women should also note the risk of toxoplasma gondii through contact with soil contaminants.
God called to him out of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’… Then he said, ‘Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’ – Exodus 3:4-5
THE LUNCHBOX 
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