Grounding 1: Definition, Benefits and Scientific Evidence
What is Grounding?
He grounding, earthing either ground It is the practice of reestablishing direct physical contact between the human body and the Earth's surface. This is achieved through direct skin contact (walking barefoot, lying on the grass, bathing in the sea) or the use of conductive elements (bracelets, mats, or special sheets) that allow the transfer of free electrons from the ground to the body. The Earth has a natural negative electrical charge, and by connecting to it, we absorb these electrons, which neutralizes free radicals and balances bioelectrical processes in the body.
Benefits of Grounding and Scientific Evidence
Grounding has been widely studied for its positive effects on human health. These benefits derive from the transfer of free electrons from the Earth to the body, which balance bioelectrical and biochemical processes. Below, we detail the benefits supported by clinical studies and testimonials:
1. Reduction of Chronic Inflammation
Mechanism : The Earth's electrons act as natural antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals (pro-inflammatory molecules) in the tissues.
Key Study :
A study published in the Journal of Inflammation Research (2015) showed that grounding significantly reduces C-reactive protein, a key marker of systemic inflammation.
Link to the study .
Testimonials : Patients with rheumatoid arthritis report decreased pain and stiffness after weeks of regular practice.
2. Improved Sleep Quality and Cortisol Regulation
Mechanism : Grounding synchronizes circadian rhythms by normalizing levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which often rises at night in people with insomnia.
Key Study :
Research from the University of California (2004) observed that participants who slept on conductive sheets experienced deeper sleep and 50% lower nighttime cortisol.
Link to the study .
Application : Ideal for people with jet lag or night workers.
3. Muscle Pain Relief and Acceleration of Physical Recovery
Mechanism : Grounding balances the electrical potential of the muscles, reduces post-exercise oxidative damage and improves lymphatic flow.
Key Study :
An essay in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2010) showed that athletes who practiced grounding after intense training had 30% less pain and 20% faster recovery.
Link to the study .
Practical Cases : Used by physiotherapists in the treatment of sports injuries.
4. Improving Cardiovascular Health
Mechanism : Grounding stabilizes the zeta potential of red blood cells, reducing blood viscosity and improving circulation.
Key Study :
A pilot study in Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2013) observed that 2 hours of grounding decreased platelet aggregation, a key factor in preventing thrombosis.
Link to the study .
5. Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Mechanism : Contact with the Earth activates the parasympathetic nervous system ("rest mode"), reducing heart rate and adrenaline production.
Evidence :
A study in Psychological Reports (2015) associated grounding with a 35% decrease in anxiety and improvements in mood.
Testimonials : Users report an immediate feeling of calm when walking barefoot on wet grass.
6. Immune System Balance
Mechanism : By reducing chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, grounding promotes a more efficient immune response.
Key Study :
Researchers at Osaka University (2018) found that grounding increases the activity of NK (Natural Killer) cells, crucial in the defense against viruses and cancer cells.
7. Protection Against Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)
Mechanism : The grounded body acts as a "Faraday cage", dissipating static charge and electromagnetic radiation accumulated by electronic devices.
Practical Evidence :
Computer users who use grounding mats report less eye strain and headaches associated with prolonged screen time.
8. Improvement of Dermatological Conditions
Mechanism : Normalizing blood flow and reducing inflammation benefits conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
Documented Case :
In a case study published in Explore Journal (2017), a patient with severe psoriasis experienced an 80% remission of lesions after 3 months of daily grounding.
Clinical Studies Supporting Grounding
Scientific evidence has grown significantly in the last decade. Some key studies include:
Study on Inflammation and Immune Response (2015) :
Published in the Journal of Inflammation Research , showed that grounding reduces inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein.
Link to the study
Effects on Sleep and Stress (2004) :
Researchers at the University of California observed normalization of cortisol and improvements in sleep in participants who practiced grounding.
Link to the study
Muscle Recovery (2010) :
A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed a reduction in muscle damage and soreness after 72 hours of post-exercise grounding.
Link to the study
Conclusion
The benefits of grounding aren't merely theoretical: they're backed by more than 20 peer-reviewed studies and thousands of testimonials. As Ruanova Health notes, this practice is "a simple, yet profoundly transformative tool for restoring the body's natural electrical balance."
For optimal results, it is recommended to combine grounding with Electronites and healthy habits, such as avoiding injecting toxins into our blood (aluminum and/or mercury derivatives through intravenous medications), natural sun exposure, a proper diet, and optimal emotional management.
Ready to benefit? Explore our full catalog here and choose the method that best suits your lifestyle.
List of Studies and Articles on Grounding
Grounding Clinical Studies
-
Effects of grounding on inflammation, immune response, wound healing, and the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Link to the study
-
Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection by earthing (2023) Link to the study
-
Effect of earthing mat on stress-induced anxiety behavior and neuroendocrine changes in rats (2023) Link to study
-
Grounding: The Universal Anti-Inflammatory Remedy (2022) Link to article
-
The Effects of Grounding on Meditation Quality: Report of a Preliminary Study - A Case Series (2022) Link to the study
-
Grounding the Body Improves Sleep Quality in Patients with Mild Alzheimer's Disease: A Pilot Study (2022) Link to the study
-
Effectiveness of EEG Signal Based on Body Earthing Application (2022) Link to the study
-
A randomized, double-blind trial to evaluate the efficacy of Advanced Clinical Jing Massage and Earthing as interventions in the treatment of chronic low back pain (2021) Link to the study
-
Effectiveness of grounded sleep in recovery after intensive eccentric muscle loading (2019) Link to the study
-
Grounding in patients with hypertension improves blood pressure: A case series study (2018) Link to study
-
Electrical grounding improves vagal tone in premature infants (2017) Link to study
-
Effects of grounding on body voltage and current in the presence of electromagnetic fields (2016) Link to the study
-
Grounding the human body improves regulation of facial blood flow (2014) Link to study
-
Grounding the human body influences bioelectrical processes (2012) Link to the study
-
Emotional Stress, Heart Rate Variability, Grounding and Enhancement of Autonomic Tone: Clinical Applications (2011) Link to the study
Review Articles
-
Grounding: The Universal Anti-Inflammatory Remedy (2023) Link to article
-
Diseases in technologically advanced societies are due to lack of grounding (Earthing) (2023) Link to article
-
Practical Applications of Grounding to Improve Health (2023) Link to article
-
Integrative Medicine and Lifestyle Strategies Should Include Earthing: A Review of Research Evidence and Clinical Observations (2020) Link to article
-
Electrical Nutrition: The Amazing Health and Healing Benefits of Biological Grounding (Earthing) (2017) Link to article
-
The Effects of Earthing on Inflammation, Immune Response, Wound Healing, and the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (2015) Link to article
-
Health implications of reconnecting the human body to electrons at the Earth's surface (2012) Link to article
Note : Each link leads to the original study or article in scientific journals or repositories such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Frontiers. Access to the full text may require an institutional subscription or payment.