Don't you feel like rolling on the grass the moment you see a big patch of green? I guess all of us get that urge, it’s a natural instinct, we want to throw away our shoes and just feel the softness of the grass touching our feet and a general sense of calm and beauty seeps in.
Do you remember your grandparents telling you to go for a morning walk in the misty morning grass, they said it's good for your health. They knew something that we have forgotten. And we might feel it’s all mumbo jumbo superstition that has no scientific evidence. But now science has proven how it can benefit your overall mental, emotional and physical body to a large extent, not to mention the leading duo of 70s Hindi movies, who can’t get enough of rolling in the park, well that's a different story.
So why do we like getting muddied or splashing in the puddle?
As radical as it seems, simple science is making us do it instinctively. We, humans, are bioelectrical beings that carry a positive charge, which can build up in our bodies over time like pent up emotions if we don't find a let out.
Earth has a negative charge. When we make contact through grounding, we discharge our excess energy, producing a healing effect at the cellular level.
No wonder some people are happy/hippy and peaceful on the beach.
So should you practice grounding seriously like an alternative medicine? Why not? Have you thought about the price of the treatment ORs Many people around the globe have formed grounding clubs to make people aware of the benefits of being out there with Mother Nature in a more ritualistic way. People have cured backache, skin problems, and other emotional issues through grounding/earthing techniques.
Here are some science-backed benefits of grounding:
1. It regulates cortisol, your body's main stress hormone (better regulation means you recover from stress quickly, instead of having feeling anxious long after a stressful event)
2. Reduces inflammation
3. Improves sleep
4. Reduces pain (some people with back pain swear by it)
5. Neutralises free radicals which are highly reactive molecules that damage cells.
The best grounding technique is to go outside and feel the earth with your bare hands and feet, but there are few options for people who cannot go outside for various reasons. You can buy grounding devices in medical stores or online like
1. Earthing sheets
2. Earthing shoes
3. Earthing mat
These devices are especially useful for people who suffer from paralysis or have been in a wheelchair for a long time, it will relieve them of pain and numbness in their body.
But does it work?
Honestly though, do you really need a scientist to tell you with absolute certainty to kick off your shoes? Going outside and running around barefoot just makes you feel good. If you notice positive changes over time, even better.
And also it’s very important to be in the moment to feel the healing coming through when you are grounding. Most of these alternative practices require patience and a prayerful attitude for the healing to take place. In this age of productiveness and multi-tasking, we feel it’s a waste to do something so simple as walking barefoot without some add on like talking on the phone, so, let's be mindful during an activity that especially involves your own regeneration.
So, go ahead, kick off those shoes, and jump on some dirt only to get better from inside out.
(The author is a certified tarot reader, counsellor, and a yoga teacher. She can we reached at: tanu_baruah@rediffmail.com)
