This month, I am recommending the practice of earthing or grounding. One of the most basic tenets of Chinese medicine is the connection we have as humans with our environment. We can't exist independently from the environment we live in, it's part of us and contributes greatly to our health and wellbeing. When our existence is out of harmony with nature, disease can occur. If our relationship to nature is out of balance, we are likely to be out of balance as well. This may present as increased stress, restlessness or insomnia, digestive disturbances, pain, or chronic less desirable emotional states such as depression or anxiety.
It is undeniable that for most of us, our current way of life has us spending less time in nature, and touching the earth far less often than our ancestors, and even in those times, it was well understand that this connection brings about healing.
So what is earthing and how do you do it? Well, earthing or grounding is the act of making a direct connection with the earth's energy. Because this energy is connecting though the feet, it comes up through the Kidney channel, which can help with back pain, foot pain, insomnia and stress. In TCM, this means that your Qi, or vital energy benefits from a connection with the Qi on the earth. Sound too woo woo for you? Well in other words, when you connect your bare feet with the earth, you are taking free electrons into your body from the ground. Humans are great conductors of energy since we are water and mineral based. These electrons act as antioxidants helping to reduce inflammation and stress in the body.
To earth or ground yourself, spend about 30 minutes per day with your bare feet connected to grass, soil, sand or plain (untreated) concrete. Walk in the park, lay in your yard, stroll down the beach or...if you have a basement with unfinished concrete floors, you can ground right in your own house!
**All information and resources found on balancedstonewellness.com are based on the opinions, experience and research of the author unless otherwise noted. All information is intended to motivate readers to make their own nutrition and health decisions after consulting with their health care provider...even if that provider may be the author ;)
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