Feet on the Ground

On a recent visit to the beach, I played in the waves and walked barefoot on the sand.  I stood at the edge of the water and let the washing of the surf bury my feet. I felt connected to the earth and to the tides–a primal sense of belonging. I felt grounded. 

Apparently, it wasn’t just an exercise in mindfulness. The earth literally grounds us, balancing the electrons in our bodies.

It sounds like something straight out of a hippie handbook, but I found an article from the National Institute of Health detailing studies on “earthing” or “grounding.” Scientists actually have taken measurements, done double-blind studies and published papers about this.  Getting your feet directly on the earth can ease chronic pain, improve sleep and reduce inflammation, among many other things.

All this, as simple as taking a walk without shoes?

Earthing research, observations, and related theories raise an intriguing possibility about the Earth’s surface electrons as an untapped health resource—the Earth as a “global treatment table.” Emerging evidence shows that contact with the Earth—whether being outside barefoot or indoors connected to grounded conductive systems—may be a simple, natural, and yet profoundly effective environmental strategy against chronic stress, ANS dysfunction, inflammation, pain, poor sleep, disturbed HRV, hypercoagulable blood, and many common health disorders, including cardiovascular disease. The research done to date supports the concept that grounding or earthing the human body may be an essential element in the health equation along with sunshine, clean air and water, nutritious food, and physical activity.

From: Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth’s Surface Electrons, (Journal of Environmental and Public Health, National Institute of Health website)

A website about grounding, Barefoot Healing, suggests other ways to be “earthed”: Swim in the ocean or lakes; garden with bare hands; lay on the grass; hug or lean on a living tree; sleep on the ground while camping; or wear natural leather-soled shoes instead of synthetic rubber or plastic shoes.

They also sell indoor grounding equipment on the website that plugs into a wall socket. I’m a little skeptical about that; it sounds less like science and more like a folk remedy, or like one of those “As Seen On TV!” products at CVS.

I am willing to take off my shoes and head outside, though. I don’t need gardening gloves when I’m pulling weeds–or I can wear the leather kind. A nap on the grass or reading a book while sitting against a tree at the park sounds wonderful. I don’t even have to be on sand or dirt–concrete sidewalks conduct the earth’s goodness too. I believe that literally getting in touch with nature and plugging into the earth must be good for body and soul.

Whatever the science behind it, I know that I was refreshed and energized by floating and swimming in the salty, cool water, with sunshine in my eyes and sand under my feet (and in my ears and in the liner of my swimsuit). It made me feel young and carefree and alive, and I’ll be back as soon I can.