Here’s the remedy that brought me back from extreme adrenal fatigue, AKA wanting to take a nap all the time! It is called grounding (“earthing”). [see: Can Earthing Help Adrenal Fatigue?]
I already had a great diet and was taking the best supplements and herbs for treating adrenal fatigue. But my healing in certain areas wasn’t improving, most notably my energy levels and the functions of most of my organs.
BIG stuff that needed jump-starting. Was it possible that the earth’s electricity could be the missing link? Did I even believe in such a thing?
What is Adrenal Fatigue?
Adrenal fatigue is a collection of signs and symptoms, known as a syndrome, that results when the adrenal glands function below the necessary level… As the name suggests, its paramount symptom is fatigue that is not relieved by sleep… You may look and act relatively normal with adrenal fatigue and may not have any obvious signs of physical illness, yet you live with a general sense of unwellness… With each increment of reduction in adrenal function, every organ and system in your body is more profoundly affected. (source)
An Experiment with the Earth’s Electricity
My naturopath in Vancouver, WA hooked me up to his Tennant Biomodulator during our second appointment. This contraption simulates several different waves of electricity found in nature, sending energy through the body’s meridian. Two stickers attached to wires are placed on the body at acupuncture “gates;” and the wires trail to the contraption itself, just a little hand-held device that can be adjusted according to how high you want the intensity of the electricity frequencies.
This was all new to me.
But I hoped in my doctor’s approach for two reasons: one, I had seen him heal my daughter of asthma with alternative methods (read about his methods and our experience here) and two, I had heard about grounding and exposure to the earth’s electrons from other sources I trusted.
Although I was skeptical the first few times it was mentioned to me, it was beginning to resonate; and eventually I became open-minded to the idea.
When you are really unwell, you are a great petri dish for what will make a change, for what works.
In one 30 minute session of being hooked up to the Tennant Biomodulator I went from feeling exhausted to feeling like a Golden Retriever. In follow up visits, I often felt like going for a run after the treatment. The surge of energy lasted each time for about 24 hours.
I was instructed between the one week visits to walk barefoot on the earth, swim in wild water, snuggle with my kids or pets, lean against a tree, place my feet against the earth while I sat in a chair outside, anything for 20-30 minutes a day, to get me connected to the energy of something living.
What are the health benefits of grounding (aka: “earthing”)?
- Grounding reduces the effects of electromagnetic frequencies (EMF’s) that we’re inundated with in our modern world, (from our computers, phones, sewing machines, power lines etc.)
- Improved organ function! The earth’s electrons come into our body and mobilize, move energy, which causes our organs to surge with operativeness.
- An increase in overall energy results!
- Healing and reduction in inflammation occur.
- Improved sleep results, specifically from the use of grounding sheets. (This was dramatic for me and I discuss this grounding option further below.)
How to Get Grounded Conveniently
- In warmer weather, go barefoot. Even concrete allows some of the earth’s energy through!
- Swim in natural waters: rivers, the ocean, lakes.
- Take naps or read in nature, on nature: right on the sand or grass, no towel down, or against a tree.
- As the weather turns colder, consider bundling up and finding some wet grass to walk on! It feels great! (Dew and rainwater have additional energy in them.)
- In cold weather, use earthing tools: grounding sheets, pads, stickers, and shoes.
How to Access The Earth’s Electricity While Indoors
Because I’m exposed to EMF’s so often with my computer-oriented career, I decided it was time to get a grounding mat to counter-act the effects. I also got a grounding sheet to sleep on.
(Where to buy grounding mats & sheets)
Both of these have long wires that reach to nearby windows and then grounding stakes that get anchored into the earth. Alternately, if your electrical outlets themselves are grounded, the wires have a plug that can simply be placed in the outlet.
1. At night I unplug our internet and sleep on the grounding sheet.
2. Three to five times a week I go for a walk on wet grass. (I have found wet grass to be noticeably helpful for my energy levels.)
3. I connect myself during computer work to either the grounding mat (where my feet rest) or similar small grounding pads that can be placed on localized areas of pain, to assist with healing.
To read more about the grounding materials I purchased and my reviews of these items, come see my Facebook page: Eat Beautiful. I’ll be sharing photographs and further details all this week and beyond. I’ll also share the WEIRD thing that happens to both my husband and me while sleeping on our grounding sheet!
The moral of the story is that anyone who needs healing should look into one or more forms of grounding. And yes, it is also beneficial for those who aren’t sick. Everyone needs contact with the earth’s electrons.
Tennant Biomodulators cost about $2500. If you have that kind of money for healthcare, I highly recommend buying yourself one and getting hooked up!
For the rest of us, amen that wet grass is free!
(photos by Megan Stevens)
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I love Dr. Zeff at Salmon Creek Clinic. We’ve been going for a year and a half. I’ll have to ask him about the Tennant Biomodulator. I’ve never heard of it before. My adrenal fatigue has gone from severe to mild.
Great to hear that! 🙂
I’ve heard that the grounding sheets often lose their grounding power before they’re a year old. They’re pretty expensive for something that won’t last. I’m hesitant about them because of this. Any thoughts? Thanks!
Sure, thanks for the question. My feeling is that the grounding sheet is very inexpensive. Even if you purchase one once a year, it is a lot less money than supplements (that often don’t work) and doctor bills (that often don’t amount to measurable progress). I haven’t been using mine for a year yet so I’ll be curious to see if this happens. But mine has been SO effective for me that I would not begrudge having to buy one again. Best!
Megan,
This is fantastic, and I am so thrilled to hear about your health progress. I do wonder if it might be helpful for you to take a Hair Mineral Analysis for you to have a biohemical snapshot of your body right now – see what your current oxidation rate is, the state of your adrenals, thyroid, glucose, and heavy metals, as well as mineral ratios. It can oftentimes be frustrating to put so much effort into healing oneself, and not know for SURE how our protocols (diet, supplements, lifestyle changes) are actually affecting our body. Granted, you seem to have experienced much symptomatic relief, which says a lot, but I wonder if it might still be helpful to get a Hair Analysis. The way I see it is that it’s like switching the light on, instead of fumbling around in the dark. And it gives you a baseline upon which to monitor your progress. We recommend people re-take their hair test every 3-4 months in order to make sure one’s supplements are being adjusted accordingly, as one’s body chemistry adjusts. Come read more at ButterHealth .com
Sending you love, and Happy Holidays!
Oriana
Ernesto Perez
Amy Amy Hoffman
Lynnie Löw
I see the same guy she sees. His name is Jared Zeff. See him in Vancouver WA, at Salmon Creek Clinic.
I have experienced some awesome results from grounding. 🙂
Interesting
Sooooo….what do you do when it’s winter!
That’s when the grounding sheet becomes especially convenient. 😉
Can you lie on a towel to avoid worms and deer ticks? 🙂
You are better off lying directly on the earth. If you are in an area where ticks are prevalent then maybe the grounding sheet is a good bet. I’ve gotten great results from mine. 🙂
RussellnJamie Williams
Kelly Steinhauer
hmm. I was skeptical when I went to a medium (not a psychic, a medium. there is a difference). she told me I needed to ground myself this past summer by walking barefoot. I nodded but didnt know the effect it could have. I am going to have to try this in spring!!!
I am familiar with earthing and definitely am a believer! I too wrote a blog post about it! I am most invigorated when I walk barefoot on sand, near the ocean. That is deeply nourishing to me. I did it regularly when I lived in San Francisco but, don’t have the ocean near me in Portland. I have walked on sand near the Columbia River and that feels likes good to me but, somehow I resonate most with the ocean. Your post has reminded me of this healing practice. Thank you for the reminder!
So glad! Yes, the ocean is the most powerful place for me as well.
True story: I went outside to ‘ground’….and that evening a monster tick bit me. Called emergency and they said not to come in and just be on the lookout for the Lyme rash after three days. Had to wait a couple days to get to the doctor to get the tickhead out, which I couldnt do on my own.
I felt Lyme-like symptoms 6 hours later…..low level neuropathy, like a battery is hooked up to me – still feel this way 8 months later. Both my doctor and a naturopath say I don’t have Lyme. Got two weeks of antibiotics that did nothing – Dr. wouldn’t presribe any longer which is usually the protocol. Heath Canada only does two weeks and people are complaining about this.
To those who are earthing outside – CHANGE YOUR CLOTHES and be careful!
I’ve ready about this here and there….and I’m really considering taking part in doing something. My husband freaks at bare feet (ER docs are like that) but I love it except if I go for long my foot aches (past injury). You have me convinced though that I should at least do some more reading on this!
Amazing.
if it weren’t for the fire ants though
Does pulling weeds for several hours a week count as earthing?
Denise Farris Jackson
I need to do this. I have severe adrenal fatigue – worse in the winter typically. I’ve been able to correct it a whole lot through proper eating, but this is worth looking into. 🙂
I can’t walk outside barefoot, I have neuropathy and can’t feel most of my feet. I can get really hurt and never notice it until I see blood. Plus yeah fire ants!
I didn’t realize you were in Vancouver. I’m just outside of Salem. I am going to try this each day. We certainly don’t lack for wet grass.
@ Lisa Lynn Lee
Sitting in a chair with your bare feet in contact with a patch of damp ground is fine. Walking isn’t necessary.
I have been sleeping “grounded” for over a year now and wake up with a lot less stiffness than before. Still like to get directly on the ground when I can, though.
Rachael Smith pass this on to ur sister..thanks
Ashley
Can’t wait for summer to walk bare feet. I rarely wear shoes around the yard, only do to run errands 🙂
Great article, im a big fan of grounding myself.
There is actually studies on the benefits of groundng to reduce sympathetic nervous system activity, reduce stress and more.
Interesting article. I bookmarked it so that I can refer to it again. Blessings
Hola, thank you for the article, I enjoyed reading it. I wanted to issue what I hope will be a helpful warning about using grounding/earthing products. I can’t deny that being barefoot somewhere in nature away from stray EMFs is very healing. It’s important to be away from stray fields like power lines, cell towers, etc. because remember, the Earth is a powerful conductor and it’s pure energy is so needed, but it can also conduct the stray artificial fields that are detrimental to our health. That brings me to grounding products. There are safer ways to use these and also really dangerous ways. The SAFER way is to have them attached to a copper wire running out a window connected to a copper rod entering the Earth directly. The devices that are designed to plug into the homes electrical system are dangerous because it hooks your body up directly to the stray voltage from the house. Yes you are grounded, but you have just made your own body a conductor of stray low fields or dirty electricity. Many people have made their health worse for this reason. Just google “dangers of home earthing” etc. The method I illustrated with the copper wire and rod into the Earth is safer since it insulates you from all the stray voltage coming from your homes electrical system, but there can always be stray voltage coming from other places nearby. This means that this method works best if you live away from cell towers, large power lines/stations, etc. Recently I had to shield my bedroom from RF coming from microwave antennas nearby that were making it impossible for me to sleep well. During my research I stumbled upon the grounding issue and learned some things myself. I’m glad Earthing has helped your adrenal fatigue and I know it can help many others as well, just please be safe and smart about it. Best Wishes!
I use a grounding mat and im very impressed with the health benefits such as stress reduction, autonomic nervous system balance, improved sleep, reduced anxiety etc.
Good article 🙂
Hi Megan, Just came across your website as I was doing a research on adrenal fatigue and raw milk! And am currently Healing my adrenal fatigue with grounding as well, this is such a beautful thing to experience! Thanks for this article and all the best to you xxx Anne Gabriel