Let's talk about the amazing connection between grounding and Ayurveda.
Did you know that grounding, also known as earthing, is a holistic healing practice that actually complements the principles of Ayurveda? It’s fascinating to explore how both healing modalities are interconnected.
In Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, balance is key. To begin with, grounding is all about establishing a connection with the Earth’s energy. This basic definition aligns perfectly with Ayurvedic principles. Key to Ayurveda is understanding the five elements of nature, also called the mahabhutas in Sanskrit. Specifically, these five elements are ether (space), fire, air, water and earth. In a nutshell, they influence the universe, all living things and humans too.
In essence, by grounding ourselves, we can tap into the Earth’s natural healing properties and restore our body’s equilibrium.
How does grounding work?
So, let’s understand the basics of grounding.
It’s simple to do!
For example, you can achieve grounding by simply walking barefoot on the grass or sand, hugging a tree, or going for a daily walk. If the weather isn’t that great, you can even use grounding mats indoors.
These practices help us absorb the Earth’s electrons. By grounding ourselves, we are countering anything causing inflammation in our mind and body with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities of Mother Earth.
As a result, a conscious grounding practice helps heal our mind, body and spirit over time.
How are grounding and Ayurveda interrelated?
When it comes to Ayurveda and grounding, both practices are interrelated in the way that they enhance our overall well-being.
For example, grounding helps pacify excess Vata (one of the three mind-body types or doshas according to Ayurveda). Vata is associated with anxiety, nervousness, and imbalance. Essentially, when you feel like you’re on solid ground, these symptoms lessen. First, you feel less rattled and more sure of yourself. And through adopting certain grounding strategies, like getting fresh air daily, you can find yourself sleeping better and feeling stronger. In fact, grounding practices based on your dosha can improve your immune system too. Spending more time connecting to nature is at the heart of Ayurveda teachings. Basically, grounding supports all of these important aspects of Ayurvedic healing.
Given these points, integrating grounding with Ayurveda in a daily self-care routine can be a game-changer.
Just imagine starting your day with a grounding practice based on your mind-body type, allowing yourself to connect with the Earth’s energy. Overall, grounding and Ayurveda can set a solid foundation for the rest of your day. Simply put, it’s as easy as spending a few minutes in nature, taking deep breaths and feeling the earth beneath your feet.
Incredibly, there are many other grounding practices in Ayurveda that can bring the mind and body into balance with nature. Here are some examples:
Eat grounding foods
Foods that are heavy, moist and warming, like root vegetables, grains and soups can help with balancing the light and spacey qualities of the air element. It’s important to note that the air element is the one of the five elements (associated with the Vata dosha) which can make us feel scattered and ungrounded. The cooler months are a time of the year when we naturally tend to consume more of these warming foods to feel grounded. And there’s Ayurvedic scientific reasoning to back it up.
Use essential oils
Surprisingly, there are specific essential oils with amazing grounding properties that you can buy. They include cedarwood, sandalwood and patchouli. For example, sandalwood incense has been used for centuries throughout India where the science of Ayurveda originated. Simply diffuse these essential oils in your home or burn some incense to calm your mind and bring about a sense of rootedness in your body. If you’re a fan of essential oils, consider contacting me to discover your unique Ayurvedic dosha (mind-body type) for specific essential oil recommendations to begin feeling better.
Try some grounding activities
So, a few grounding activities were mentioned above. But how about activities like gardening, a long hike or practicing yoga (if outdoors, even better)? Any activity is good that connects the body and mind to the earth, and improves your sense of focus.
Practice breathwork (pranayama)
Breathing exercises like creating an ocean-sounding (ujjayi) breath, also called pranayama in Sanskrit can help calm the mind and create a sense of grounding and centeredness throughout your body. When practiced regularly over time, breathwork will release you from the fight-or-flight state of mind.
There are many ancient breathwork techniques!
Contact me to learn more about them through a coaching session and discover your favorite ones.
In conclusion, integrating grounding and Ayurveda into a daily routine can be a game-changer on your wellness journey.
Most importantly, don’t overthink it. Simply take some time to slow down and begin to notice your environment and daily lifestyle patterns. And be sure to get outside every day to enjoy the healing benefits of nature!
Want to learn more about your dosha, your mind-body type according to Ayurveda? And which grounding practices are best for you? It’s easy and fun to learn more! Contact me for a free 20-minute discovery call or get a copy of my new book, The Little Book of Grounding.
It’s time to get started on learning more about the incredible benefits that grounding and Ayurveda can offer you on your healing journey.