The Healing Power of Grounding
Autumn is well and truly here. The end of the growing season. A time to harvest. Beautiful colours surround us. Its a time for change and transition but also for balance and harmony. A time for grounding as we prepare for the cold shorter days a head.
Grounding in nature also known as ‘earthing’ is a practice where people connect directly with the earth by walking barefoot on grass, soil, sand and water. As odd as it may sound it can have a positive impact on someones health and wellbeing reconnecting a person with their body and the earth.
The Earths surface has a subtle electrical charge and by coming into direct contact with it, it can benefit both your physical and mental health. When your skin comes into contact the Earth's natural electric field, your body can absorb electrons from the ground, and its thought this helps to neutralise free radicals and inflammation in the body.
Have you noticed that when you walk on the grass or especially sand and in shallow water, you can feel instantly relaxed? I’m always barefoot at home and I work during a treatment barefoot too. It helps not only to ground me but I find it calming and soothing.
The numerous health benefits associated with the holistic therapy of grounding include:
Improved sleep - grounding can help regulate circadian rhythms leading to better sleep patterns.
Enhanced mood - increased levels of serotonin and reduced cortisol, the stress hormone, create a calming effect on the brain.
Reducing stress - just being out in nature can promote feelings of calmness and overall well being.
Mindfulness - grounding in nature encourages mindfulness as it requires you to be present and aware of your surroundings focusing on the sensations of the Earth beneath you.
Even gardening can be a form of grounding as you feel the soil between your fingers. (I always find it so therapeutic) but if you don’t have access to the outside then aromatherapy can be an wonderful alternative way of grounding. Essential oils which promote physical and mental wellbeing are derived from plants, trees and other natural sources enhancing the connection with the earth.
There are many essential oils with woody, deep and earthy aromas that provide instant grounding such as:
Cedarwood - woody with a slightly sweet scent. Excellent for providing feelings of security.
Sandalwood - warm and soothing. Excellent for lowering anxiety levels.
Vetiver - rich and earthy. One of the most grounding comforting essential oils
Frankincense - a spiritual oil which deepens the breath, reduces panic attacks and enhances a meditative state.
Patchouli - a deep musky scent helping to calm the mind with a deep connection to the earth.
Applying diluted oils to the soles of your feet, and to your pulse points (wrists, inside of your elbows, and behind the ears) and using them to massage the body can reinforce a grounding experience. Inhalation of essential oils either via an electrical diffuser or simply by adding a couple of drops on a tissue can create a grounding and relaxing experience.
Aromatic baths with the combination of warm water and calming aromas can provide a deep sense of relaxation. Breathwork, incorporating deep breathing exercises while inhaling grounding oils is so beneficial to calm body and mind.
Grounding both in nature and with aromatherapy, is a natural holistic approach for emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing to allow you to become balanced, connected and centred.
As always please consult a professional aromatherapist if in doubt when using essential oils. Avoid using oils on sensitive areas and always avoid broken skin. Store oils in a cool dark place away from children.