HOW GROUNDING WORKS

Grounding works by connecting our bodies to the earth's surface, allowing us to absorb its electrons, leading to various health benefits when done consistently over time. 

HOW GROUNDING IS DONE

Grounding, also known as earthing, is the practice of connecting the body to the Earth's surface, typically by walking barefoot on natural substances like soil, grass, sand, or concrete. The idea behind grounding is that direct physical contact with the Earth allows the body to absorb electrons, which may have various health benefits.

If you want to invest money into grounding look into Barefoot or Grounding Shoes. Our founder recommends this brand called Rhizal, and uses this pair when walking through the park opposite her home every morning.

Today there are far more options on the market than only a few years back, such as recovery shoes, zero drop shoes, Vivobarefoot and Be Lenka barefoot, so have a little search and review the evidence below before investing in a pair.

WHAT GROUNDING DOES TO YOUR BODY & WHY IT IS IMPORTANT

The concept of walking bare foot to benefit your overall health is broken down as follows: 

1. Electron Transfer: The Earth has a negative electric charge, and when you make direct skin contact with the ground, electrons are transferred from the Earth to your body. This process is thought to balance the positive charge in our bodies, which can be influenced by factors like stress, pollution, and electromagnetic radiation.

2. Neutralizing Free Radicals: Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells in the body. Grounding is believed to neutralize free radicals by supplying the body with electrons, which may have antioxidant effects.

3. Inflammation Reduction: Chronic inflammation is associated with various health issues. Some proponents of grounding suggest that connecting to the Earth's surface can help reduce inflammation by influencing the body's immune response.

4. Improving Sleep: Grounding has been linked to improvements in sleep quality. It is thought that the balance of the body's electrical charge, influenced by grounding, may have a positive impact on circadian rhythms and sleep patterns.

5. Stress Reduction: Grounding is believed to help balance the autonomic nervous system, promoting a shift from the sympathetic (fight or flight) to the parasympathetic (rest and digest) state. This shift may contribute to stress reduction and improved overall well-being.

DOES GROUNDING ACTUALLY HELP YOUR HEALTH?

Although the research is limited, the following scientific studies have proven some potential health benefits.  

1. Pilot Study on the Effect of Grounding on Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS): A small pilot study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2010 suggested that grounding may reduce the severity and duration of DOMS after eccentric exercise. However, this study had a small sample size, and more research is needed to validate these findings.

2. Effects of Grounding on Cortisol Levels: Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2014 found that grounding the body to the Earth overnight resulted in a normalization of cortisol rhythm and improved sleep. However, this study also had a small sample size.

3. Preliminary Study on the Electrophysiological Effects of Grounding: A study published in the journal Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal in 2015 investigated the electrophysiological effects of grounding. The study suggested that grounding the body may have measurable effects on various physiological parameters, including reducing skin conductance.

Although larger-scale studies have not yet been done, so far there are no negatives to grounding - so why not give it a try!