reconnecting with nature – Active Wellness Blog

We talk about being connected to nature as a way to get back to the way we were intended to live. In the beginning of time as we know it, humans lived like all other creatures, with nothing separating us from the earth beneath our feet. That means there was direct contact with the ground and its negatively charged electrons. These beneficial electrons help us to stay in balance and creates the effect that is now known as grounding or earthing.

Grounding has been researched over the years, and it has been found that “when connected, the electrons we absorb work as natural antioxidants that neutralize the positively charged free radicals that can damage the body. Exposure to the electrons is vital for functioning at our best.”¹ In fact, grounding has been found to improve sleep, support the healing process, and support the reduction of inflammation linked to a variety of health ailments.²

As we consciously work to get reconnected to nature, our contemporary lifestyles pose a challenge in that we spend so much more time indoors than our ancestors did.

The upcoming generations are even more cloistered as they fixate on video games and all manner of electronics rather than on outdoor activities and sports. We can set a good example by taking our youngsters to the beach, to lakes, to natural parks, to wherever being barefoot is safe so connection to earth, sand and natural bodies of water can be made—in order to allow natural grounding to take place. When going barefoot outdoors is not an option, Nikken has an alternate solution.

Nikken is serious about the importance of reconnecting with nature. Our products therefore often emulate or replicate what is found in nature. One prime example is the KenkoGround®. The name really helps to define what the product is about: Kenko means “health” and Ground is for grounding. The KenkoGround plugs into a grounded outlet. When you expose bare skin—whether it’s your feet, arms, shoulders, neck, etc.—to the KenkoGround, you receive the beneficial electrons that neutralize the positive ones that are potentially harmful.

How and where you use the KenkoGround® is up to you. Some people sit at a computer with the KenkoGround under their bare feet. Others drape it around their neck and shoulders while relaxing on the couch. Many sleep with the KenkoGround underneath their bodies. Grounding researchers recommend doing it regularly and building up to longer periods of time, for example, starting out with 10 minutes a day, then increasing to 20 and more than 30 if you can.³

The KenkoGround® is made of conductive fabric that is silky to the touch: it’s 20% silver and 80% nylon and is made to be anti-radiation, anti-bacterial and anti-odor.

As we are already approaching the hectic holiday season, try out the KenkoGround to help maintain your equilibrium. Also be sure to check out the 2024 Holiday Gift Guide!

1, 2, 3 https://www.webmd.com/balance/grounding-benefits

Sniffles, sneezing, itchy eyes and throat—spring can be such a beautiful and rejuvenating time of year, but for those of us who suffer from allergies, it can put a damper on our outdoor activities! Unfortunately, allergies affect more than 50 million Americans yearly¹ and can be obstacles in Active Wellness.

The most common way to fight allergies is to take antihistamines, but many of us really do not like the side effects that may occur, such as dry mouth, foggy brain and fatigue. What’s a body to do?

Reconnecting with nature by grounding has shown great promise in helping to overcome not only spring allergies but allergies in general. The reason for this is based in science.

Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance—such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander—or a food that doesn’t cause a reaction in most people. The immune system produces substances known as antibodies. When there are allergies, the immune system makes antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful, even though it isn’t. Once in contact with the allergen, the immune system’s reaction can inflame the skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system.²

Research has shown that grounding is a viable method to counter inflammation. Since the body runs through a type of electrical current, the Earth’s negative charges can create a stable internal bioelectrical environment for the normal functioning of the body’s systems. The body is naturally able to absorb the negative electrical charges from the Earth since the skin acts like a conductor.³ That’s why grounding requires skin contact with the Earth. Luckily, if we can’t breathe in the pollen-filled air outside, we can use the KenkoGround® directly on our skin while indoors.

The brain, heart and neurotransmitters all rely on electrical signals to function properly. When the electricity is off, certain aspects of health can be compromised and produce inflammation. Put simply, researchers believe that the influx of free electrons from grounding help to neutralize free radicals and reduce the acute and chronic inflammation that causes accelerated aging. Basically, the free or mobile electrons from the Earth can help relieve chronic inflammation by serving as natural antioxidants! ⁴

Other than grounding, some simple ways to help decrease the risk for allergy attacks include frequent hand washing, staying hydrated, keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons, vacuuming often, keeping your sinuses clear with water or a saline rinse, and helping to boost the immune system with dietary supplements such as Kenzen® Immunity, Kenzen® Omega Green +DHA and Kenzen® Cleanse & Detox.

1 https://www.westsidehn.com/are-allergies-a-sign-of-a-strong-immune-system/

2 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/symptoms-causes/syc-20351497

3, 4 https://draxe.com/health/earthing/

2 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/symptoms-causes/syc-20351497

3, 4 https://draxe.com/health/earthing/