Earthing
This month we’re doing an “earthing” challenge in the office and I have to say, it's been very enjoyable to recalibrate in such a simple way! The definition of “Earthing” is to have direct contact with the surface of the Earth with a bare body part, like your feet or hands. In our case, we are challenging ourselves to spending 5 minutes a day grounding ourselves with the energy of the planet.
In an article from the Cleveland Clinic, there’s a theory about the rise in chronic illness because of our lack of connection with the Earth; mainly since the invention of shoes. While they’re a modern convenience to get us from point A to point B, or to do the outdoor activities we love, at what point does it push us to be less connected to the energy around us?
Other than the obvious, walking with bare feet on the ground, there are several other ways to receive your Earth energy. For example:
Swimming in a natural body of water
Playing in sand or dirt with your hands. (Parents of toddlers or gardeners, rejoice!)
Sitting or laying on the ground, sand or grass
Sitting in a chair with your feet in the sand or dirt. (Cue, Jimmy Buffet).
Obviously, in the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine, we believe in the natural abilities for the body to heal itself, so why not with the help of the Earth’s energy? Physical benefits of Earthing include resetting the central nervous system, giving you an energy boost, improving mood, helping sleep patterns, and reducing inflammation.
Give Earthing a try and let us know what feels the most rejuvenative to you. Kick those shoes off and go for a walk in the grass or sit on the sandy beach on your next vacation!
