It may sound a bit unconventional, but grounding could be a crucial element for maintaining good health. Grounding, or "earthing," is a phenomenon that has been scientifically investigated and may be less unconventional than you might assume.
What is grounding, precisely? Grounding involves establishing a connection with the Earth's electrical field. The Earth has a negative charge (-), while the air is filled with positive (+) ions. The presence of various forms of electromagnetic pollution (like GSM, WiFi, baby monitors, DTT, etc.) has increased the number of positively charged particles in our environment. Additionally, our homes are filled with electromagnetic radiation from devices like computers, TVs, and microwaves. Normally, we naturally discharge positively charged particles from our bodies by making physical contact with the Earth. However, in modern times, we all wear shoes with rubber soles, making it challenging to release excess positive ions through our feet. As a result, our bodies absorb these positively charged particles and can't release them through our feet, unlike our ancestors who often walked barefoot and maintained a connection with the Earth. if you are walking inside you can put on our grounding socks in the store.
How does grounding affect our bodies? The human body is a remarkable and complex system. Explaining how grounding works is a challenge, and even experts struggle to provide a chemical and physical explanation. Nevertheless, it is evident that oppositely charged electrical forces (+ and -) work together, much like the concept of yin and yang or day and night. The Earth's surface is negatively charged, and the atmosphere is primarily positively charged. Have you ever noticed the fresh and invigorating scent in the air after a thunderstorm? That's a sign that the atmosphere is mainly negatively charged. In fact, there are devices available that can convert the ions in your living space from positive to negative. In the human body, blood cells are positively charged, while the blood itself is negatively charged. An excess of positive ions results in predominantly positive blood, disrupting the electrical balance of blood cells.
Here's what happens when you restore this balance:
- Enhanced immune system
- Reduced inflammation
- Lower stress levels
- Decreased cortisol levels
- Slower aging process
- Improved sleep quality
- Healthier heart rate
- Better athletic performance
Initially, when I encountered this list, I was skeptical and considered it just another marketing ploy by companies selling grounding products. However, my perspective changed when I discovered that numerous scientific studies have examined the effects of grounding on the human body (1). While I won't delve into all the research, some findings are noteworthy. Grounding has been found to have a positive impact on blood composition and exercise performance (2). It has also been observed that grounding during sleep can reduce cortisol levels, thus reducing pain and stress, and improving sleep (3). Another study indicates that grounding makes the blood less viscous
One might not immediately associate grounding with the prevention of aging. However, it does play a role in this regard. Free radicals in our bodies are oxidants that seek to neutralize themselves because they lack an electron. The Earth's negative energy serves as a source of electrons, which can help neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies. Reconnecting with the Earth allows you to neutralize free radicals, thus preventing premature aging.
Many people find taking a shower to be quite refreshing, and it's a common place for creative ideas to flow. Perhaps this is because showering connects us with the Earth!
You can ground yourself by taking off your shoes and walking barefoot on grass or sand, a practice also known as "earthing." Showering and swimming in nature can also help ground you. Nowadays, you can purchase grounding sheets or mats, which can be connected to the pipes of your central heating system or a grounded power outlet, allowing you to access the Earth's healing energy while working or sleeping. However, be cautious, as not all central heating systems are grounded, so ensure that you test this properly. There are testers available for this purpose. You can also ground your grounding sheet or mat by inserting a grounding pin into the Earth.
A helpful tip is to ground all electrical devices in your home to minimize the number of positive ions in your living space. Also, ensure that you ventilate your home thoroughly.
Here's how you can ground yourself:
- Walk barefoot on grass or sand
- Take a shower
- Swim in a natural body of water
- Wash your hands under running water
- Purchase a grounding mat
- Buy a grounding sheet