Are you aware that the Earth is a powerful healing resource? A growing number of enthusiasts believe this planet is a never ending source of natural electrical energy that promotes health. Placing your body in direct connection with the Earth is viewed as an effective anti-inflammatory and anti-aging wellness option.

A new technique called Earthing invites you to directly connect with grass, sand, dirt or concrete on a regular basis to harness this balancing and harmonizing energy. These substances allow the subtle Earth’s energy to flow into your body; while wood, asphalt, rubber and vinyl block the energy. (Walking in rubber-soled shoes does not ground you to the Earth’s subtle energy.) When you make a habit of sitting, standing or lying on the Earth, you may be changing your body’s chemistry. Earthing can be as simple as walking barefoot on the ground or sitting on your lawn or lying on the beach for a minimum of 30 minutes.

After reading several articles, I am exploring Earthing for my heart health. Eight weeks past surgery, I felt compelled to go to the beach and walk barefoot on the sand. (After being stung by fire ants, I cannot walk on the grass barefoot. The pesticides are not good either.) I consciously connected with the Earth through the souls of my feet while I sat in a chair reading. Wading in the water and walking on the beach, I imagined my physical energy mingling with the Earth’s energy. While walking, I imagined my feet connecting to the center of the Earth.

I felt strong, uplifted and calm after going to the beach, and I have decided to take the hour drive at least twice a month. I am also placing my bare feet on the floor of our sun room when I sit in a chair and read. I can feel my feet tingling. (As an energy worker, I am more sensitive to this energy than most people.) My goal is to ground myself a minimum of 30 minutes a day for several weeks and notice how I feel.

Think of the Earth as a huge battery that is being replenished by solar radiation, lightning and heat from its molten core. Your body naturally absorbs these free electrons when you make physical contact with the ground.

The book, Earthing:The Most Important Health Discovery Ever?, by Clinton Ober, Stephen Sinatra, MD, and Zucker Martin describes how today’s modern lifestyle has separated humans from connecting to the subtle energy that is on the earth’s surface. Connecting with this energy is as important as obtaining Vitamin D from the sun. According to Zucker, Earthing research has shown significant improvements in inflammation-related disorders, chronic pain, sleep disorders, low energy, high stress, muscle tension, headache relief, hormonal and menstrual symptoms, and protection from environmental electromagnetic fields.

Earthing has also been reported to normalize the body’s biological rhythms, thin blood and improve blood pressure and flow, relieve muscle tension and headaches, reduce or eliminate jet lag, and accelerate recovery from intense athletic activity. A review of Earthing research can be found at the online website of the Journal of Environmental Health and Policy. To learn more go to http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jeph/2012/291541/

This summer when you sit on a blanket at the park and have a picnic with nutritious whole foods, you are having fun and reaping health benefits too. Products like mats, bands, patches and sheets can also be purchased to ground you when outdoor time is limited or you live in a cold winter climate.

We are energetic beings and the Earth is a source of revitalizing energy. Make a conscious effort to connect with Mother Earth. She will nourish your body, calm your mind and revitalize your soul. Earthing may be one more way to achieve vibrant health and live well longer.