Up until this year, I had no idea what grounding really was. Sure, I’d heard people say things like, “You need to be more grounded,” or “Just close your eyes and imagine tree roots going into the earth from your spine.” Recognize that advice? Yeah, me too. But for some reason, it never worked for me. I didn’t understand what the real goal of grounding was—until I discovered there are actually two types of grounding. And let me tell you, once I understood this, everything clicked. So, let me break it down for you in simple terms.
Two types of grounding
We’re all made up of two bodies—your energy body and your physical body. Grounding works with both.
- Spiritual Grounding: This isn’t about being outside your body—it’s actually the opposite. Spiritual grounding is all about bringing your energy body into your physical body. It’s the process of making yourself present in your own skin. Many people do this through guided meditation, which helps calm the mind and connect your inner energy with your physical form.
- Grounding (or Earthing): This is the one most people think of when they hear “grounding.” It’s about physically connecting your body to the earth—whether that’s standing barefoot on grass, walking on the beach, or even lying on the ground. This process allows you to tap into the earth’s healing frequency. It’s a powerful way to reset your energy and balance your body. Curious about the science behind it? Check out this article with in-depth research on grounding and its health benefits.
A little tip for grounding through meditation: Before you start, try clearing your head first. I like to imagine a volume knob and just… turn down the mental noise. When your mind quiets down, your energy body becomes way more receptive to the grounding process. I actually picked up this gem during Jeffrey Allen’s Duality course, which gave me so many next-level insights into energy work and grounding. It totally changed the way I connect to my body and the Earth.
Why Grounding Was A Game-Changer for Me
I’ll be honest—I didn’t fully understand what grounding could do for my body until I was in a tough spot health-wise. I was dealing with crippling anxiety, constant aches in my chest and arms, and my nervous system was completely fried. It felt like I couldn’t get any peace.
One day, desperate to try anything, I lay down on mother earth, hoping to calm myself. And you know what? Magic happened. I could feel the tension easing out of my body almost instantly. That’s when I realized how grounding could help calm the nervous system and reset the body’s energy.
Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Nervous Systems
Our nervous system plays a central role in how our body reacts to stress, rest, and recovery. It is divided into two main branches: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which control how we respond to different situations.
- The sympathetic nervous system is often referred to as the “fight or flight” system. It kicks in when we face a stressful or dangerous situation, preparing the body to take action. When this system is activated, your heart rate increases, blood flow to muscles intensifies, and energy is directed toward immediate survival. While this response is crucial in times of stress or danger, it’s meant to be short-term.
- On the flip side, the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for rest and recovery. It’s often referred to as the “rest and digest” system. When activated, this system helps to lower your heart rate, reduce stress hormones, and restore the body to a more balanced state. It’s essential for healing, digestion, and overall well-being.
In today’s world, however, many of us spend most of our time in this state of heightened alertness, thanks to constant stress from work, technology (Electromagnetic fields), or environmental factors. Prolonged activation of the sympathetic nervous system can lead to issues like anxiety, insomnia, digestive problems, and a weakened immune system.
The parasympathetic system encourages relaxation and recovery after periods of stress, helping to repair tissue, boost the immune system, and calm the mind. In other words, it’s the body’s natural way of promoting healing and returning to equilibrium.
How does earth grounding work exactly?
The human body is electromagnetic. The earth is magnetic, and the sun is electric. Our body acts like a conductor, carrying electricity. When you practice grounding (such as walking barefoot on the earth, sitting in the grass, or laying on the sand), you’re essentially helping your body reconnect with the natural frequencies of the earth. This connection has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing your body to shift from “fight or flight” mode into a more peaceful, restorative state.
It’s such a simple, free solution. And the best part? It’s incredibly effective.
What are the benefits of grounding?
I didn’t truly understand the power of grounding until I started using it to help calm my nervous system while I was battling Epstein-Barr Virus. Grounding helps reduce the overactive stress response that the sympathetic nervous system causes. It can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and improve blood circulation, both of which help support your body’s natural healing processes. Here’s a quick rundown of the health benefits I personally experienced (and continue to feel):
- Boosts your immune system
- Lowers your stress levels and hence your anxiety
- Improves your blood flow
- Reduces inflammation
- Calms down your nervous system
- Improves your sleep
- Relieves pain
- Boosts your energy level
I experienced this first hand when I spent three weeks at the beach this summer. Every morning upon waking up I’d walk straight to the beach and ground in the sea. For me, the biggest benefits were calming my anxious mind and helping my nervous system heal. The results were incredible—I felt like I was healing at lightning speed. The earth’s natural frequency of 7.83 Hz (known as the Schumann resonance) is incredibly calming, and it helped my body trigger its own self-healing mechanisms.
Where to go grounding yourself?
- The Sea: This is my top choice. The salt and negative ions in the sea water act as a conductor, making the grounding experience more powerful. Plus, the sound of the waves is incredibly soothing.
- Lakes or Rivers: If you can’t get to the ocean, lakes and rivers are a great alternative. While they don’t have the salt that makes seawater so powerful, the connection to nature is still very healing.
- Grass: Grounding on grass is also very effective, especially in certain locations. I feel incredibly grounded at Beatrix Park and Het Amsterdamse Bos here in Amsterdam. The magnetic pull of the earth in these spots feels particularly intense and helps me feel anchored.
- Sand: As you’ve probably guessed by now, sand is also an excellent choice! I experienced huge benefits from the beach this summer, and I now see why sand is such a powerful grounding medium. I guess by now you understand why that beach holiday was so recharging!
Why should you practice grounding
Humans used to be grounded all the time. We walked barefoot on the earth, we slept on the ground, and we spent much more time outside, connected to nature. But today, most of us live in a constant state of disconnection—we’re glued to our devices, surrounded by artificial electromagnetic fields (EMFs), and rarely give our bodies the downtime they need.
The rise in technology and the constant exposure to EMFs has made grounding more necessary than ever. I wish someone had explained this to me in detail years ago, because it’s made such a massive difference in my recovery. Now, I’m practically a grounding maniac. 😅
Final thoughts: Embrace the Power of Grounding
Grounding isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful practice that connects us back to the natural rhythms of the earth. In our modern, tech-saturated world, it’s easy to forget how deeply our bodies crave this simple yet profound connection. Whether you’re struggling with stress, sleepless nights, or just looking to feel more balanced, grounding has the potential to heal in ways that modern medicine often overlooks.
Have you ever experienced the calming effects of grounding? Or perhaps you’ve tried it without even realizing its full power. The earth is waiting to help you restore your body and mind—will you let it?
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