The Soil Beneath Us, The Soil Within Us
by Meghan Perry
I’ve been traveling recently and it’s thrown off my internal compass entirely. Leading up to the trip I caught a cold. Between trying to stay on top of work and getting ready to pack, I failed miserably at both. I didn’t even rest properly because I wasn’t focused, I wasn’t centered, and I wasn’t grounded.
We’ve all been there—discombobulated, disorganized, disconnected. Part of being human is accepting that at some point we’re going to fall short. We’re going to miss that call. We’re going to forget to pay a bill on time. We’re going to be human.
Upon arriving at my destination, one of the first things I did (after some extremely deep breathing exercises) was throw my sandals off and firmly plant my feet on the grass. Why? I was practicing grounding.
What is grounding?
Grounding (also referred to as Earthing) is the act of placing your bare feet or palms of hands on the ground. The earth holds an electrical current and so does your body. The idea behind such therapy is that by reconnecting or recharging your electrical currency with the earth’s, you realign your immune system.
The practice is heavily under-researched and has many skeptics. The studies that have been done though have found favorable results. Grounding participants experienced lower inflammation, cardiovascular health benefits, a decrease in pain, and improved mental health.
I don’t hold a medical degree, nor am I a scientist, but I can point out that Western Medicine is heavily reliant on pharmaceuticals. I have personally benefited from modern medicine and strongly believe in the importance of it. I also have positively responded to more traditional therapies like grounding, meditation, and nutritional supplements (as directed by my doctor).
The soil beneath our feet holds life, electrical energy, and even sounds. Many of us live insanely unpredictable and busy lives. You’re not alone in feeling off-centered. Thankfully, in recent years there does seem to be an opening in the Western mindset to therapies like Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and grounding. Therapies that perhaps before were labeled too ‘alternative’ or ‘crunchy’ for the average person.
How to do it?
What is there to lose in trying out grounding? Taking off your shoes, socks, and placing your feet on a safe, clean patch of grass for five minutes a day is free. Will you feel a bit odd at first? Maybe.
I have seen such an improvement in my mood, mobility, and inflammation when I practice grounding on a regular basis, I simply cannot recommend it enough. Besides, the fresh air and vitamin D from the good ol’ sun will do you good.
Remember to put your feet on the ground, it just may be exactly what your body needs.