It fascinates me how the scientific world catches up with ancient wisdom. As if we had to do studies and extensive experiments to believe that something like herbal tea, earthing or meditation could be good for us. Lucky for us, we live in a world where all these things and more are being tested scientifically. Today, I would like to discuss 'Earthing'.
One disclaimer. For a good part of my life, if you had told me that I could improve my pain by walking barefoot in the forest, I would have laughed out loud! But now I know much better. I have been able to silence my ego to be open to new experiences and new information.
Earthing refers to contact with the Earth's surface electrons by walking barefoot, sitting or lying outside. Some people call it grounding, and it is a powerful way to connect with the conductive systems that transfer energy from the ground to the body.
Before specific research on Earthing was carried out, we know that the planet's electrons can have different physiological effects on the body.
For example, less pain and better sleep.
A 2017 paper titled - Electric Nutrition: The Surprising Health and Healing Benefits of Biological Grounding (Earthing) concluded that this body of research has demonstrated the potential of grounding to be a simple, natural, and accessible clinical strategy against the global epidemic of noncommunicable, degenerative, inflammatory-related diseases." (1)
Here are 3 reasons why Earthing could be for you Pain Reduction
If you know much about inflammation or free radicals, you know how free electrons or antioxidants can be extremely healing. When we engage with the earth's surface, we can neutralize free radicals and provide these unstable molecules with the stabilizing electrons they need.
Studies have shown that earthing can change the activity of the immune system, improve healing and reduce pain.
Cardiovascular Health
Earthing can have a positive effect on your red blood cells. By increasing the charge of near-surface red blood cells, this can improve blood quality and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A 2018 paper focusing on Earthing and high blood pressure showed that after participants practiced Earthing at home for at least 10 hours a day for several months, they had an average systolic blood pressure drop of 14.3%. (2)
In fact, pulse rate and blood oxygenation have been shown to improve as biological markers for cardiovascular disease after only 40 minutes of earthing.
Mental Health
Most interestingly, conductive adhesive patches were used in a double blind randomized control study to look at the electro-physiolocial changes in the brain and muscles. A general reduction in stress levels was shown, as well as a shift from sympathetic to parasympathetic nervous system engagement. (3) It may be the strangest and best thing you do for your health this year, but science is catching up with old knowledge and wisdom. Just standing in the quiet forest does wonders for your mental health, but adding this extra layer of connecting with the earth's vital energy source is a recipe for good things. Of course, I recommend you be smart when exposed to certain elements on the skin. Many parts of Canada are covered in snow and ice, so please be responsible. Maybe spend the months towards spring as a chance to read about the science of earthing. All the best.
Simon Brazier. Dip HN, NNCP
simon@truehope.com
References
Sinatra, Stephen & Oschman, James & Chevalier, Gaetan & Sinatra, Drew. (2017). Electric Nutrition: The Surprising Health and Healing Benefits of Biological Grounding (Earthing). Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 23. 8-16.
Elkin HK, Winter A. Grounding Patients With Hypertension Improves Blood Pressure: A Case History Series Study. Altern Ther Health Med. 2018 Nov;24(6):46-50. PMID: 30982019.
Chevalier G. The Effect of Grounding the Human Body on Mood. Psychological Reports. 2015;116(2):534-542. doi:10.2466/06.PR0.116k21w5