What is the KEY to better rest?
This may be as simple (and FUN) as walking barefoot in the DIRT.
A 2022 study out of Taiwan found that grounding, or having direct contact with the Earth, helps sleep. In the study, people with mild Alzheimer’s tried grounding 30 minutes a day, five times a week. And they slept better. But grounding does more than just improve sleep. It can improve mood, reduce inflammation, and heal wounds.
Soothe your body and mind.
How Grounding Works
Dr. Gaétan Chevalier of The Earthing Institute explains it simply. The Earth has electric charges. And so do we. When we ground ourselves, the exchange of electrons between our bodies and the ground can neutralize acids that cause inflammation, mood swings, and osteoporosis in our bodies. Neutralized acids creates a more efficient system and can help us sleep better.
A 2004 study found something else. Grounding might lower cortisol levels. This hormone can disrupt sleep. People used a grounding mattress (a mat made of conductive material that transfers electrons directly from the ground via a wire) for eight weeks, their cortisol was in better alignment with their circadian rhythm.
Elegance of Going Barefoot
Katy Bowman, an authority on biomechanics, advocates for the barefoot movement. Shoes, she argues, have rendered our feet complacent. Without them, we’re reintroduced to nature’s diverse tapestry: from rugged rocks to the tender grass. This tactile exploration isn’t just beneficial for our feet but soothes our minds. The raw sensation of the Earth beneath us demands mindfulness, connecting us to the present.
Grounding in Practice
Grounding is akin to other mindful practices like yoga or meditation. It’s an immersion, a recalibration of the senses.
The beauty of grounding lies in its simplicity. Step outdoors. Shed your shoes. Embrace the Earth beneath. If weather or circumstances don’t permit, grounding alternatives exist. From specially crafted socks to conductive mats, they serve as indoor bridges to nature. Yet, traditionalists and experts agree: direct communion with Earth remains unparalleled.
There’s still a universe of knowledge awaiting our grasp regarding grounding. Yet, its current promise stands clear: a gentle nudge to reconnect with the natural world.
Biohack Grounding Therapy
PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy uses low-magnitude magnetic bursts to rejuvenate the body. By targeting muscles, bones, tendons, and organs, it offers a non-intrusive solution for pain, depression, and other ailments. The technique mirrors the ancient practice of grounding, revitalizing the body’s negative charge.
Benefits:
- Improved circulation
- Pain relief
- Muscle relaxation
- Reduced inflammation
- Enhanced tissue oxygenation
- Quickened cell recovery
- Strengthened immunity
- Better sleep
Have fun EMBRACING the EARTH beneath!
Sonja Stilp, M.D. is a mother, athlete and the founder of RISE. Dr. Stilp is board-certified and fellowship trained with advanced training in regenerative medicine and biohacking. She is the medical director at Golden BioHack. PEMF is one of her favorite biohacks. If you’d like to hear more about your health and wellness schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Stilp at RISE in Golden, Colorado. Blog photo is Dr. Stilp grounding in her backyard.