As a holistic mother, navigating the perimenopause in this Covid climate was extremely stressful. I found myself turning to nature for its healing aspects. Pond swimming has been an ecstatic awakening, and, being a Reflexologist, I was naturally drawn to the healing aspects of grounding, which is the practice of walking barefoot on the earth, whether it be sand, dirt or grass. I mean, our ancestors did it for thousands of years. There is something so primal about connecting to our innate immune system, through walking barefoot in nature.
REFLEXOLOGY
Reflexology is based on the principle that a map of the body is represented on the feet. Applying pressure to specific points stimulates the nerve endings on the feet, and balances the nervous system. It also helps to move any stagnation ( inflammation ), through the different organs and systems of the body. With more than 7,000 nerves in the feet, you can literally crush your anxiety with grounding.Your feet are divine portals grounding you to the earth. The principle of Reflexology is based around the feet having areas that correspond to different parts, glands and systems of your body. They connect to 10 Zones that run vertically up and down your body, 5 on either side of your spine. Each point of pressure applied to the feet, or hands, is linked to different, specific parts of the body.
Reflexology aids one’s natural healing response, helping inflammation stored in the body to move out and through it, so you feel energized and rejuvenated again. There are also meridians, which are energy pathways. When pressure is applied with precision, any energetic stagnation is emitted to align the mind, body and spirit. Activating your root chakra through the meridians, will help to balance your emotional well-being and ground you.
Research has found that the Kidney 1 acupressure point on the plantar of the foot, is the best 'conductor' for earthing. The solar plexus reflex, which is like a little stress storehouse, is a great place to apply pressure, and melt all your tension away. This will improve circulation and boost your Immune system. The blood that circulates through the body is responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrition to its cells, cleansing toxins and waste along the way. Overall, reflexology can help the blood to flow and become thinner, fast-tracking homeostasis and balancing all of the body's systems.
GROUNDING
Earthing (Grounding) is so much more than a transcendental journey. It really is where the mind and body align, to be fully present in your body, to be connected to the earth and your breath as it moves through your body, and to your emotional well-being. Just as the sun above creates vitamin D in your body, the ground below provides you with vitamin G, a kind of ‘electrical nutrition.’
Grounding is simply making a physical connection between the electrical frequencies of the Earth. As we are electrical beings, when you touch the ground, your body absorbs the free electrons helping to neutralize damaging free radicals.
Attuning mind, body and soul.
Attuning to light, water and air.
Attuning unconscious and conscious ways of being.
LIGHT SYNTHESIS
Attuning to natures circadian rhythms (walking with sunrises and sunsets) is also a key component to this self-regulating, grounding practice.As the sun constantly provides us with energy and vitamins, the earth too, is vibrating electrons. When you touch the ground with your bare feet, those electrons flow into you, and your body synchronizes with the natural frequencies of the Earth. Walking barefoot on round stones is also a wonderful way to help stimulate pressure points on the feet.
BREATHING
Take time to focus on your breathing, letting go of what no longer serves you. GROUNDING can be a wonderful walking meditation. Imagine every in-breath filling you with positive energy, love and light, that you radiate into the collective consciousness.30 minutes a day can be really life changing. Do remember to breathe through your nose, as this increases your nitric oxide levels. This is an essential molecule required for overall health. As a vasodilator, nitric oxide signals the blood vessels to relax, allowing them to expand also.
GROUNDING
Reduces inflammation.Reduces stress and anxiety.
Reduces electro-sensitivity.
Improves immune function. Improves digestion.
Improves sleep.
Regulates hormone function.
Improves blood circulation.
Harmonizes biological rhythms.
A nighttime restorative grounding practice, would be to use a weighted blanket. The heaviness adds a balm of calmness to the parasympathetic nervous system. Also, having a few crystals sprinkled in your bedroom, will help to relieve anxiety and insomnia. My favorite grounding crystals are shungite, selenite, and black tourmaline.