Grounding or earthing is simply connecting your body with the earth’s surface: the land or water of our planet. You probably think this is very natural, but how many people actually walk barefoot or touch their skin to earth on a daily basis? With the advent of rubber or synthetic soled shoes, tires, and non-conductive building materials, most people in developed countries have lost this vital connection with the earth’s energy!Grounding Importance:
We are bio-electric beings. All body systems (organ, immune, nervous, etc.), all movement with and within the body (even thinking) involve energy. Each of our over 3 trillion cells receives and transmits electrical signals. Some interactions produce free radicals which carry a positive charge and create inflammation. Many scientists consider chronic inflammation the root cause of numerous diseases. The earth is like a giant battery charged by the sun, atmosphere, and internal processes. Its surface carries a negative charge so contact with it can neutralize the damaging free radicals. Walking barefoot, sitting on the ground, lying on the beach and swimming in the ocean release the earth’s negative ions into the body.Grounding in Qigong Health Benefits:
Scientists have been researching the intricate bio-electric interactions within the body to understand how the body is affected by the earth’s electric fields. A published study in the Journal of Environmental Health reviews the therapeutic advantages of grounding (Earthing/Health) and reports:“Mounting evidence suggests that the Earth’s negative potential can create a stable internal bioelectrical environment for the normal functioning of all body systems.”Several studies document the following benefits:
- Reduces inflammation and provides a healing treatment of asthma, arthritis, auto-immune diseases, and cancer. (Inflammation/Cancer)
- Reduces stress by regulating cortisol, the primary stress hormone
- Facilitates relaxation and promotes better and deeper sleep
- Relieves muscle tension and headaches
- Reduces risk factors for cardiovascular disease and improves blood pressure and circulation
- Strengthens the immune system
- Normalize body rhythms
- Mitigates the effects of EFM’s
Grounding – Qigong Applications:
Now that you understand the concept of grounding, you can see how it applies to qigong. Qigong techniques guide energy throughout the body. In qigong, we connect and receive the earth qi through various energy gates and exchange energy through the Yong Quan at the bottom of our feet. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, each part of the foot links to a specific body part meaning the Yong Quan gates indirectly connect with all the organs and meridians which carry qi throughout our body.
To boost the benefits of qigong, incorporate grounding by practicing barefoot or wearing shoes with conductive soles (like my kung fu shoes). Grass or salt water are the best surfaces to practice on because they are highly conductive, and saltwater pulls out toxins.
Grounding is especially important when doing qigong that involves discharging negativity, such as the 3 Lines Relaxation I introduced in the Tai Chi & Qigong for Hypertension Program. This qigong not only relaxes the body and mind, but it is an excellent technique for cleansing and releasing negative emotions.
To detox, try this:
Find a peaceful, sunny spot, and practice 3 Lines Relaxation with bare feet on the earth. If weather or terrain is not favorable, you may also practice indoors with your feet immersed in a bucket of saltwater. Use water at a comfortable temperature and add enough pure sea salt or Himalayan salt to mimic sea water. Practice the 3 Lines Relaxation with your feet in the water. When you finish, make sure you flush the water away.