THE EARTH ELEMENT PHENOMENON OF THE PLITVICE REGION

According to a growing number of studies, the Earth’s electricity has been shown to recharge the human battery”, and this is also what the therapeutic technique known as Earthing or grounding is about. This method highlights numerous benefits if we walk barefoot on the ground for just 30 minutes a day. It is precisely through contact between the soles of the feet and the earth that so-called recharging takes place, something that has been forgotten because of today’s modern way of life. The soles and palms are also where the endings of the network of meridians are found (similar to the bloodstream), through which bio-electricity flows through our body and which is connected to all the vital organs. The popular method of acupressure bases many healings and the removal of energy blockages on precisely this connection. In addition, in contact with the earth we also come into contact with the soil microbiome, which has a positive effect on our immunity by strengthening and enriching it.

That is why spending time in nature, walking barefoot on soil, grass or sand, as well as gardening or sleeping under the stars (ideally on our tent pitches), is so therapeutic for us.

We therefore invite you to get to know (or get reacquainted with) the rich biodiversity of the soil of our Plitvice region and discover all about this earth element phenomenon. We have already written to you about the secret of the healing air and about the water phenomenon of our region, so we are continuing our series on the elements and this time telling you about… the phenomenon of limestone, dolomite and, more generally, the earth on which the Plitvice Lakes were formed.

THE LIMESTONE AND DOLOMITE PHENOMENON OF THE PLITVICE REGION

Although the Plitvice Lakes are known for their many watercourses, these actually make up less than 1% of the National Park’s area, while 80% is covered by forest. It is fascinating how the entire Plitvice region formed on a bed of karst sedimentary rock, made up mostly of dolomite and limestone, in a richly forested landscape. It is the forests that play an important role in protecting the soil from erosion and that influence the hydrological activity of the water, which flows both underground and above ground at the same time.

The upper lakes are dominated by dolomite (which is harder than limestone and less permeable), and the lower lakes by limestone (more permeable). Tufa, formed by calcium carbonate settling out of the water with the help of plants, algae and mosses, builds barriers in watercourses, lakes and waterfalls, as well as caves and pits. Part of the beauty of this phenomenon is that it keeps changing with the seasons, the weather, the activity of microorganisms and so on.

THE SOIL MICROBIOME

Clean, unspoilt nature is also characterised by a rich soil microbiome, that is, soil with a high content of organic matter. It is important for maintaining a rich biodiversity of plants and trees, but it also helps fight climate change by absorbing some of the carbon from the atmosphere. However, according to modern research, including that of Rob Knight, a microbiologist at the University of California San Diego, the soil microbiome also has a direct effect on our health, that is, on our own microbiome. Through direct contact with the earth, the soil microbiome communicates directly with our cells and enriches our natural microbiome found on the skin, in the mouth, in the gut…

Numerous studies have pointed to a lower incidence of allergies and asthma when children are exposed to various soil microbes. In fact, dirt can strengthen our immune system. And as it also affects the gut microbiome, where more than 90% of neurotransmitters are produced, it can have a beneficial effect on mood, insomnia and our emotional and mental state in general.

EARTHING OR GROUNDING – RECHARGING WITH THE EARTH’S NATURAL ELECTRICITY

The Earth also has its own electricity, which is negatively charged and continuously renewed by solar radiation, lightning and heat from its core. We can actually imagine the Earth as a giant battery that supports life on earth. If we consider that our modern way of life constantly produces positively charged free radicals in our body, contact with the earth can neutralise them. Free electrons from the earth act like antioxidants when they enter our body. Put simply, the body’s natural defence mechanism is restored. This also has a powerful energising effect on the whole body, reduces inflammation and stress, balances cortisol secretion, relaxes the muscles and nervous system, and improves sleep, circadian rhythm and circulation. If we also consider that we are constantly surrounded by waves of unnatural electronic radiation (from mobile phones, household appliances, Wi-Fi), the Earth’s energy can help us neutralise their negative effects.

WALK BAREFOOT, BECAUSE IT IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH

So once you find yourself in nature or at Camping Plitvice, take off your shoes and walk barefoot. By gently massaging the soles of your feet as you walk, you will also benefit the health of your internal organs. Points on the soles and palms act like switches connected by meridians to all the vital organs in our body. You will get the same effect if you massage your palms and feet, 5 minutes for each palm and each foot, with firm but not too strong pressure. If you feel pain while doing so, there may be blockages in the organ connected to that point. You can then press that point in a pulsing rhythm for three to five minutes, which will have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.

Along with all these benefits of the earth element phenomenon of the Plitvice region, we invite you to find out the other reasons why you should choose Camping Plitvice for your summer holiday (or any other kind of holiday). Summer may be drawing to a close, but travel and holiday time certainly are not. So, see you soon!