Reduction in inflammation
Several studies have investigated the impact of grounding on inflammation. Below, we provide summaries of some of these studies as well as review articles along with links to access the full research papers/ review articles.
The Effects of Grounding (Earthing) on Inflammation, the Immune Response, Wound Healing, and Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases
By James L Oschman, Gaétan Chevalier, and Richard Brown.
The research explores how grounding influences inflammation, immune responses, wound healing, and chronic diseases. The study proposes that grounding leads to measurable changes in white blood cell concentrations, cytokines, and molecules involved in inflammation. It suggests that grounding may alleviate pain, modulate immune cell numbers, and affect circulating chemical factors related to inflammation. The central hypothesis suggests that connecting the body to the Earth spreads free electrons, creating antioxidant effects. Additionally, the study explores the potential of Earth-derived electrons in preventing or resolving "silent" inflammation, offering insights into inflammatory responses, wound healing, and immune system functioning. Grounding also shows promise in improving sleep, cortisol rhythm, pain reduction, stress alleviation, autonomic nervous system modulation, heart rate variability, wound healing, and blood viscosity.
A preliminary study involving 12 subjects experiencing pain and sleep difficulties demonstrated normalized cortisol profiles, improved sleep, and reduced pain and stress levels during an 8-week grounded sleep intervention.
Link to study: read study
Oschman JL, Chevalier G, Brown R. The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. J Inflamm Res. 2015 Mar 24;8:83-96. doi: 10.2147/JIR.S69656. PMID: 25848315; PMCID: PMC4378297.
These before-and-after images, showcase the case of a 33-year-old woman grappling with chronic knee pain from a gymnastics injury. Utilizing thermal imaging cameras to record subtle changes in skin temperature, the images create a color-coded map highlighting areas of inflammation, with red indicating elevated temperature and inflammation.
Following grounding for just 30 minutes with an electrode patch, a significant reduction in both pain and inflammation was observed. Within six days, her pain decreased by 50%, allowing for extended periods of pain-free standing. After four weeks, she played soccer with minimal discomfort, and by 12 weeks, her pain had nearly diminished by 90%, without any swelling. Remarkably, six months into treatment, she successfully completed a half-marathon, achieving feats she deemed impossible before undergoing grounding therapy.
Image source: read study
One-Hour Contact with the Earth’s Surface (Grounding) Improves Inflammation and Blood Flow—A Randomized, Double-Blind, Pilot Study
by: Gaétan Chevalier, Gregory Melvin, Tiffany Barsotti
In this study involving 40 subjects with an average age of 55 participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (27 grounded individuals) and Group B (13 sham-grounded individuals, the control group). Sham-grounding involved a similar process without actual grounding. Grounding equipment was utilized, including mats, pillows, and patches with wires. Subjects were grounded using these tools, connecting them to an electric power outlet with a proper grounding system.
Study Procedures Summary:
Subjects completed the Wellness Entry Form, ensuring compliance with study requirements. In the Thermal Imaging room, thermal equilibration occurred for 15 minutes in a controlled environment. Thermal images of the face, neck, and torso were taken, following the Thermal Imaging Protocol. Identified pain areas were marked on images. After Thermal Imaging, subjects moved to a recliner for grounding (or sham-grounding). The chair was covered with a grounding mat and pillow. Patches were placed on palms and soles, with wires connected to a switch-controlled connector box, ultimately linked to a ground port. (Sham-grounded controls had modified wires preventing independent grounding.) After one hour, the grounding switch was turned off. Subjects returned for a post-session round of Thermal Imaging.
Conclusion:
This study reveals that just one hour of contact with the Earth's surface significantly enhances blood flow regulation to the head and torso. This may promote improved skin tissue repair, health, vitality, and optimized facial appearance. Thermal imaging displayed enhanced fluid movements in the abdomen and improved blood circulation throughout the face and torso, suggesting potential health benefits. Further research with larger groups and longer follow-up is needed to confirm the Earth's unique influence as a protector of skin and overall well-being.
Link to study: Read study
Chevalier, G. , Melvin, G. and Barsotti, T. (2015) One-Hour Contact with the Earth’s Surface (Grounding) Improves Inflammation and Blood Flow—A Randomized, Double-Blind, Pilot Study.Health,7, 1022-1059. doi:10.4236/health.2015.78119
In the table from the study above, the temperatures before and after grounding are compared between the Grounded Group (top) and the Control Group (bottom) using Thermal Imaging. Temperature differences exceeding 0.5˚C are deemed significant. The study aimed to establish whether grounding the body enhances blood flow to the face, which was confirmed.
Table source: Read study
The Universal Anti-Inflammatory Remedy
Review Article By: Stephen T. Sinatra, Drew S. Sinatra, Stephen W. Sinatra Step, Gaetan Chevalier
This review article, published in February 2023, examines various studies on grounding/earthing, providing a thorough overview of current thinking on its effects.
Summary of the Review Article:
Grounding the body has demonstrated significant physiological changes, attributed to the abundance of mobile electrons on the Earth's surface. Modern lifestyles have severed the connection between humans and this natural health resource, potentially causing an electron deficiency associated with chronic inflammation and degenerative diseases. Clinical investigations indicate that grounding may enhance cardiovascular conditions, such as high blood pressure, disturbed heart rate variability, and hyperviscosity. By reestablishing an earth connection, electrons flood the body, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress while fortifying the body's defense mechanisms. This natural anti-inflammatory approach, though still in the early stages of research in 2022, holds promise for conditions like diabetes, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular issues, and communicable diseases, potentially emerging as a key preventive and therapeutic strategy.
Link to the Review Article: Read Article
Stephen T. Sinatra, Drew S. Sinatra, Stephen W. Sinatra Step, Gaetan Chevalier Grounding – The universal anti-inflammatory remedy. Biomedical Journal Volume 46, Issue 1, February 2023, Pages 11-16