Abstract of the review article “Integrative and lifestyle medicine strategies should include Earthing (grounding)” (Explore, 2020)
A comprehensive scientific review published in the journal Explore (2020) summarizes the results of about 20 studies and clinical observations on grounding – that is, direct contact between the human body and the earth’s surface. The authors argue that grounding should be considered a fundamental lifestyle measure in preventive and integrative medicine.
What is grounding – and why should it matter?
The Earth’s surface has a weak, natural negative electrical charge, which is maintained by lightning strikes and the sun’s effect on the atmosphere, among other things. When we are in direct contact with the ground (e.g. barefoot on grass or via grounded products), the body can absorb free electrons. These act as antioxidants – they can neutralize harmful free radicals that cause inflammation and tissue damage.
In modern times, we have isolated ourselves from the Earth: we wear rubber shoes, walk on asphalt and concrete in cities, live in buildings high above the ground and spend most of our time indoors. The authors describe this as an ‘electron deficiency syndrome’, which is believed to contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress and disrupted physiological regulation.
What does the overview show?
The compiled studies show that grounding can have several physiological effects:
– Reduced inflammation and pain – documented via medical thermography and patient reports.
– Better sleep and nervous system function – grounding improves vagal tone and heart rate variability (HRV).
– Improved blood circulation – thanks to the increased zeta potential of red blood cells, blood viscosity is reduced.
– Faster recovery after exercise – grounding reduces exercise pain and muscle inflammation.
– Support for autoimmune conditions and chronic pain – several clinics report improvements where other treatment has not helped.
– Increased energy and improved mood – often noticed already after short grounding sessions.
How does it work?
Outdoors – e.g. swimming in the sea or lake, barefoot on grass, sand or earth.
Indoors – using earthing products connected to the earthed plug of the electrical socket (not suitable in Sweden) or via ground spike. In Sweden, connection via ground spike or connection with clamp to water pipe/water radiator is preferred as the Swedish electrical system is of the TN-C-S type which, for cost reasons, does not separate the protective earth from the electrical system transformer like the UK’s TN-S. The neutral conductor (N) and protective earth (PE) are in that system completely separated from the transformer to the end user.
Clinical experience in the study
The authors, all clinicians in integrative medicine, share patient cases where grounding has been used to support pain, sleep problems, autoimmune diseases, depression, fibromyalgia, wound healing and fatigue. Several patients experienced significant improvement within days or weeks.
Conclusion according to the authors
Grounding is a simple, natural and cost-effective method that can quickly affect inflammation, stress and circulation – thus strengthening the body’s self-healing. According to the study, grounding should be considered a fundamental component of lifestyle medicine and chronic disease prevention.
Reference
Menigoz W. et al. Integrative and lifestyle medicine strategies should include Earthing (grounding): Review of research evidence and clinical observations. Explore (2020); 16: 152-160.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2019.10.005
