Originally published May 5 2012
Earthing: A simple (and free) way to reduce pain and inflammation
by Kelly Pepper, D.C.
(NaturalNews) Since the beginning of creation there has been a flow of energy between our bodies and Mother Earth that works to support the various systems in our body and scavenge up free radicals that promote inflammation. More specifically, there is a flow of electrons through direct skin contact with the earth's surface. Our planet has a negative electrical potential that is generated by solar winds, our ionosphere and lightning storms. When our skin is in direct contact with the earth we maintain the same electrical potential as our planet. This phenomenon has been occurring mostly without interference up until the last several generations.
What has happened to interfere with this natural process? For many of us, we spend the majority of our days with shoes on that are made of a rubber, insulating sole which blocks this natural flow of electrons, and when we are barefoot, we're typically indoors, which again blocks this natural flow of electrons. Many people in industrialized countries and societies rarely make direct skin contact with the earth. So what's the big deal if we're not spending regular time in touch with our planet?
Healthy electron flow
Over the last decade, research has been under way to demonstrate that this separation or insulation could be a significant factor in fueling inflammation and physiologic dysfunction in our bodies. We also know that inflammation is behind the majority of diseases and illnesses in our society. This concept is referred to as Earthing (or grounding) and has started to accumulate some convincing research about the detriment of being insulated from the earth's flow of electrons and the benefits of reconnecting. These studies have demonstrated improvements in various biomarkers after Earthing which include improved cortisol cycles, reduced pain, better sleep, improved balance in the autonomic nervous system and a blood-thinning effect.
How it works
To better understand why such a simple process can have such a profound effect on our health and wellness, we must look at the role of these electrons in our bodies. It is the electron that neutralizes the damaging free radicals that are produced by our immune and inflammatory responses. By neutralizing these free radicals, chronic and acute inflammation are reduced. This is what actually determines the strength of any antioxidant - the amount of free electrons it can donate. This begs to question whether many people with chronic conditions are suffering from an "electron deficiency."
Join the "who's who" of Earthing
Dr. Jeff Spencer, chiropractor to many elite athletes and performers, utilized this technology in the last four of eight victories of the US Cycle Team led by Lance Armstrong at the Tour de France. He observed more rapid recovery rates, reduction of injury repair time and enhanced performance compared to the prior years where this technology was not utilized.
Earthing is as simple as spending 20-30 minutes barefoot in the lawn (walking or sitting) or taking a walk along the beach sans sandals. If this is not an option for you based on where you live or other limitations, there are indoor devices such as bed pads, mattresses and grounding electrodes that can be used.
Even though research in this area is relatively new, we may soon discover that Earthing is an essential requirement for long-term optimal health and wellness.
Sources for this article include
http://www.earthinginstitute.net
http://electromagnetic-pollution.com
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jeph/2012/291541/
About the author:
Kelly Pepper, D.C., is a mother of six, an avid reader, eclectic cook, home manager, and untiring sleuth to natural living. She and her husband manage Pepper Natural Health and Wellness and you can catch their healthy living tips on peppernaturalhealth.com/blog, visit at peppernaturalhealth.com or follow them on https://www.facebook.com/PepperNaturalHealth.
Kelly Pepper, D.C., is a mother of six, an avid reader, eclectic cook, home manager, and untiring sleuth to natural living. She and her husband manage Pepper Natural Health and Wellness and you can catch their healthy living tips on peppernaturalhealth.com/blog, visit at peppernaturalhealth.com or follow them on https://www.facebook.com/PepperNaturalHealth.
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