The Lost Practice of Grounding or Bare Feet Earthing - Rediscovering Ancient Wisdom for overall Health & Well-Being.
By The Grounded Ginger, Jacob McCann.
Grounding for me is shoes off & bare feet connecting with the earth our natural world, dirt, sand, water, grass & climbing ancient rocky mountains & trees. My family & I love doing this every chance we get.
In our busy modern existence, we often find ourselves detached from the embrace of nature. Yet, amidst this fast-paced world, a practice that has resurfaced in recent years is grounding, or as some call it, barefoot earthing. This ancient wisdom, which had been lost along the way, is now gaining recognition for the multitude of scientifically-supported benefits it offers.
Take a moment to reflect upon the beauty of a crystal-clear image on your television screen. This remarkable clarity is a testament to the shielding employed in the cables. Wrapped in a conductive sheath, these cables are lovingly grounded to the Earth. Their purpose is noble, protecting the delicate wires within from the influence of electrical charges that could mar the transmission of data-rich signals.
The wonders of grounded technology have revolutionised the telecommunications industry, enabling flawless data transfer in this modern age. From the vast expanse of the internet to the intricate networks of cable and telephone, the foundation of grounding allows for the intricate complexity of perfect data transmission to thrive.
Now, let us turn our gaze inward, to the temple of our own being. Just like the intricate world of technology, our human bodies require grounding to maintain electrical stability. We too are beings of electricity. Our very essence resonates with electric currents that flow through us, orchestrating the symphony of life within.
In our pursuit of balance and harmony, we require a grounding connection that bridges the profound complexity of our environment, represented by Earth's 24-hour day cycle, with the delicate dance of our human circadian rhythm. This sacred rhythm informs the myriad of biological processes that unfold within us every day, allowing us to thrive and flourish.
In this age of technology and rapid advancements, our connection with the natural world has been overshadowed. But there is a growing body of research that suggests a profound transformation awaits us when we establish a direct connection between our physical beings and the nurturing surface of Mother Earth Gaia through the practice of barefoot grounding or earthing.
Consider for a moment the incredible truth: you are a magnificent bioelectrical entity residing on an electrified planet. Within your very being, a symphony of electrical processes orchestrates the harmonious functioning of your heart, immune system, muscles, and nervous system. Each of your cells dances to its own frequencies, contributing to the symphony of life within you.
Except for those living in industrialised societies, every living organism on our beautiful planet shares a profound connection with the electric energy pulsating through the ground. Sadly, the practice of walking barefoot or adorning our feet with the embrace of natural leather footwear, which allows us to absorb Earth's energy, has become a rarity in our modern lives. Instead, we find ourselves enclosed in rubber and plastic-soled shoes, unwittingly creating a barrier that separates us from the direct electrical contact with the Earth. Even the age-old tradition of resting our bodies on the ground, as our ancestors wisely did, has faded away as we dwell in towering structures that distance us from the Earth's embrace.
Such a disconnection has woven its way into our existence. We find ourselves ungrounded, yearning for a true connection with the Earth. Might this forgotten bond be the missing link behind the rise in various illnesses and health concerns that perplex us today?
But fear not, for there is hope. Grounding is the simple act of allowing the skin of our hands or the soles of our feet to make direct contact with the sacred ground beneath us.
How do you Reconnect with the Natural World, Inspiration from The Grounded Ginger, Jacob McCann
Get those shoes off & immerse yourself into the elements of Nature Wind/Air, Water, Earth & Fire.
Wind/Air Find a tranquil spot in nature, stand or sit barefoot, allowing the air to flow around your feet. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and feel the refreshing sensation on your skin. This practice can promote relaxation, mindfulness, and a sense of connection with the natural world.
Water Head to your local beach and sink your toes into the warm sand. Take a leisurely walk along the shoreline, feeling the grains of sand between your toes. Wade into the sea and let the salty water wash over your feet. The combination of the Earth's sand and the cleansing sea water can provide a grounding experience while offering the benefits of negative ions and the soothing sounds of the ocean.
Earth Seek out subtropical rainforests or any natural areas with rich soil. Walk along the forest paths, feeling the soft earth beneath your feet. Engage all your senses as you immerse yourself in the lush surroundings, inhaling the fresh air, listening to the sounds of nature, and embracing the grounding energy of the Earth. Climbing ancient trees and exploring crystal-clear spring water creeks can enhance the experience even further.
Fire Enjoying a campfire can complement your grounding practice. As the fire crackles and warms the surroundings, sit close by, allowing the heat to reach your bare feet. The gentle warmth can promote relaxation and prepare your body for a restful night's sleep. Engaging in activities like storytelling or meditation around the campfire can deepen the sense of connection with nature and foster a sense of tranquility.
By adding these elements of nature into your barefoot grounding practice, you create opportunities for relaxation, sensory engagement, and a profound connection with the Earth. Each experience stimulates different aspects of your well-being, including physical, mental, and emotional aspects.
Science Backed Research, Healing Benefits of Grounding
Reduced Inflammation: Inflammation is associated with many chronic diseases. Studies have shown that grounding can help decrease inflammation by reducing levels of pro-inflammatory markers in the body, such as C-reactive protein (CRP).
Improved Sleep: Grounding has been found to positively influence sleep patterns. Research suggests that connecting to the Earth's electrical charge can help regulate circadian rhythms, increase melatonin production, and improve sleep quality and duration.
Stress Reduction: Grounding has been shown to have a calming effect on the body's stress response. It helps balance the autonomic nervous system, reduces sympathetic (fight-or-flight) activity, and promotes parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activity, leading to reduced stress and anxiety.
Enhanced Mood and Well-being: Preliminary studies indicate that grounding may have a positive impact on mood and overall well-being. It is believed that the exchange of electrons during grounding can influence neurotransmitter levels, promoting a sense of relaxation and happiness.
Improved Blood Flow and Circulation
Grounding has been associated with enhanced blood flow and improved circulation. This can have benefits for cardiovascular health, wound healing, and the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to tissues.
Pain Reduction and Faster Recovery
Grounding has shown promising results in reducing pain and promoting faster recovery from injuries. It may help reduce muscle soreness, inflammation, and oxidative stress, leading to accelerated healing.
Balancing of Electromagnetic Fields
In our modern world, we are constantly exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by electronic devices. Grounding can help neutralise and balance these EMFs, reducing the potential harmful effects on the body.
Immune System Support
Some research suggests that grounding may have immune-modulating effects, potentially boosting the immune system's function and response to pathogens.
What shoes do I wear if not bare feet?
I use https://vivobarefoot.com.au/ everywhere I go, I have a few different pairs, for business, trail hiking & fitness.
Corrective Toe Spacers to bring your toes back to their true Grounded Position after years of wearing Adidas & conventional rubber or plastic designer shoes. Read more about them https://www.groundedginger.com.au/products/grounded-corrective-toe-spacers
Let Us Rediscover Ancient Wisdom
It is truly remarkable to note that across diverse cultures, for thousands and thousands of years, our fellow brothers and sisters have spoken of the incredible benefits and the profound improvements to their well-being that arise from the humble act of baring their soles on the earth. While it may seem unfamiliar in some corners, it has long been a prevalent practice in many other cultures, nourishing their connection with the Earth and awakening their inner vitality.
Let us reclaim this ancient wisdom. Let us rediscover the gifts that lie within the humble touch of the Earth. As we do so, may we cultivate compassion for ourselves, for one another, and for the precious planet we call home. In this harmonious dance of grounding, we can restore balance and harmony, not only within ourselves but also in the grand tapestry of existence.
Big Love,
Jacob McCann, Grounded Ginger.