Earthing and Grounding

Grounding, or earthing, refers to connecting electrically with the Earth. A growing body of research is finding numerous health benefits as a result of the physical body being grounded.

Unfortunately, with our modern rubber or plastic soled shoes and insulated sleeping arrangements, we no longer have a natural electrical connection to the Earth, unless walking barefoot.

There are two key reasons why this electrical connection is important:

1. The Earth is a massive reservoir of negatively charged free electrons. Without a connection to this reservoir, the cells in our body are unable to balance the positive charge which results from things like electron-deficient free radicals. The effect of excess positive charge in the blood can be seen very clearly by the way in which the cells are attracted to clump together (see scientific research) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3265077/

2. Our modern environment is full of a wide spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, from computers, mobile phones & masts, radio & TV broadcasts, WiFi, Bluetooth, power lines, domestic wiring, and other electrical appliances. This electromagnetic radiation induces voltages in our bodies, disrupting the trillions of subtle electrical communications which are a vital part of the function of our body's systems. By being grounded to the Earth we greatly reduce the levels of these induced voltages, as we are then effectively shielded by the Earth's large electrical mass.

So now you know what causes the build of of positive electrons within the body how do we reconnect with the Earth.

The simplest and easiest way to get grounded is to go outside and walk bare foot on the grass or earth, or to immerse yourself in a body of conductive water such as the sea or a mineral-rich lake. Now research as shown that around 20 minutes is needed to fully ground the body.

In the summer months in the UK this is fairly easy to do but is much harder in the winter due to our cold climate. Thats were other devices come into play that can be used indoors.

When indoors, an Earth connection can be made by driving a metal rod into the ground outside, running a wire from the rod, and then connecting it to ourselves.

This may sound like a lot of hassle, but fortunately the majority of domestic electrical systems in the world already have such a rod and wire running indoors, connecting to the 'earth' pin on every mains electrical outlet. And rather than having to connect a wire to ourselves, a variety of conductive products have been developed, such as earthing sheets, mats, bands and patches.

 

To put this to the test I have just ordered an earthing mat that I will plug in to the spare socket next to my computer. I will then place this at my feet and then ground myself whilst writing all these articles for you. I will report back via our instagram and facebook feed about the benefits I feel.

 

A quick search on Ebay and Amazon show that plenty are available at a reasonable cost.

 

Having read the research in the NCBI study it would seem that grounding has numerous benefits within the double blind study. These include the following

 

1. Decreased Chronic Stress

2. Improved Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction

3. Reduced Inflammation

4. Reduced Chronic Pain

5. Improved Sleep

6. Improved Heart Rate Variability

7. Improved Blood Flow.

8. Improved mood.

 

 

Dr De Flora and others concluded the following from this study.

 

“Since the late 20th century, chronic degenerative diseases have overcome infectious disease as the major causes of death in the 21st century, so an increase in human longevity will depend on finding an intervention that inhibits the development of these diseases and slows their progress. Could such an intervention be located right beneath our feet? Earthing research, observations, and related theories raise an intriguing possibility about the Earth's surface electrons as an untapped health resource—the Earth as a “global treatment table.” Emerging evidence shows that contact with the Earth—whether being outside barefoot or indoors connected to grounded conductive systems—may be a simple, natural, and yet profoundly effective environmental strategy against chronic stress, ANS dysfunction, inflammation, pain, poor sleep, disturbed HRV, hypercoagulable blood, and many common health disorders, including cardiovascular disease. The research done to date supports the concept that grounding or earthing the human body may be an essential element in the health equation along with sunshine, clean air and water, nutritious food, and physical activity.”

 

Here are some images showing the effects on inflammation after grounding.

 

This picture shows the reduction in inflammations after 30 minutes of grounding

 

 

This image is taken after sleeping for 4 nights on an earthing mat underneath your bed sheet.

 

 

 

So as you can see the theories are supported by science.

 

Here is also a link to a video on youtube by Clint Ober who is an expert in this field this also explains the benefits too.

 

https://youtu.be/uiahiuOwmaU

 

Give it a try you have nothing to lose.