The Well: Grounding

Welcome to The Well! We created a|dash as a way to make wellness and health more accessible. As we continue to grow and serve our community we want to be a trusted source of science backed information on how to optimize your health. 

We have been diving into practices to share with you all. As we come into 2023, we want to share these resources to help you be your best self. 

One practice we are incorporating into our morning routine is grounding.

The practice of grounding, also known as earthing, involves connecting to the Earth's surface by walking barefoot or using conductive materials, such as a grounding mat or sheets. Some people claim that grounding has various health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving sleep, and reducing stress.

There is some scientific evidence to support the potential benefits of grounding. For example, several studies have found that grounding may have anti-inflammatory effects. One study found that grounding reduced inflammation markers in healthy individuals, while another study found that grounding reduced inflammation in people with chronic inflammatory conditions.

Other studies have suggested that grounding may have positive effects on sleep. One study found that grounding improved sleep quality and reduced the amount of time it took to fall asleep in people with sleep disorders. Another study found that grounding improved sleep quality and reduced fatigue in people with chronic fatigue syndrome.

There is also some evidence to suggest that grounding may have stress-reducing effects. One study found that grounding reduced stress and improved mood in people with high levels of stress. Another study found that grounding reduced stress and improved well-being in people who were experiencing acute stress. 

So, how can you practice grounding as a beginner? Here are a few recommendations:

1. Walk barefoot on the Earth: One of the easiest and most accessible ways to practice grounding is by walking barefoot on the Earth. This can be done on grass, sand, or soil.
2. Use a grounding mat or sheets: If you're unable to walk barefoot outside, you can use a grounding mat or sheets to connect to the Earth's electrical charge indoors. These materials are made of conductive materials that allow you to connect to the Earth's surface.
3. Spend time in nature: In addition to walking barefoot or using a grounding mat, you can also try spending time in nature to get the benefits of grounding. This can be as simple as going for a hike or taking a walk in the park.
4. Be consistent: To get the most out of grounding, it's important to be consistent with your practice. Try to incorporate grounding into your daily routine, whether that's walking barefoot outside or using a grounding mat or sheets.

If you want you learn more, check out the sited below. 

Here are a few scientific articles on the topic of grounding or earthing:

1. "Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth's Surface Electrons" by James L. Oschman (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3265077/)
2. "The Effects of Grounding on Inflammation, the Autonomic Nervous System, and Other Health Markers in Chronic Inflammatory Conditions" by Gaétan Chevalier et al. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3955888/)
3. "Grounding the Human Body Improves Facial Blood Flow Regulation" by Gaétan Chevalier et al. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5851040/)
4. "Grounding the Human Body During Sleep as a Novel Approach to Reduce Blood Pressure: A Pilot Study" by M. Sedlmeier et al. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/)
5. "Grounding the Human Body Reduces Blood Viscosity—a Major Factor in Cardiovascular Disease" by James L. Oschman et al. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4940409/)

If you are looking for a grounding mat...we are fans of this one.

Our favorite product designed to reduce stress. 

Live well, 

Kelly