There is just something about a nice, hot, clear summer’s day and walking bare foot. The texture of the grass or the gritty, grainy feel of sand as your foot slightly sinks in. It immediately makes me take a deep breathe, brings me to the present, and brings such joy.
Ever wondered why it just feels so good? Turns out; it's science (which makes me love it even more!)
WHAT IS IT?
Grounding or Earthing is the bodies contact with the Earth’s natural electric charge. It works by providing unique electrical energy from the Earth’s core through our body and is provided through grass, soil, gravel, stone, and sand. The Earth is naturally negatively charged due to lightning strikes, solar radiation, and other atmospheric dynamics. As I’m sure you are aware, your body is energy, and the loss of movement, being disconnected from the Earth’s natural negative charge, and the notion of sitting for long periods of time causes a build up of static disruptive energy (positive charged free radicals) which is arguably one of the reasons why so many people now have un-communicable (non-contagious) diseases. It is the notion that free radicals roam freely in your body and derange healthy cells by taking a negative atom, to make the free radical neutral, leaving healthy cells positively charged and in a non habitual state. To be honest, in my opinion, Grounding is grossly mis-understood, under-utilised and extremely undervalued.
WHY DO WE LOVE IT?
The greatest and most marked evidence shown is a reduction in oxidative or inflammatory stress. This has a direct impact on chronic inflammatory diseases such as: cardiovascular disease, cancer, kidney and liver disease, musculoskeletal disorders/disease, gastro-intestinal diseases and neurological degenerative diseases like Alzheimers. So what does that mean? By grounding daily you could see:
- Reduction in DOMS (delayed muscle soreness) after exercise.
- Reduction in GIT symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea, faecal mucus expulsion.
- Reduction of blood glucose in diabetic patients.
- Quicker wound healing.
- Reduced markers of stress (blood serum cortisol).
- Reduction in topical dermatitis (particularly in kids!).
- Greater systemic blood flow.
- Reduction of pain in osteoporosis/ general joint pain.
- Improved sleep in Alzheimers patients.
- Reduction of immune responses (think bacterial/viral symptoms).
The list goes on!
Fig. 6. Systemic benefits of Earthing, Menigoz et al, 2020, pg. 158.
WHY DO WE NEED IT?
We now have quantitative (e.g. serum cortisol) and qualitative (e.g. wound healing) results to show Earthing/Grounding is a thing! It is a simple, free, non invasive and an extremely beneficial treatment to combat vertically any non-communicable disease. Not particularly tactile? You can achieve grounding by purchasing Earthing Systems such as conductive mats, pads, patches or body bands and use them while you are sitting or sleeping, but if you can, let's use what the universe has given us and be well systemically.
Just 10 minutes a day can make a world of difference to your health. So, what are you waiting for? Turn off your device, and go outside!
References:
- Menigoz W, Latz TT, Ely RA, Kamei C, Melvin G, Sinatra D 2020, 'Integrative and lifestyle medicine strategies should include Earthing (grounding): Review of research evidence and clinical observations’, Explore (NY), vol.16, issue 3, pp.152-160.
- Sokal K, Sokal P 2011, 'Earthing the human body influences physiologic processes’ Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine, vol 17, issue 4 pp 301-308.
- Oschman JL 2007, 'Can electrons act as antioxidants? A review and commentary' Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine, vol 13, issue 9, pp.955-967.