Can Grounding Help With Inflammation?

Grounding is the concept of walking on the earth bare-footed. Many believe that the act of grounding or earthing can dramatically reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation has been linked to many diseases and is also a key factor in chronic pain.

The Earth has an electric charge of zero making it negatively charged. When setting up electrical systems we ground them into the earth so they stay stable. Sometimes the human body can become deficient in electrons which can cause a positive charge, this can then result in illness in the body.

The theory of grounding is that the act of putting your feet on the ground will help you get the negative charge from the earth. This will then over time help reduce the inflammation in the body by getting the free electrons from the earth. There are also grounding mats available to sleep or sit on for those who cannot physically stand on the ground.

You will probably have noticed a relaxed and calm feeling after a day out at the beach. This is because of the negative Ions in the ocean. It can have a positive effect on our brains improving quality of sleep and has been known to be an antidepressant.

The shoes we wear are often synthetic and made of plastic, preventing our feet from ever touching the ground. Clint Ober Author of the book `Earthing` believes this is why we have so much illness that stems from inflammation. He also believes that our domesticated pets get the same cancers and heart disease that we get, because they spend more time indoors with us and less time grounding like they would naturally have done.

This concept may sound woo-woo or hippy but there have been over 20 peer reviewed published studies on the concept of grounding. With many Scientists and Doctors documenting the effects of it on their study subjects. Citing wound healing, reduced inflammation and an improved immune response as some of those effects.

One study published by The national Library of Medicine says, “Grounding appears to be one of the simplest and yet most profound interventions for helping reduce cardiovascular risk and cardiovascular events.”

There has even been a documentary made called ` Earthing` which talks to people who regularly practice grounding. One woman said it had helped her lose fifty pounds in weight and reduced the severity of her and her daughters health conditions.

Although grounding isn’t a cure-all or magic treatment, it does appear to have a positive effect on all that practice it. And the best thing about it? It’s totally free.