Earthing is the practice of walking barefoot on the Earth’s surface, which is said to improve your health by allowing your body to absorb negative ions from the ground.
You can also practice it by using devices that create a current that moves through the body.
Some people believe earthing can also help reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and relieve pain.
Like most people, you probably think of earthing as a completely natural way to improve your health.
But what about the potential negative side effects?
Is there anything to worry about?
Let’s take a closer look at the potential risks associated with earthing and help you decide if it’s right for you.
There are a lot of questions for beginners when it comes to earthing and its potential side effects. Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked ones:
Can you earth too much?
While there is no known limit to how much earthing a person can or should do, like with most things, too much of anything can potentially be bad.
If you are earthing for more than an hour or two per day, you may rapidly feel the practice’s effects.
It could be overwhelming, especially if you’re beginning your earthing journey. It’s essential to listen to your body and give yourself time to adjust. Start slowly and increase the amount of time you spend earthing gradually.
What does earthing do to the body?
Earthing has many potential benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving sleep, and relieving pain.
It has also been known to reduce pain, improve the stress response, and provide people with more energy throughout their day.Â
However, there is very little scientific evidence to support these claims, and most people have experiential proof of these results.
Some people report feeling more energetic after earthing, while others find that it helps them to relax and feel more grounded. Again, listening to your body and seeing how earthing affects you personally is important.
How long should you ground each day?
Practicing earthing for 30 to 60 minutes is a good starting point. The results from the practice begin instantly, so you can break this period into smaller chunks throughout the day if you prefer.
If you’re looking for more long-term effects, try to practice earthing for at least one hour per day, gradually increasing the time you spend earthing as your body adjusts.
Why does earthing make me tired?
There are a few possible explanations for this. It could be that your body is trying to detoxify and heal itself, which can be energy-consuming. Or, it could be that you’re not used to being so connected to the Earth.
If you find that earthing makes you tired, try practicing for shorter periods or breaking up your earthing session into smaller chunks throughout the day.
It usually means that your body is adjusting to the practice, and your energy will recalibrate in time. Just keep an eye out and ensure you’re not feeling worse for an extended period.
4 Negative Side Effects of Earthing You Need to Know Before You Practice It
When considering earthing, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and side effects. While the practice of grounding is relatively safe, there are a couple of things to watch out for.
Here are four negative side effects of earthing that you should know about:
1. A Possible Chance of Anxiety
If energy is coursing through your body that you’re not used to, it can cause anxiety or worsen existing anxiety. It is especially true if you are earthing for long periods or if you have a history of anxiety.
This sensation won’t last forever, but you may experience it in your early earthing journey. If it’s too much, try earthing for shorter periods or less often until your body gets used to the practice.
You may also want to integrate other practices alongside earthing, such as meditation, that can help regulate your emotions.
There is also the potential to feel anxious if you have numbed out your emotions with other substances before earthing.
It can be overwhelming as you start to feel more connected to yourself and the world around you. So it may feel worse after earthing before it gets better if you’re relying on numbing agents.
2. You May Experience Earthing Detox Symptoms
As your body gets used to the increased energy flow, you may experience some earthing detox symptoms. These can include headaches, fatigue, skin rashes, and flu-like symptoms.
It is a normal part of the process and usually nothing to worry about. However, it’s always best to speak to a medical professional if you’re concerned or the symptoms are severe.
You’ll want to know that you are detoxing and releasing toxins and not just sick before you continue with earthing.
The length of these detoxing symptoms depends on the person. They could last for a few days or even up to a couple of weeks.
Efforts to support your detox include drinking plenty of water, eating nutrient-rich foods, and getting enough rest, will help you feel better faster.
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3. You May Experience a Shock From an Earthing Mat
Earthing or grounding mats are conductive mats that you can use to practice earthing indoors. However, there is a risk of electrical shock from the mat.
It is usually only a problem if a nearby electrical source or the mat is damaged. If you’re using an earthing mat, ensure there are no electrical sources near it and that the mat is in good condition before using it.
Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using an earthing mat.
If you are pregnant, have a pacemaker, or suffer from seizures, it’s best to consult with a medical professional to avoid earthing mat dangers.
It’s also important to keep pets and small children away from your mat because they may have different responses to earthing than adults.
4. You May Absorb Low-Quality Energy
With grounding mats gaining popularity, there has also been a rise of criticism as to whether the energy they provide is of the same quality that you would receive from being directly connected to the Earth.
Some scientific research suggests that earthing mats may not provide the same benefits as direct contact with the Earth. However, more research must be done in this area before one can draw any definitive conclusions.
Anecdotally, people have reported feeling a difference in the quality of energy when using an earthing mat. It can make people feel fatigued or depressed, which is the opposite of what earthing is supposed to do.
Because of this, some people prefer to stick to direct contact with the Earth to avoid any potential negative side effects from earthing mats.
The Best Ways to Practice Earthing Safely
If you want to experience the benefits of earthing but are worried about the potential risks, there are some things you can do to practice it safely. Here are four tips:
- Start with short sessions: If you’re new to earthing, start with short sessions of a few minutes. You can gradually increase the time as your body gets used to the practice.
- Practice earthing in a safe space: Choose a safe space to try earthing that is away from electrical sources and has good ventilation. Make sure the ground is clean, and there isn’t anything harmful you will step on. Somewhere near your home is ideal so you can quickly get indoors if you start to feel unwell.
- Wear earthing shoes: You can buy special earthing shoes with a conductive layer. This allows you to practice earthing anywhere while providing some protection to your feed.
- Research your earthing mat beforehand: If you’re using an earthing mat, do your research ahead. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and only use it in a safe space. You may also want to read customer reviews to get an idea of other people’s experiences.
- Keep track of your symptoms: As you start earthing, keep track of any symptoms you experience. This will help you identify any negative side effects for you and speak to a medical professional if necessary. Jot them down in a journal or use a tracking app on your phone.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering practicing earthing, it’s helpful to know the potential risks and side effects. It’s always best to consult a medical professional before starting any new practice, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Once you have ruled out any risks by practicing safely, you can enjoy the many potential benefits earthing has to offer. In general, this practice is safe, natural, and has provided many people with relief from various symptoms.
