The wonders of technology are enormous and provide benefits and sometimes luxuries in our modern world. I use technology every day however we are all at risk of their negative health and social effects. We use information and communication technologies at much higher levels and in different ways than prior generations. The rapid growth and transmission of information in our digital age carries with it an onslaught of communications from multiple sources. We are challenged with a higher risk of developing psychological symptoms including sleep disturbance and depression. The combined use of these technologies may have an impact on psychological health and in some circumstances result in “cyberspace addiction” or iDisorders.

Modern lifestyle has separated our human species from the earth’s surface energy fields. Our ancient ancestors slept and sat on the ground. They walked in the dirt, sand and grass with bare feet or leather foot coverings. As modern humans we have disconnected with our earth’s surface which has surprising negative health consequences. Grounding  (or earthing) has been studied and research points to multiple health benefits. Studies have shown that grounding our bodies alters immune system activity, pain and sleep in a positive way.

During recent decades, chronic illness, immune disorders, and inflammatory diseases have increased dramatically, and some researchers have cited environmental factors as the cause. Those environmental factors include overuse of pesticides, lack of readily available affordable organic foods, constant exposure to electronic waves from iPhones, iPads, tablets, computers and other mobile devices. However, the possibility of modern disconnection with the Earth’s surface as a cause has not been thoroughly evaluated. Research in this area does exist however. 

Grounding research has shown the potential benefits of barefoot contact with the Earth. Initial experiments resulted in improved sleep and reduced pain. Subsequent research has shown that improved sleep was correlated with a normalization of the cortisol day-night profile from the Earth’s vast supply of electrons through grounding or earthing. The results of these studies are significant in light of the extensive research showing that lack of sleep stresses the body and contributes to many detrimental health consequences. Lack of sleep is often the result of pain. Therefore the reduction of pain might be one reason for the benefits of grounding. Modern lifestyles prevent us from connecting to the earth’s surface such as rubber soled shoes. When was the last time you went outside without your electronic devices, kicked your shoes off and dug your toes into the dirt?

Living in direct contact with the Earth’s surface such as going barefoot with bare feet touching the ground for as little as 30 or 40 minutes daily can significantly reduce pain and stress in the human body. It doesn’t cost a cent for barefoot grounding and unplugging. Spend some of that time meditating on your inner resources and getting in touch with who you really are. You are more than your social media presence. Spend some time digging in the ground, maybe planting some of those organic vegetables that are getting harder and harder to find. 

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