MOTHER NATURE, GROUNDING & HEALING

Stress provokes an inflammatory response in the body which, if excessive or continuous, can create an imbalance in the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system. And boy have I been feeling stressed of late. We've just gone through our 1st heat wave of Summer, the cat had to have his eye removed, and my mum is going through another round of cancer removal!

The parasympathetic and sympathetic are branches of the autonomic nervous system designed to help your body cope in times of crisis.

But the effects of long term inflammation can contribute to the development of conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, obesity and immune dysfunction.

It stands to reason then, that reducing stress and inflammation is vital for keeping yourself healthy.

If you are finding it difficult to cope with the endless cycle of stress in your life, you should be taking advantage of the remarkable healing powers of the earth beneath your feet by practising grounding. I first came across this about 18 months ago, when I was going through a difficult time and I came by it by accident. 

Many studies have shown multiple benefits associated with connecting to the earth.

Just 20 to 40 minutes a day can reduce inflammation, lessen pain, relieve stress, improve blood flow and promote more restful sleep.

Grounding or earthing is, as it sounds, a practice where you place your bare feet or body on the ground. 

You could be standing on sand, grass, mud or in water to achieve the benefits.

In times gone by many cultures walked barefoot and slept on the ground, but nowadays less people actually make physical contact with the earth, spending most of their time in shoes with synthetic soles that insulate them from the earth’s natural electric charge.

 

How it works

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The earth itself maintains a negative electrical potential on its surface.

This negative surface charge is constantly replenished by the electrical atmosphere all around us.

By walking barefoot, sitting or lying down on the ground, you allow an influx of the earth’s electrons to be conducted through your body, equalising your body’s electrical potential with the earth's.

Being connected to the surface of the earth promotes electrophysiological changes in your body that can exert significant positive effects on your health.

Grounding has been found to produce measurable differences in the concentrations of the cells involved in the inflammatory response.

One theory is that the electrons from the earth’s surface spread over and through the body, where they act as antioxidants.

Scientists believe they create an antioxidant micro-environment around an injured area, counteracting damage to healthy tissue and reducing the formation of excessive inflammatory compounds.

This idea has been validated by numerous studies showing people who are grounded to the electron enriched earth experience a reduction in stress and an improved balance of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.

Not only does this remarkable effect happen after just 20 minutes, but it appears to continue to exert its benefits, the longer you do it.

 

Fitting it into your life

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Grounding offers a simple, natural and accessible health strategy against stress and chronic inflammation.

It shouldn’t be too hard to find 20 minutes to lie down or make contact with the ground.

Find a quiet space during your lunch break at work, or if the weather’s nice kick off your shoes and go for a walk in the local park.

If that’s not possible, put aside 20 minutes before bedtime to lie down.

Somedays though the thought of heading out on a daily walk feels overwhelming. 

Today I didn't want anyone to see me, I felt insecure and vulnerable. 

But I went anyway..so nature had a chance to do her thing and start to help me heal. 

Walking along the river, the sound of the birds, the breeze, the smell of the gum and eucalyptus trees and the sights of the water birds have all done their magic. 

I guess what I'm saying is that no matter how much you don't want to be seen, how much you can't be bothered, do it anyway. 

Mother Nature has the power to heal those insecurities and make you feel whole again.

You have to ground yourself with intent, just walking around barefoot, hoping not to stand on a prickle, your mind running a thousand miles an hour, won't aid your grounding. Take the time to be present, take in the sounds, smells and sights around you. Let your mind wander.....savour the experience.