With social distancing, seesawing merchant closures and openings, seclusion, and various unwelcome kinds of fear—we live differently now than ever before. Some fears cause excitement and nervousness in a positive way, but fear associated with possible life-ending illness causes distress. During these troubling times, even the most positive minded individuals may succumb to bouts of irritability, depression, anxiety and resentment—none of which help on the path towards Active Wellness.
How can we avoid falling into the rabbit hole of despair during these trying times? There is no simple answer, but reconnecting with nature might help in more ways than one.
Emerging scientific research has revealed a surprisingly positive and overlooked environmental factor on health: direct physical contact with the vast supply of electrons on the surface of the Earth. Modern lifestyle separates humans from such contact. The research suggests that this disconnect may be a major contributor to physiological dysfunction and unwellness.
Reconnection with the Earth’s electrons has been found to promote intriguing physiological changes and subjective reports of well-being. Grounding refers to the discovery of benefits—including better sleep and reduced discomforts—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.1
Grounding is being studied and researched for its potential benefits for countering inflammation, cardiovascular disease, muscle damage, chronic pain and mood. Researchers measured white blood cell count and pain levels before and after grounding with both grounding patches and mats. Blood work indicated that grounding helped reduce muscle damage and pain in participants.2
Some massage therapists have incorporated grounding in their practices. Evidence shows that after grounding therapy, stress, depression and fatigue were reduced among participants.3
Urban living often prohibits the natural ways to reconnect with nature. The KenkoGround® makes grounding easy to accomplish indoors. There’s nothing that compares with feeling the earth under bare feet or swimming in a lake or ocean, so we should do those activities as often as we can. Meanwhile, indoor living continues and the KenkoGround can help make a difference in how we feel overall.
Active Wellness Blog 