Earthing, also known as grounding is a health practice that has recently been gaining popularity. This practice uses the electrical connection between a person and the ground, known as the earth’s electrical field or electromagnetic field, to reduce the amount of free radicals in the body, improving overall well-being. Earthing has, potentially, a number of benefits that go beyond the realm of science and natural medicine, including stress relief, better sleep, and improved physical and mental health. This article provides an overview of the concept of Earthing, detailing the history, the benefits, and the ways to carry out the practice.
History of Earthing
Earthing, or grounding, was first reported in the 1800s by electrical engineers. When exposed to electrical currents, these engineers discovered that the ground was necessary in order to complete the circuit. Years later, several researchers, including Fraser Clement, Harvey Kaye and Chuck Staples, studied the electrical properties of the ground and their effects on living organisms. They found that the ground, or Earth, had a soothing and healing ability that was beneficial to human health.
In the mid-1990s, a scientist and researcher, Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D., and his associate, Martin Zucker, wrote a book entitled “Electricity and Life”, exploring the relationship between electricity, the Earth and human health. The book brought the topic of Earthing to the mainstream. Since then, scientists and innovators have been researching and exploring the effects of Earthing, stimulating the popularity of the practice and developing health products to use in various Earthing activities.
Benefits of Earthing
Since Earthing is based on the understanding of the electrical connection between the ground and our bodies, the benefits of the practice can benefit both general health and sporting performance. Generally, Earthing reduces inflammation, improves energy, and can aid in the healing of wounds and sports injuries. For athletic activities, research has found that Earthing can positively affect the performance of athletes, by increasing the level of oxygen in the body, which can improve endurance, speed, and recovery.
The direct effects of Earthing on health are potentially profound. There are numerous claims of positive health benefits from conducting Earthing activities, including:
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Improved Sleep: Sleeping on a bed sheet specifically designed for Earthing can cause a deeper and more restful sleep.
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Reduced Stress and Anxiety: There is some evidence that Earthing can help to lower cortisol levels, reduce stress and anxiety, and raise energy levels.
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Improved Inflammation Response: Earthing can help to reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial for people suffering from inflammatory-related conditions, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
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Improved Circulation: A study conducted by Gaétan Chevalier, Ph.D., found that Earthing can increase circulation by up to 25%.
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Regulated Blood Pressure: Earthing activities have been found to help to regulate blood pressure, both by increasing blood flow and by providing stress relief.
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Balance of Electromagnetic Frequencies: There are some studies that suggest Earthing activities help to balance electromagnetic frequencies in the body.
Ways of Earthing
The easiest and most common way of Earthing is by simply being in nature—walking barefoot on grass, soil, sand, or ocean water. This allows for direct contact with the Earth’s electrical field.
For those who cannot do this on a daily basis, there are several products available for purchase, including:
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Earthing Mats: Earthing mats are connected to a grounding rod, which is then inserted into the ground in the garden, providing direct connection to the earth’s electromagnetic field.
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Earthing Bedsheets: Bed sheets specifically designed for Earthing are designed with a special alloy of silver threads that are connected to a channel of conductive silver, allowing the user to sleep “on the ground”.
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Earthing Clothing: Clothing specifically designed for Earthing has thin metal strands woven into the material, which connect to the user’s energy, providing the user with a continuous grounding effect.
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Earthing Shoes: Shoes specifically designed for Earthing feature a soft sole that is embedded with conductive, silver-infused threads, connecting the user to the earth’s natural energy.
Earthing is a practice that has been gaining popularity in recent years, with a number of potential health benefits. The practice is based on the understanding of the electrical connection between a human body and the ground and can have a profound effect on health and athletic performance. Earthing activities can be done by simply being in nature, or through the use of specially designed Earthing products. As with any health practice, it is important to seek advice from a medical professional before engaging in Earthing activities.
