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Grounding

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DOWN TO EARTH | The Earthing Movie 15 min Short Film

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Grounding (also known as Earthing) refers to making bodily contact with the electrical charges from the surface of the Earth. This contact can be made by standing, walking outside barefoot, lying down on the ground, or using a grounding device that transfers electrical energy while sitting, working, or sleeping. Research shows numerous positive changes produced from grounding such as stress reduction, improved sleep, blood-thinning, inflammation reduction, reduced muscle tension, reduced pain, and increased energy. While similarly named, this should not be confused with the therapeutic grounding technique for people in distress.

Grounding in the Classroom

Whether in a traditional or fully online setting, students and faculty are regularly interacting with electrical fields in their daily activities. Humans are bioelectrical beings that can benefit from moments that integrate grounding in the classroom. Take an opportunity to invite your class outside, whether in person or fully online, and instruct students to remove their shoes or place their hands on the ground. Consider incorporating an assignment to reflect on their current state, participate in the grounding, and reflect on how they feel 30 minutes to an hour after the class session. Depending on the discipline, this technique can be integrated into another class activity with a reflection that is relevant to the field. For example, a class on adolescent development might reflect on how this technique could be used when working with adolescents and their families.

Examples of Grounding in the Classroom

• Find a grassy outdoor area where you can comfortably sit or lie barefoot for at least 15 minutes. Remove your shoes and spend time consciously feeling the connection between your body and the earth. Afterward, write a reflection on your experience. How did you feel before, during, and after? Did you notice any changes in your mood, stress level, or sense of well-being?
• Go outside barefoot and find a comfortable seated position either in contact with the ground or grass. Spend 10-15 minutes practicing mindful breathing and body scan meditation focused on the connection of your body with the surface below you. Journal about your meditation experience and any sensations, thoughts, or feelings that arose.
• Spend 15-30 minutes walking barefoot outside on a grass or dirt surface. Be mindful of your steps and how your bare feet interact with the ground. Later, write about what you noticed physically, emotionally, and mentally during your walk.

Caveats

While there is research available demonstrating significant electron transfer and subjective improvement of ailments, some question the small sample sizes, possible placebo effects, and whether the electrical charge has an impact. Further research is needed to determine if grounding can have considerable positive health effects and how it can be incorporated into our lives.

Sources

Chevalier, G., Sinatra, S. T., Oschman, J. L., Sokal, K., & Sokal, P. (2012). Earthing: Health implications of reconnecting the human body to the earth's surface electrons. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012. doi 

Glick, M. (2021). Earthing and its otherworldly promises. Discover.

Menigoz, W., Latz, T. T., Ely, R. A., Kamei, C., Melvin, G., & Sinatra, D. (2020). Integrative and lifestyle medicine strategies should include Earthing (grounding): Review of research evidence and clinical observations. Explore, 16(3), 152-160.

Oschman, J. L. (2022). Illnesses in Technologically Advanced Societies Due to Lack of Grounding (Earthing). Biomedical Journal.

Sinatra, S. T., Oschman, J. L., Chevalier, G., & Sinatra, D. (2017). Electric nutrition: The surprising health and healing benefits of biological grounding (Earthing). Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 23(5), 8-16.