Grounding

Think of the last time your bare feet touched the soil outdoors. How did it feel? Without knowing it, you have been actively participating in an occurrence known as grounding, or earthing.

A simplified chemistry lesson: within our bodies, we have atoms. They can be positively charged (from protons), negatively charged (from electrons), or neutral. When atoms connect, they are called molecules. Molecules then make up cells.

Electrons, the negatively-charged particles, like to be paired up. If an atom has an uneven number of electrons, it will often bond with another atom in the same situation. Now, by sharing, they both have a positive number of electrons, and a molecule is formed. Electrons can also transfer from one atom or molecule to another, which can also create an even number.

Sometimes these processes do not occur, leaving us with what is known as a free radical, or positive ion. As free radicals search for other electrons to even their numbers, they can cause damage to the body including inflammation, fatigue, and allergies. Molecules called antioxidants help to minimize this damage.

The earth is an abundant source of negative ions, which neutralize the free radicals by providing electrons to form pairs. And there you have it!

However, in order to reap the benefits of the negative ions, we much touch the earth with our bare skin, which we rarely do these days. When we leave our homes, we nearly always wear shoes, and sometimes they are quite thick-soled. We walk through parks, and hike on nature trails, without once letting our feet touch the ground. Even on beaches, we are often in flip flops and sandals.

So whenever possible, step outside and feel the earth! In a pinch, you can also rub the curved side of a stainless steel spoon on your feet for grounding as well. The earth has a magnetic field, therefore make sure to use stainless steel, as it contains iron and is magnetic; silver spoons are not. It's time to get reconnected!