Earthing

Since the beginning of creation there has been a flow of energy between our  bodies and Mother Earth that works to support the various systems in our body  and scavenge up free radicals that promote inflammation. More specifically,  there is a flow of electrons through direct skin contact with the earth’s  surface. Our planet has a negative electrical potential that is generated by  solar winds, our ionosphere and lightning storms. When our skin is in direct  contact with the earth we maintain the same electrical potential as our planet.  This phenomenon has been occurring mostly without interference up until the last  several generations.
What has happened to interfere with this natural  process? For many of us, we spend the majority of our days with shoes on that  are made of a rubber, insulating sole which blocks this natural flow of  electrons, and when we are barefoot, we’re typically indoors, which again blocks  this natural flow of electrons. Many people in industrialized countries and  societies rarely make direct skin contact with the earth. So what’s the big deal  if we’re not spending regular time in touch with our planet?

Healthy electron flow

Over the last decade, research has been under way  to demonstrate that this separation or insulation could be a significant factor in fueling inflammation and physiologic dysfunction in our bodies. We also know  that inflammation is behind the majority of diseases and illnesses in our  society. This concept is referred to as Earthing (or grounding) and has started to accumulate some convincing research about the  detriment of being insulated from the earth’s flow of electrons and the benefits  of reconnecting. These studies have demonstrated improvements in various  biomarkers after Earthing which include improved cortisol cycles, reduced pain,  better sleep, improved balance in the autonomic nervous system and a  blood-thinning effect.

How it works

To better understand why such a simple process can have  such a profound effect on our health and wellness, we must look at the role of  these electrons in our bodies. It is the electron that neutralizes the damaging  free radicals that are produced by our immune and inflammatory responses. By  neutralizing these free radicals, chronic and acute inflammation are reduced. This is what actually determines the strength of any antioxidant –  the amount of free electrons it can donate. This begs to question whether many  people with chronic conditions are suffering from an “electron  deficiency.”

Dr. Jeff Spencer, physician to many  elite athletes and performers, utilized this technology in the last four of  eight victories of the US Cycle Team. He observed more rapid recovery rates, reduction of injury repair time and enhanced performance compared to the prior years where this technology was  not utilized.
Earthing is as simple as spending 20-30 minutes barefoot in  the lawn (walking or sitting) or taking a walk along the beach sans sandals. If  this is not an option for you based on where you live or other limitations, there are indoor devices such as bed pads, mattresses and grounding electrodes that can be used.
Even though research in this area is relatively new, we  may soon discover that Earthing is an essential requirement for long-term  optimal health and wellness.