Our being contains mind, body and soul, and some believe the earth is a living being with mind, body and soul as well. Think about this:

• Both the earth and your body are made up of about 70% water.
• Most of our mass contains the same elements that the earth contains.
• Our lungs allow us to breathe, as trees and vegetation allow the earth to breathe.
• Electromagnetic and other energy forms are generated by our bodies and the earth.

Consider this: how do you feel after time spent outdoors in the garden, at the beach, in the woods? Many healers believe that connecting deeply with the earth’s energy is very healing, and science is proving this to be true. Physically connecting the human body with the earth’s electrical energy (often called “Earthing”) has shown both physiological and mental healing properties.

A recent article in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health describes how the earth’s energy has affected the human body for millennia.

“Throughout history, humans mostly walked barefoot or with footwear made of animal skins. They slept on the ground or on skins. Through direct contact or through perspiration-moistened animal skins used as footwear or sleeping mats, the ground’s abundant free electrons were able to enter the body, which is electrically conductive. Through this mechanism, every part of the body could equilibrate with the electrical potential of the Earth, thereby stabilizing the electrical environment of all organs, tissues, and cells.”

Walking barefoot on the earth, or sitting on the ground, allows the earth’s healing conductive energy to be transmitted to the body. Scientific research has shown a variety of effects: reduced pain, increased relaxation, reduced stress hormones, to name a few. When your environment does not allow direct contact with the earth (in the winter, for example), many tools have been developed which transmit the earth’s energy indoors to create much the same effect. (See Earthing.com for examples.)

Because the effects of grounding or Earthing can in some cases be dramatic, it is best to consult with your physician before beginning such a program to ensure that whatever treatment programs you are in are not affected.

Take every opportunity to avoid rubber- and plastic-soled shoes, and to find ways to connect daily with earth energy.