In our modern, fast-paced world, we often find ourselves disconnected from the natural rhythms of the Earth. However, a simple yet profound practice known as grounding, or earthing, offers a pathway to reestablishing this connection and reaping numerous health benefits. In this blog, we'll explore what grounding is, its origins, the scientific evidence supporting its benefits, and how you can begin incorporating grounding practices into your life.
What is Grounding?
The concept of an electron deficiency is fundamental to understanding the rationale behind earthing or grounding practices. At its core, this concept revolves around the idea that many of us, due to modern lifestyles and environmental factors, are often deprived of a sufficient number of electrons, which are essential for maintaining balance and optimal functioning within the body (2).
To grasp this concept fully, let's delve into the role of electrons in both the Earth and the human body. Warning: Some of your brain cells might start recalling information from high school science courses!
Earth's Electron-Rich Environment
The Earth's surface is teeming with an abundance of electrons, thanks to various natural processes such as solar radiation, lightning strikes, and the planet's own magnetic field. This abundance of electrons gives the Earth a negative electrical charge, making it an enormous reservoir of free electrons (2). Keep this in mind as you continue to read.
Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress
Free radicals are highly reactive molecules or atoms that can cause damage to cells, proteins, and DNA through a process known as oxidative stress. Free radicals are produced naturally within the body as byproducts of metabolism, but they can also be generated by external sources such as pollution, UV radiation, and unhealthy diets (2).
Role of Electrons in Combating Free Radicals
Electrons play a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals and preventing oxidative damage within the body. When free radicals steal electrons from healthy molecules, they initiate a chain reaction of damage. However, by donating electrons to free radicals, antioxidants can effectively neutralize them, thereby halting the chain reaction and protecting cells from harm. You are likely eating and may be taking antioxidant supplements in effort to prevent oxidative damage!
Earthing and Electron Transfer
Factors such as spending excessive time indoors, wearing insulating footwear, and being surrounded by electronic devices can insulate us from the Earth's electron flow, leading to an imbalance within our bodies.
The practice of earthing or grounding involves direct physical contact with the Earth's surface, allowing for the transfer of electrons from the Earth to the body. When we walk barefoot on grass, sand, or soil, or when we use grounding products indoors, electrons from the Earth's surface are absorbed into our bodies, helping to replenish any electron deficiencies and restore balance.
By replenishing our body's electron supply through grounding practices, we can enhance our ability to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress (2).
Origins and Development by Clinton Ober
The modern resurgence of grounding can be attributed to Clinton Ober, a pioneer in the cable television industry who stumbled upon the concept while working on a cable project. Ober recognized the importance of grounding in electrical systems and began to explore its potential implications for human health. Through extensive research and experimentation, he developed grounding products and practices aimed at harnessing the Earth's natural energy for healing and wellness. You can learn more about this by watching The Earthing Movie.
The Science Behind Grounding
Scientific research on grounding has yielded compelling evidence of its benefits across various aspects of health and well-being. Studies have shown that grounding can:
1. Reduce Pain and Inflammation: Amazing results have been observed using thermal imaging on the impact grounding can have on reducing pain and inflammation. This includes reducing knee, shoulder, and back pain, reducing inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) (1–5). This is quite remarkable since inflammation has been identified as the cornerstone to nearly all chronic illnesses we are faced with today. Some researchers believe it is our disconnect from the Earth that is contributing to the dramatic increase in chronic disease (6).
2. Improve Sleep: Grounding can improve sleep quality by regulating cortisol levels (aka, reducing stress) and promoting relaxation, as well as reducing pain, that is a common contributor to sleep disturbances (7).
3. Speed Wound Recovery: A single 30-minute grounding session resulted in enhanced wound healing and improved circulation to the wound site in a diabetic patient. The pain was reduced by about 80% by the end of 1 week of daily grounding sessions (7). Electrons help the immune system respond to an injury site.
4. Improve Blood Flow: Grounding has been shown to enhance blood flow and circulation, improve blood viscosity, and enhance heart rate variability, all of which can have positive implications for cardiovascular health. Dr. Stephen Sinatra, a cardiologist, has conducted research demonstrating the benefits of grounding for heart health, calling grounding the “universal anti-inflammatory remedy” (2,3).
5. Impact Multiple Physiological Processes: It has been reported that earthing during the night for 7 hours has many positive impacts on the endocrine and nervous system, as measured by several biomarkers such as thyroid hormones, iron, ferritin, and electrolytes (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium) (8).
6. Prevent or Shorten the Duration of COVID-19: This may happen as a result of improved oxygen levels throughout the body (9).
Time Required for Health Improvements
One of the common questions about grounding is how much time is needed to experience its benefits. While individual responses may vary, research suggests that even short periods of grounding can yield noticeable improvements in health. For example, a study found that participants experienced significant reductions in pain and inflammation after just 30 minutes of grounding, with continual improvements over several weeks of daily sessions using grounding mats or pads.
How to Begin Earthing Practices
Incorporating grounding practices into your daily routine is simple and accessible.
Be Consistent: To experience the full benefits of grounding, make it a regular part of your routine. Aim for at least 30 minutes of grounding each day, whether it's through outdoor activities or using grounding products indoors.
Conclusion
In summary, the concept of an electron deficiency underscores the importance of maintaining a balance of electrons within the body for optimal health. Grounding or earthing practices offer a simple yet effective way to replenish our body's electron supply by connecting with the abundant source of electrons present in the Earth's surface. By embracing these practices, we can harness the healing power of nature and support our body's natural ability to combat free radicals and promote wellness.
So, kick off your shoes, step outside, and let the healing power
of the Earth revitalize your body and soul!
Written by Dr. Kim Ross
Last Updated: March 28, 2024
References:
1. Sinatra ST, Oschman JL, Chevalier G, Sinatra D. Electric nutrition: The surprising health and healing benefits of biological grounding (Earthing). Vol. 23, Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2017.
2. Ober C, Sinatra S, Zucker M. Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever! Hirsch C, editor. Basic Health Publications, Inc.; 2014.
3. Sinatra ST, Sinatra DS, Sinatra SW, Chevalier G. Grounding – The universal anti-inflammatory remedy. Vol. 46, Biomedical Journal. 2023.
4. Chevalier G, Sinatra ST, Oschman JL, Sokal K, Sokal P. Earthing: Health implications of reconnecting the human body to the Earth’s surface electrons. Vol. 2012, Journal of Environmental and Public Health. 2012.
5. Menigoz W, Latz TT, Ely RA, Kamei C, Melvin G, Sinatra D. Integrative and lifestyle medicine strategies should include Earthing (grounding): Review of research evidence and clinical observations. Vol. 16, Explore. 2020.
6. Oschman JL. Illnesses in technologically advanced societies due to lack of grounding (earthing). Vol. 46, Biomedical Journal. 2023.
7. Oschman JL, Chevalier G, Brown R. The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. J Inflamm Res. 2015;8.
8. Sokal K, Sokal P. Earthing the human body influences physiologic processes. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2011;17(4).
9. Mousa HAL. Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection by earthing. Biomed J. 2023;46(1).