Earlier this year, I was sitting on a tall bar stool outside a coffee shop with my feet propped up on it when I realized that I was once again doing the wrong health thing. “Arthur” (not to be confused with Flat Arthur, which is another thing) would tell me to put my feet on the ground to charge.
An Arthur is, of course, someone who practices Earthing. This is an exercise that keeps parts of your body, such as your bare feet or hands, connected to the ground for extended periods of time, whether on the pavement or in nature. Earthlings believe that by absorbing Terra Firm’s negative currents, they can stabilize the bio-charge within the body, reduce inflammation, and improve sleep. Earthing, also known as grounding, has been accepted as a fundamental means of reconnecting with nature, much like jumping into a lake.
The language alone in this area is enough to infuriate debunkers. In one study, earthing wasBatteries for life on all planets” But lately, earthing has been pushed into the wellness zeitgeist by health and fitness influencers. like 10 years younger, minimalistand andrew hubermanpeople who are trying to put it into practice. Minimalist Joshua Fields Milburn even said it was a valuable addition to his life. Earthing mats that are connected by a cable to a grounded electrical outlet and that you stand on barefoot indoors sell in kits for several hundred dollars. Standing on a mat may be no different than putting your feet on the floor, but mats are marketed as an alternative to spending time outdoors. But is there any real benefit to a practice that sounds far too primitive, let alone esoteric, to actually work?
Susan Albers, a clinical psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic who specializes in mindfulness, says research on the effects of earthing is still young. Some preliminary research suggests it can help reduce inflammation. study It was found that muscle pain after exercise was reduced in healthy people. Other findings suggested that regular grounding practices improve sleep by regulating stress hormone levels. However, those studies are more than 10 years old.
Earthing mats are sold online for between $50 and $100. There are also plug-in wristbands and ankle bands that claim to offer the same benefits. and you can buy $400 for entire kit This includes sleeping mats, standing mats, pillowcases, and patches that stick to your body and connect to a grounded wall outlet. If you remember Keanu Reeves in a trench coat, you’re not alone.
Dr. Albers says that while there is a lack of clinical rigor regarding Earthing, he often hears of people who sleep better and feel less stressed after practicing Earthing. While it may just be a placebo effect, she says outdoor walks and mindfulness sessions have been shown to have many physical and mental health benefits for people who have trouble getting outside during the day. I think he will be useful as a substitute.
Dr. Albers calls this a simple, low-risk health experiment.
“Having said that, I don’t think it’s a magic or panacea. Before you invest money in it, ask yourself if just taking more walks outside could help. Please take a look.”