Earthing: A Barefoot Path to Wellness
At Amador Yoga, we’re all for wellness practices that don’t require any complex tools or setup. And what’s more straightforward than standing barefoot on the Earth? Also known as grounding, the benefits of connecting directly to the soil are as solid as, well, the ground beneath our feet. Here are five science-backed reasons to incorporate this simple practice into your daily life.
Boosted Immunity
Connecting to the Earth’s electric currents reduces inflammation in the body by regulating the cellular processes of white blood cells, cytokines, and other molecules. Studies show that “Earthing” can increase immune responses, wound healing, and chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Less Stress
Feeling frazzled? Kick off your shoes and let the Earth regulate your stress levels. A study done on rats showed a direct correlation between ground currents and a decrease in stress-related behavior. Particularly, it demonstrated that connecting to the Earth allowed “electrons and diurnal electrical rhythms to enter the body, setting the biological clocks for hormones that regulate stress response”.
Improved Sleep
Similarly to its effect on stress, Earthing has been shown to lower cortisol (particularly when grounding during sleep with a grounding mat), thus improving sleep quality overall. One study showed normalized circadian rhythms and self-reported improvement to sleep dysfunction.
Elevated Mood
Ever wonder why a walk in nature just feels super good? Grounding is partially responsible. Research indicates that grounding can increase levels of serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood and promoting feelings of happiness and well-being.
Enhanced Circulation
Grounding acts like a jolt to your cardiovascular system by getting your blood moving. One study showed that “grounding increases the surface charge on (red blood cells) and thereby reduces blood viscosity and clumping”. By improving blood flow and circulation, Earthing may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues and events.
Even five minutes of standing barefoot on soil, grass, or sand can have a profound impact on the human body and its intricate internal processes. If you want an extra boost, prioritize walking on bare ground right after it rains, since water helps to conduct electric currents even more efficiently. So, start a barefoot habit for yourself today and let the Earth work its magic on your body.
Doing yoga outside on the grass is even better – join us at Amador Yoga today to kickstart your yoga practice so you can feel confident taking your yoga flow outside when you can. And to really get your energy flowing, this month you can get $30 off your first reiki session when you buy a non-promotional yoga package!
See you on the mat!