DOWN TO EARTH
Dedicated celeb fans can’t get enough of it – but what is earthing and does it really work?
Gwyneth Paltrow is a fan, and with claims that “earthing” can treat a host of ailments from stress and inflammation to insomnia, it’s also become popular among elite athletes including Aussie surfer Sally Fitzgibbons. But what is it and how does it work?
Also known as grounding, it’s based around the theory that we can all improve our wellbeing by making direct physical contact with the earth’s surface. Like all living things, our bodies are made up of atoms that carry positive, negative and neutral charges. Followers of earthing believe that when we touch conductive surfaces such as sand, soil or concrete, those charges become neutralised.
HOW TO DO IT
The simplest way to become “earthed” is by going for a walk outside – barefoot, as nature intended. However, modern innovations such as buildings, flooring and synthetic-soled shoes mean many of us may have lost this connection.
“Earthing or grounding is making an intentional connection with Mother Earth’s electrical field through skin-toearth contact for the purposes of keeping your energy neutral and grounded,” says spiritual alignment mentor Tracey Dimech. “If done regularly, earthing reduces stress – not only mentally, but also the physical stress on the body.”
THE BENEFITS
One purported benefit of earthing is that it’s said to neutralise the build-up of positively charged free radicals, which circulate through the body and lead to cell damage and ageing. Followers also say earthing stimulates the release of the feel-good hormone serotonin while reducing cortisol – a powerful stress hormone that has been linked to weight gain, insomnia and an impaired immune system.
DOES IT ACTUALLY WORK?
Interestingly, there’s been some research that suggests it may carry genuine health benefits. However, critics argue these studies are too small to be conclusive.
Whether you’re a believer or a sceptic, one thing is for sure – spending time outdoors is
good for you. And if you’re worried that walking barefoot outside isn’t very sanitary (especially in the city), natural clothing materials are also conductive. That means you can still get earthing benefits by sitting on a cotton blanket in the park or walking about in leather-soled shoes. And for those of us with backyards, gardening also has certain earthing benefits!
Professional surfer Sally has been a fan for some time. “Kick your shoes off,” she suggests. “When you think about it, some people never really touch the ground. You live in a house, put your shoes on and go to work and then come home and never touch the grass or sand. It’s about connecting back and grounding yourself.”
And let’s face it, who doesn’t like the feeling of the sand between their toes, or fresh grass under their feet? “Earthing is fun and easy, has zero side effects, won’t harm the environment or anyone else, and promotes positivity,” Tracey adds. Well, count us in!