The healing power of nature & the Schumann Resonance

The healing power of nature is astounding. Did you know that every cell in our body becomes immediately grounded when we touch the earth directly—whether that’s walking barefoot or getting our hands dirty in the garden?

This is because the planet has its own vibration, called the “Schumann resonance”, which our nervous systems are naturally attuned to.[1] At 7.8 Hertz, it is called the Earth’s heartbeat, and studies have found it to be deeply soothing to the human body. Our circadian rhythms use not only light and dark but also the Schumann resonance to sync our internal body clocks to the rhythms of nature. When our internal timing is off, so are the myriad of biochemical reactions in our body, resulting in poor health. Our sleep is particularly impacted by the Schumann resonance because our bodies use it as a baseline to reset our melatonin/serotonin balance, impacting our wake/sleep cycle.

The enormous changes in our lifestyle in the past century, including the myriad of man-made electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs) we are exposed to each day, have created an electrical disconnect with the harmonising rhythms of the Earth, which has affected our biological clock. Reconnecting to the Schumann resonance ensures that we share the same electrical potential as the Earth, so as we attune to the planet’s heartbeat, we are better able to maintain our own healthy rhythms.

While further research needs to be done on its effects, studies suggest that walking barefoot on the grass or on the sand, taking a swim in the sea, or—as the old hippies used to advocate—hugging a tree is extremely healing and revitalising, doing everything from easing pain and inflammation to maintaining a healthy pulse, reducing cardiovascular risks and improving the restfulness of sleep.[2] There is even evidence to suggest that such activities can have benefits for the endocrine system of people with diabetes and thyroid disorders.[3]

Along with balancing our circadian rhythms, another benefit of the Schumann resonance is that it puts us into an alpha brainwave state, which is one of the key reasons why we find nature so relaxing. These slower alpha waves help us to feel calmer and less anxious, improving mental clarity, creativity and emotional wellbeing. When we are connected to the energy of Mother Earth, everything from our brains to our heartbeat and muscles responds and relaxes, healing us at every level.               

“Walk as though you are kissing the Earth with your feet” – Thich Nhat Hahn

*This is a short exert from my upcoming book 'The Ripple Effect: Healing Ourselves, Healing Our Planet', to be released November 23rd, 2024

[1] see McCraty, M. et al 2017() “Synchronisation of Human Autonomic Nervous System Rhythm with Geomagnetic Activity in Human Subjects”, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(7):770, 10.3390/ijerph14070770 (accessed 26/09/22)

[2] Oschman, J. et al (2015) “The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases”, Journal of Inflammation research, Vol 8; 83-96, doi:10.2147/JIR.S69656 (accessed 26/09/22)

[3] Dr Osansky (2015) “Earthing and Thyroid Health”, www.endocrinesolutions.com (accessed 22/08/21)