Earthing, or grounding of the body to the Earth’s electrical surface charge, is a practice that has been gaining popularity recently for its purported health benefits. But while many people and experts alike have praised earthing as having numerous positive effects on physical and mental well-being, there are some potential negatives attached to this technique. In this blog post, we’ll explore what these are, so that you can make an informed decision before deciding whether or not earthing is right for you.
Does Earthing Have Any Negative Side Effects? Here’s What You Should Know
While earthing is generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of before taking part in this practice. These include:
-Skin irritation: While it’s rare, some people have reported skin irritation after direct contact with the Earth’s surface charge. If you notice any redness or discomfort in your skin, it’s best to stop earthing and seek medical advice.
-Allergic reactions: Some people are allergic to certain substances in the ground, such as pollen or grasses, which can cause an allergic reaction if you come into direct contact with them while earthing.
-Electrical shock hazards: Because earthing involves direct contact with an electrical charge, it can present a risk of electric shock if not done correctly. It’s important to take all necessary safety precautions before attempting earthing.
-Interference with medical devices: If you are wearing any medical device such as a pacemaker or defibrillator, the electrical charge from earthing could interfere with its functioning. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor before attempting earthing.
Can you earth too much?
Yes, it is possible to overdo earthing. The body is already constantly in contact with the Earth’s electrical surface charge on a daily basis, so spending too much time directly connected to it can lead to an overload. This can cause headaches, nausea and other symptoms of overexposure. It’s best to limit your earthing sessions to no more than 30 minutes per day.
What does earthing do to the body?
When we ground the body to the earth’s electrical surface charge, it helps to balance out our own electric field and allows us to receive a natural form of energy that can help boost our overall health. This energy is believed to aid in better circulation, reduce inflammation, improve sleep quality, and lower stress levels. It also helps to protect against electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs) from electronic devices. However, as with any health practice, it’s important to do your research and talk to a doctor before beginning earthing.
How long should you ground each day?
To get the most benefit from earthing, it’s recommended to spend 30 minutes per day directly connected to the ground. However, if you’re new to the practice or want to start slowly, you can begin by grounding for just 5-10 minutes a day and gradually increase your time as you become more comfortable with it. Be sure to listen to your body and stop earthing if you feel any discomfort.
It’s also important to note that different people will respond differently to earthing and that what works for one person may not work for another. As such, it’s important to monitor your own progress and adjust the practice accordingly.
Why does earthing make me tired?
Earthing is known to have a calming and relaxing effect on the body, which can make you feel tired after your session. This is because the practice helps to lower stress levels and induce feelings of wellbeing, while also helping to reduce inflammation. If you experience fatigue after earthing, it’s likely a sign that your body is releasing tension, which is a positive sign!
It’s also important to note that everyone responds differently and some people may experience more or less fatigue than others. If you find that earthing is making you overly tired or fatigued, it may be best to reduce the amount of time spent each day or simply take more breaks throughout your session.
Do I need special equipment for earthing?
No, you don’t need any special equipment for earthing. You can simply place your bare feet directly on the earth’s surface or use a grounding sheet, mat, or pad to make the connection while in bed or on the couch. You can also try connecting your hands to the ground by holding firmly onto a tree branch or other metal object. Earthing is a simple practice that requires very little equipment, so it’s easy to get started right away!
Can earthing be done indoors?
Yes, you can do earthing indoors as long as you are properly connected to the ground. You can use a grounding mat, sheet, or pad to make the connection while in bed or on the couch. You can also ground yourself by holding onto a metal object, such as a tree branch or metal railing.
It’s important to note that earthing indoors will not be as effective as earthing outdoors due to the presence of EMFs and other interference. Therefore, if possible, it’s best to spend at least some time each day grounding yourself directly to the earth’s surface.
4 Negative Side Effects of Earthing You Need to Know Before You Practice It
- Overstimulation: While grounding can help reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality, it can also lead to overstimulation if practiced for too long or too often. It’s important to monitor your body and be mindful of any discomfort or fatigue you may experience when earthing. If symptoms persist, it’s best to limit your sessions or take more frequent breaks.
- Potential Skin Irritation: If you have sensitive skin, the connection between your body and the earth’s surface can cause irritation and even burns if not done properly. To avoid this, it’s important to use a grounding pad or sheet when earthing indoors and wear protective clothing when outside.
- Risk of Electric Shock: It’s possible to suffer an electric shock when earthing outdoors if the ground is not properly insulated. To avoid this, always check the area before making contact and be sure it is a safe environment.
- Health Issues in Extreme Climates: In extreme climates, such as areas with high humidity or extreme temperatures, it’s important to take extra precautions to avoid any potential health issues. Always monitor your body and stop earthing if you experience any discomfort.
Bottom Line
Overall, it’s important to remember that everyone is different and may experience different side effects when earthing. If you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications, make sure to consult your healthcare provider before attempting earthing. It’s also best to start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time you spend earthing, in order to monitor any potential negative side effects. With that being said, the vast majority of people who practise earthing report positive health benefits and don’t experience any negative side effects. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if earthing is right for you.