As the summer weather arrives in Ontario, many of us will hit the garden. It is important to remember that this too, is exercise. I see many patients at this time of year that come to me with new ailments because they didn’t pace themselves, or stretch muscles that are having to work differently after a long winter of inactivity. Here is some advice: Set a timer so you don’t overdo it, and stretch your muscles when you’re finished. And don’t forget to wear sunscreen! There is a great therapeutic benefit to getting time outside in nature. You might even want to take your shoes off!
Grounding, or Earthing, are terms to describe the process of standing barefoot on the grass/dirt, or lying down on the grass to increase the direct contact of your body with the earth. Research on grounding does show solid evidence of increasing your overall health through better sleep or lower inflammation or even better blood flow. According to an article in the Journal of Environment of Public Health 2012, Earthing (or grounding) refers to the discovery of benefits—including better sleep and reduced pain—from walking barefoot outside or sitting, working, or sleeping indoors connected to conductive systems that transfer the Earth’s electrons from the ground into the body.
In their conclusion they state: “Emerging evidence shows that contact with the Earth—whether being outside barefoot or indoors connected to grounded conductive systems—may be a simple, natural, and yet profoundly effective environmental strategy against chronic stress, ANS dysfunction, inflammation, pain, poor sleep, disturbed HRV, hypercoagulable blood, and many common health disorders, including cardiovascular disease. The research done to date supports the concept that grounding or earthing the human body may be an essential element in the health equation along with sunshine, clean air and water, nutritious food, and physical activity.”
Want to try it? Try taking off your shoes and socks and standing or walking on the ground (grass or dirt) for 30-40 minutes a day. Do some journaling and notice what changes you see in your health. Let me know how you do!
So whether or not you choose to take your shoes off, I hope you get some time outside to enjoy nature this summer! It’s good for what ails you.