Grounding: Our electrical connection to mother nature

Grounding, also known as earthing, is one of the simplest and effective method to achieve optimal health and it refers to direct physical contact with the Earth’s surface electrons. Whether you are walking barefoot on grass or sand, swimming in the ocean, or standing on a grounding mat, you are receiving earth’s free electrons and it’s free natural medicine.

How Does Grounding Work?

The theory is that the Earth has a mild negative charge, and when we come into contact with it, we can absorb its electrons, neutralizing free radicals in our bodies.

The Earth’s surface has a limitless and continuously renewed supply of free electrons due to atmospheric pressure, solar radiation, and lightning strikes. These electrons can enter the human body and balance out the electrical environment, neutralizing positively charged free radicals that cause inflammation and disease.

1. Direct Contact: Walking barefoot on natural surfaces like grass, sand, or dirt allows the body to directly absorb Earth’s electrons.
2. Grounding Equipment: Grounding mats, sheets, and shoes are designed to replicate the effect of walking barefoot by conducting the Earth’s energy through conductive materials.

The scientific research is there and the beneficial effect for different chronic diseases has been shown, but not enough people are talking or even knowing about it. These are few examples:

1. Reduction of Inflammation and Pain

This study reviews the effects of grounding on inflammation, pain, and stress. The researchers found that grounding reduces inflammation and pain by influencing the electrical activity in the body, which can neutralize free radicals. Participants experienced significant improvements in pain levels and inflammatory markers (1).

2. Improvement in Sleep and Stress Reduction

This study measured cortisol levels and sleep patterns in participants who slept on grounded mats. Results showed that grounding during sleep reduced night-time levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, leading to better sleep quality and a more normalized circadian rhythm (2).

3. Cardiovascular Health

Grounding was shown to improve heart rate variability (HRV), a marker of autonomic nervous system function. Improved HRV is associated with reduced stress and better cardiovascular health (3).

4. Blood Viscosity and Circulation

Grounding significantly reduced blood viscosity, which can improve circulation and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Lower blood viscosity means less strain on the heart and better overall cardiovascular function (4).

5. Immune System Function

Grounding was found to have a beneficial effect on immune system function. Participants who were grounded showed increased levels of immunoglobulin, suggesting a stronger immune response (5).

6. Psychological Benefits

In addition to physiological benefits, participants reported significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression after grounding. These psychological improvements were likely due to the balancing effect on the body’s electrical activity and hormone levels.

7. Wound Healing

Participants who were grounded showed faster recovery from muscle soreness and injuries. Grounding enhanced the speed of wound healing and reduced muscle damage and inflammation after exercise.

And last before this post ends, you can also watch the full documentary about Grounding

What’s the next step?

The easiest way to start with this method is to walk barefoot everyday for 30-40 minutes. As well, there are many different products available in the market such as Grounding rod, bed sheets, yoga mat, and even shoes. There are more products to consider to use but it’s not the propose of this post.

Important Safety Guidelines for Grounding

When practicing grounding, especially when using electrical outlets for grounding mats, sheets, or other devices, it’s crucial to ensure safety and proper connection. Here are the essential safety guidelines:

1. Check the Integrity of the Grounding System

• Professional Verification: Always have an electrician check the integrity of your grounding system if you are not connecting directly to the ground with a dedicated grounding rod. The electrician should verify the grounding in the designated outlet and the electrical panel to ensure it meets safety standards.
• Appropriate Equipment: Use appropriate testing equipment to measure the grounding effectiveness and to ensure there are no electrical faults that could pose a safety hazard.

2. Use a Grounding Adapter

• Grounding Outlets: If you are using grounding devices in Holland or elsewhere, always use a grounding adapter specifically designed for your country’s outlets. This ensures that the grounding connection is safe and compatible with local electrical systems.
• Avoid Direct Connection: Never connect grounding devices directly to an outlet without using the appropriate grounding adapter. Direct connections without an adapter can be unsafe and may not provide a proper grounding connection.

Steps to Safely Implement Grounding:

1. Consult an Electrician: Before starting grounding practices using electrical outlets, consult with a licensed electrician to inspect and verify the grounding system in your home or office.
2. Use Grounding Adapters: Purchase and use grounding adapters that are certified and specifically designed for your country’s electrical outlets.
3. Test Grounding Regularly: Regularly test the grounding connection using a grounding tester or multimeter to ensure it remains effective and safe over time.
4. Direct Grounding Options: Whenever possible, consider using direct grounding methods such as grounding rods or conductive surfaces that are in direct contact with the Earth, which can often provide a more straightforward and reliable grounding method.

By following these safety guidelines, you can practice grounding effectively while minimizing any potential risks associated with improper grounding connections.

Special thanks to Mr. Ran Kalif who promotes & advocates this topic and from whom I got to learn more about Grounding.

Sources:

1. Chevalier, G., Sinatra, S.T., Oschman, J.L., Delany, R.M. (2015). Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth’s Surface Electrons. Journal of Environmental and Public Health.
2. Ghaly, M., Teplitz, D. (2004). The Biologic Effects of Grounding the Human Body During Sleep as Measured by Cortisol Levels and Subjective Reporting of Sleep, Pain, and Stress. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
3. Chevalier, G., Mori, K. (2013). The Effect of Earthing on Human Physiology. European Biology and Bioelectromagnetics.
4. Chevalier, G. (2013). The Effects of Grounding (Earthing) on Blood Viscosity: A Major Factor in Cardiovascular Disease. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
5. Sokal, K., Sokal, P. (2011). Earthing the Human Body Influences Physiologic Processes. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
6. Ghaly, M., Teplitz, D. (2004). The Biologic Effects of Grounding the Human Body During Sleep as Measured by Cortisol Levels and Subjective Reporting of Sleep, Pain, and Stress. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
7. Brown, R., Chevalier, G., Hill, M. (2010). Pilot Study on the Effect of Grounding on Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.