Connect to the Earth by Dr. Janna House

The Way I See It…

You know how it feels when you go away on a holiday… you feel better and sleep better. I know, there are a lot of explanations for this…you’re away from the stress and busyness of your everyday life, you enjoy a slower less pressured pace, etc. However, walking on the beach and playing in the water might actually play a part. The sand and ocean water are both naturally conductive materials and both help ground the body and remove excess positive electrons. For the same basic reason that we ground electrical outlets to avoid the buildup of excess positive charge, our bodies need the same ground effect. This phenomena is called, “earthing” or “grounding.”

Humans are bioelectrical beings. We constantly transmit and receive energy, and it governs every action we take and every thought we create. All of our movements, behaviours, and actions are energized by electricity. The earth is also an electrical entity. When the two connect, a steady flow of free electrons are absorbed by your body. It neutralizes free radicals and reduces inflammation, the core of most chronic illness and disease. Grounding is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants, it’s easy and it’s free!

When I first heard about grounding, I must admit, I was skeptical. But after researching it for our LifeHouse Chiropractic Newsletter, I realized there is strong science that supports it.

The Science Behind It…

Environmental medicine usually focuses on negative factors that impact health, like pollution. Emerging science, however, has revealed a positive environmental factor on health: direct physical contact with the vast supply of electrons on the surface of the earth. Our modern lifestyle separates us from such contact. Research suggests that this disconnect may be a major contributing factor to physiological dysfunction and lack of health.

Reconnection with the earth’s electrons, through grounding has been shown to have a surprising number of health benefits, including the following:

1. Improved Sleep [1][2]
2. Reduced Chronic Pain [1][2]
3. Reduced Stress – anxiety, depression, irritability [2][3]
4. A shift toward Autonomic Nervous System Balance [4]
5. A shift from Fight-Flight-Freeze Response (Sympathetic Nervous System) to Rest-Digest Response (Parasympathetic System) [4][6]
6. Help in reducing Pain [5]
7. Less Inflammation [5][9]
8. Improved Heart Rate Variability [6]
9. Improved Cardiovascular Health [6]
10. Help in Prevention of Osteoporosis [7]
11. Regulation of Blood Sugar [7]
12. Improved Immune Response [7]
13. Possible Hormone Regulation, like improved Thyroid function [5]
14. Positive Impact on Blood viscosity [8]

What You Can Do to Improve Your Health Through Grounding…

Researchers recommend grounding for 30-40 minutes/day to reduce pain and stress, and associated health issues, [5] and the studies cited explain why.

How You Can Get Grounded…

Going barefoot is the most cost effective way of doing this; however, when it is inconvenient to do so, the use of conductive systems while sleeping, working or relaxing indoors is an effective option. I’m trying this earthing mat with cover. [10] (I’ll let you know how it goes, later.) You can get other grounding devices [11] and shoes. [12][13]

A Word of Caution…

Lightning Safety

Although it is unlikely that you will be hit by lightning, it is recommended to follow standard lightning safety guidelines [14] as directed by the Environment Canada. Disconnect your Earthing devices during lightning and thunderstorms.

Health Considerations

Earthing is safe and natural for people of all ages, but it is not medicine or a substitute for medical treatment. If you have a medical condition, see your physician or healthcare provider. If you are using Earthing products and taking medications and notice a change in your condition, even if your condition improves, please consult your doctor.

In Conclusion…

Emerging evidence shows that contact with the Earth—whether being outside barefoot or indoors connected to grounded conductive systems – may be an essential element in the health equation along with sunshine, clean air and water, nutritious food, regular chiropractic care and physical activity.

References…

[1] C. Ober, “Grounding the human body to neutralize bioelectrical stress from static electricity and EMFs,” ESD Journal, http://www.esdjournal.com/articles/cober/ground.htm, January 2000.

[2] M. Ghaly and D. Teplitz, “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, vol. 10, no. 5, pp. 767–776, 2004. View at Publisher

[3] G. Chevalier, K. Mori, and J. L. Oschman, “The effect of Earthing (grounding) on human physiology,”European Biology and Bioelectromagnetics, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 600–621, 2006. View at Google Scholar

[4] G. Chevalier, “Changes in pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygenation, perfusion index, skin conductance, and their variability induced during and after grounding human subjects for 40 minutes,”Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 1–7, 2010. View at Publisher ·View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus

[5] C. Ober, S. T. Sinatra, and M. Zucker, Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever? Basic Health Publications, Laguna Beach, Calif, USA, 2010.

[6] G. Chevalier and S. Sinatra, “Emotional stress, heart rate variability, grounding, and improved autonomic tone: clinical applications,” Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, vol. 10, no. 3, 2011. View at Google Scholar

[7] K. Sokal and P. Sokal, “Earthing the human body influences physiologic processes,” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 301–308, 2011. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar

[8] G. Chevalier, S. T. Sinatra, J. L. Oschman, and R. M. Delany, “Grounding the human body reduces blood viscosity—a major factor in cardiovascular disease,” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. In press.

[9] J. L. Oschman, “Can electrons act as antioxidants? A review and commentary,” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, vol. 13, no. 9, pp. 955–967, 2007. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar ·View at Scopus

[10] http://yourwatermatters.com/products/earthing/

[11] http://earthingcanada.ca/

[12] http://www.pluggz.com/

[13] http://www.earthrunners.com/

[14] http://www.ec.gc.ca/foudre-lightning/default.asp?lang=En&n=159F8282-1