Being grounded as a kid? Not fun. But being grounded, as in rooted to the earth? For many adults and yoga fans, it’s all the rage.
Grounding, sometimes called earthing, is a type of yoga practice that purports to relieve stress and electrically reconnect you to the earth.
How does it work?
It’s well known that the earth has a massive electromagnetic field and humans have their own bioelectromagnetic field. Those who believe in the science of grounding support connecting individual bioelectromagnetic fields with the earth’s electromagnetic field to improve overall health and well-being.
There are very few studies that currently exist examining the effects of grounding, but preliminary research suggests it can have numerous benefits such as: easing inflammation, improving heart health, decreasing chronic pain and improving mood.
How can I ground myself?
To put it simply, grounding is when you feel completely present and fully connected to the earth itself. There are several types of grounding techniques.
- Child’s Pose: Lie facing the ground and spread your knees apart. Make your toes touch one another. Move your hips over your heels and slowly slide your palms forward until your forehead is resting on the ground. Hold for at least five breaths or for as long as a few minutes.
- Corpse Pose: Lay with your back flat on the ground. Separate your legs and bring your arms to the side of your body. Let your body relax. Hold for five to fifteen minutes.
- Mountain Pose: Stand with your arms at your side and your feet hips-width apart. Spread your toes apart and allow them to press deep into the floor. Hold for up to one minute.
- Tree Pose: Stand straight while bringing your right foot to your left calf or thigh. While balancing, bring your hands together at heart’s center and press your palms together. Hold for five to 10 breaths.
- Warrior Pose: Start in mountain pose. As you exhale, bring your left foot back and adjust it to a 45 degree angle. Bend your right knee over your right ankle. Stretch your arms above your head and reach towards the sky. Hold for five to 10 breaths.
Always talk to your doctor about the potential risks of starting any new activity before you start as there may be individual risks for your own health.
Do you participate in grounding or earthing yoga? What pose is your favorite that we may have missed?
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