What is grounding, and why it’s so important?

Grounding, also called earthing, is based on the intuitive assumption that connecting to the energy of the Earth is healthy for our souls and bodies. This practice releases negative energy from your field into the ground, and draws positive energy from Mother Nature into your whole being. 

From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, grounding relates to the concept of your Qi, the ‘life force’ energy. When your Qi is flowing smoothly and strongly you are healthy. When your Qi is sluggish or blocked this leads to ill-health.

Physical and mental/emotional exertion can tip your Qi energy out of balance and earthing works to stimulate, harmonise and rebalance the flow of Qi energy within your body and mind, to promote good health and feel healthier and happier.

Numerous studies have shown that grounding helps to alleviate insomnia, stress, premature aging, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, arthritis, and immune system dysfunction, among other ailments.

Everyone knows the best way to get grounded is to get out in nature, walking barefoot on sand or grass, swimming in the ocean or a lake, taking moon baths, and hugging trees. But sometimes it isn’t possible. So how can you stay grounded in the colder months?
Here are some ways that you can get grounded regardless of the weather.

• Create an indoor garden
  A little indoor herb garden or indoor plants will connect you with nature everyday and will make you home so much more inviting.
• Let the sunshine in
  If you’re lucky enough to live in a part of the world where winter still gets some sunlight, take advantage of that! Get some direct sunlight on your face each day, even if only for a couple of minutes. Not only does the sun provide natural vitamin D, which boosts your immune system, it also charges and replenishes your energy field.

• Salt Bathes
  Salts have natural healing capabilities, as does water, so when you combine them in a warm tub, you take cleansing to a spiritual level. This helps to heal and cleanse your body, mind, and soul, including stripping unwanted negative energy you may have stuck to you from someone else. Adding in herbs and essential oils is another way to bring the magic of mother nature indoors. Even a foot bath alone will ground you.

• Use your fireplace
  Embrace the element of fire through sitting in front of an open fire. If you don’t have a fireplace at home, find one at a pub or hotel. If that isn’t possible, light some candles and connect with the flame. Imagine your own inner flame being stoked as you watch it burn.
• Go outside anyway
  Learn to love embracing the cold of winter! Make an effort to spend time outside and breathe fresh air everyday. It may be cold but it’s worth it. You don’t need to take your boots off to connect with nature.