Grounding-Earthing

by Kara Sylvia, Homemade Health Coach Team

Grounding, or earthing, is the practice of connecting with the Earth’s electrical charge by walking barefoot on natural surfaces like grass, soil, sand, or even by using grounding equipment.

Why use grounding?

Many people believe that grounding can have various health benefits, and scientific evidence is still emerging.

Here are some of the most common benefits of grounding demonstrated through various research studies.

Benefit #1 – Reduces chronic inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a causative factor of pain and an accelerant of the aging process. Grounding reduces or even prevents the main signs of inflammation following injury: redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function.

Benefit #2 – Reduces pain

Most pain is due to or associated with increased inflammation, and typically responds rapidly to grounding.

According to a study published in the Journal of Inflammation Research, when you ground, mobile electrons from the Earth make contact with your skin and enter your body, acting as natural antioxidants. They protect cells, tissue, and organs from oxidative stress.

People with muscle soreness who slept on a grounding system experienced a reduction in inflammation according to a study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Their blood markers also indicated that grounding facilitated quicker healing.

Benefit #3 – Improves sleep and balances circadian rhythms

Grounding has been associated with increased melatonin production while normalizing cortisol levels, both of which reduce sleep disturbances.

Grounding helps you sleep better at night as it assists in normalizing stress hormones. It can even reduce hot flashes.

From a study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, people with sleep disorders slept under a cotton sheet with conductive carbon threads woven into it. This was connected to a wire that led to a metal rod placed in the earth outside. Participants slept better when they were grounded and also reported a reduction in pain and stress.

Benefit #4 – Improves blood flow and reduces blood viscosity (stickiness)

Higher blood viscosity (that is, thicker, sludgy blood) often correlates with diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Studies found that grounding significantly reduces blood viscosity, thus potentially improving red blood cell spacing (thinning them out).

Grounding is good for your heart rate variability, according to a study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Participants wore grounding patches on the palms of their hands and soles of their feet, then had bloodwork done. Results showed that after grounding, they had less red blood cell clumping. Good news for the heart!

Benefit #5 – Accelerates healing from trauma

Accelerated wound healing, whether involving

injury, surgery, or burn, may result from a combination of reduced inflammation as well as improved circulation carrying healing factors to the site.

Benefit #6 – Earthing improves mood

In a study, 40 adults were either grounded or sham-grounded (no grounding) for 1 hour while relaxing in a comfortable recliner chair. For the group that was grounded, the chair was equipped with a conductive pillow, mat, and patches connecting them to the ground.

Using a mood assessment it was found that the group that were grounded had a statistically significant improvement in pleasant and positive moods compared to those who were not grounded.

Benefit #7 – Earthing improves facial blood flow

The Earth protects your skin and enhances its appearance, according to a study in the Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications. Participants were grounded in a chair using a conductive mat, pillow, and patches.

Those who practice grounding regularly tend to be centered, balanced, calm, strong and positive, according to Deepak Chopra. In fact, a study in Explore reported improved mood, plus reduced depression and stress in those who received grounding therapy.