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Martel J, Chang SH, Chevalier G, Ojcius DM, Young JD. Influence of electromagnetic fields on the circadian rhythm: Implications for human health and disease. Biomed J 2023; 46:48-59. [PMID: 36681118 PMCID: PMC10105029 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Living organisms have evolved within the natural electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of the earth which comprise the global atmospheric electrical circuit, Schumann resonances (SRs) and the geomagnetic field. Research suggests that the circadian rhythm, which controls several physiological functions in the human body, can be influenced by light but also by the earth's EMFs. Cyclic solar disturbances, including sunspots and seasonal weakening of the geomagnetic field, can affect human health, possibly by disrupting the circadian rhythm and downstream physiological functions. Severe disruption of the circadian rhythm increases inflammation which can induce fatigue, fever and flu-like symptoms in a fraction of the population and worsen existing symptoms in old and diseased individuals, leading to periodic spikes of infectious and chronic diseases. Possible mechanisms underlying sensing of the earth's EMFs involve entrainment via electrons and electromagnetic waves, light-dependent radical pair formation in retina cryptochromes, and paramagnetic magnetite nanoparticles. Factors such as electromagnetic pollution from wireless devices, base antennas and low orbit internet satellites, shielding by non-conductive materials used in shoes and buildings, and local geomagnetic anomalies may also affect sensing of the earth's EMFs by the human body and contribute to circadian rhythm disruption and disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Martel
- Center for Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsin Chang
- Center for Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Gaétan Chevalier
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - David M Ojcius
- Chang Gung Immunology Consortium, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of the Pacific, Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John D Young
- Chang Gung Biotechnology Corporation, Taipei, Taiwan.
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The Effect of Earthing Mat on Stress-Induced Anxiety-like Behavior and Neuroendocrine Changes in the Rat. Biomedicines 2022; 11:biomedicines11010057. [PMID: 36672565 PMCID: PMC9855809 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Grounding is a therapeutic technique that involves doing activities that “ground” or electrically reconnect us to the earth. The physiological effects of grounding have been reported from a variety of perspectives such as sleep or pain. However, its anti-stress efficacy is relatively unknown. The present study investigated the stress-related behavioral effects of earthing mat and its neurohormonal mechanisms in the Sprague−Dawley male rat. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: the naïve normal (Normal), the 21 days immobilization stressed (Control), the 21 days stressed + earthing mat for 7 days (A7) or 21 days (A21) group. The depressive-and anxiety like behaviors were measured by forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST) and elevated plus maze (EPM). Using immunohistochemistry, the expression of corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) and c-Fos immunoreactivity were analyzed in the brain. In the EPM, time spent in the open arm of the earthing mat groups was significantly increased compared to the Control group (p < 0.001), even though there were without effects among groups in the FST and TST. The expression of CRF immunoreactive neurons in the earthing mat group was markedly decreased compared to the Control group. Overall, the earthing mat reduced stress-induced behavioral changes and expression of c-Fos and CRF immunoreactivity in the brain. These results suggest that the earthing mat may have the potential to improve stress-related responses via the regulation of the corticotrophinergic system.
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Sinatra ST, Sinatra DS, Sinatra SW, Chevalier G. Grounding - The universal anti-inflammatory remedy. Biomed J 2022; 46:11-16. [PMID: 36528336 PMCID: PMC10105021 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Grounding or earthing could be the anti-inflammatory antidote for modern man. It is one of the greatest kept secrets when it comes to our health and aliveness and only a small part of the scientific community really understands the concept. Once health professionals and others realize that grounding is especially important in preventing inflammatory illness, an incredible effect on public health will be realized. The breath of validation from previous published data and real-life testimonials is a testimony of the earth's dramatic impact on healing the human body. Health information is constantly changing as a result of new research in various approaches to treating a multitude of inflammatory conditions. Sometimes, even with the most relevant published data, it is difficult to choose which advice is most conducive for healing. For example, it has been noted that perhaps one-third of the medical literature could be fraudulent.. Understanding absolute versus relative risk can also be confusing even for health professionals. And when data is reported in relative risk, only a fraction of the real science is revealed. However, one small established fact that conveys universal agreement is the simple correlation that inflammation is the root cause of almost all diseases!
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen T Sinatra
- Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, USA
| | | | | | - Gaetan Chevalier
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Lin CH, Tseng ST, Chuang YC, Kuo CE, Chen NC. Grounding the Body Improves Sleep Quality in Patients with Mild Alzheimer’s Disease: A Pilot Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10030581. [PMID: 35327058 PMCID: PMC8954071 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10030581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Grounding refers to having direct contact with the Earth, such as by walking barefoot or lying on the ground. Research has found that grounding can improve inflammation, free radical damage, blood pressure, sleep quality, pain, stress, mood, and wound healing. However, there has been no research on the effect of utilizing grounding for patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Thus, in this study, we investigated the effectiveness of grounding as a non-pharmacological therapy for treating sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression in patients with mild AD. Methods: Patients with mild AD were enrolled in the study. The electrochemical analyzer CHI 1205b was employed to check the electrochemical signals at acupoints KI1 and GV16. We used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) to evaluate sleep quality, anxiety, and depression, respectively, at weeks 0 and 12. Results: This 12-week placebo-controlled study enrolled 22 patients, but only 15 patients completed the 12-week intervention and survey. Grounding significantly improved PSQI scores compared to the sham-grounding group (mean ± SD: 0.3 ± 0.7 vs. 3.0 ± 1.9, p = 0.006). The scores on the BAI and BDI-II did not change significantly after grounding in comparison to the sham-grounding group. Conclusions: Grounding can improve sleep quality, but it does not significantly improve anxiety and depression among patients with mild AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Hung Lin
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (C.-H.L.); (S.-T.T.)
| | - Shih-Ting Tseng
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (C.-H.L.); (S.-T.T.)
| | - Yao-Chung Chuang
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan;
| | - Chun-En Kuo
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (C.-H.L.); (S.-T.T.)
- School of Chinese Medicine for Post Baccalaureate I-Shou University, No. 1, Sec. 1, Syuecheng Rd., Dashu District, Kaohsiung 84001, Taiwan
- Department of Leisure and Sports Management, Cheng Shiu University, No. 840, Chengcing Rd., Niaosong Dist., Kaohsiung 83347, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-E.K.); (N.-C.C.); Tel.: +886-7-731-7123 (ext. 2334) (C.-E.K. & N.-C.C.)
| | - Nai-Ching Chen
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: (C.-E.K.); (N.-C.C.); Tel.: +886-7-731-7123 (ext. 2334) (C.-E.K. & N.-C.C.)
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Bakker GM. The current status of energy psychology: Extraordinary claims with less than ordinary evidence. CLIN PSYCHOL-UK 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/cp.12020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gary M. Bakker
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia,
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Menigoz W, Latz TT, Ely RA, Kamei C, Melvin G, Sinatra D. Integrative and lifestyle medicine strategies should include Earthing (grounding): Review of research evidence and clinical observations. Explore (NY) 2019; 16:152-160. [PMID: 31831261 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2019.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Earthing (also known as grounding) refers to the discovery that bodily contact with the Earth's natural electric charge stabilizes the physiology at the deepest levels, reduces inflammation, pain, and stress, improves blood flow, energy, and sleep, and generates greater well-being. Such effects are profound, systemic, and foundational, and often develop rapidly. Earthing is as simple as routinely walking barefoot outdoors and/or using inexpensive grounding systems indoors while sleeping or sitting, practices that restore a lost and needed electric connection with the Earth. Some 20 studies to date have reported intriguing evidence of wide and significant physiological improvements when the body is grounded vs. non-grounded. The research, along with numerous anecdotal reports, demonstrates that Earthing clearly deserves inclusion in the clinical practice of preventive, alternative, and lifestyle medicine and has great potential to render these approaches more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Menigoz
- Naprapathic Healing Center, 1230 Larry Power Rd., Bourbonnais, IL 60914, United States.
| | - Tracy T Latz
- Lake Norman Integrative Psychiatry, 116 S Main St, Suite 301, Mooresville, NC 28115, United States.
| | - Robin A Ely
- Center for Integrative Medicine, 12536 Ansin Circle Drive, Potomac, MD, United States.
| | - Cimone Kamei
- Jujube Clinic, 2863 Kalakaua Ave., Diamond Head Suite, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States.
| | - Gregory Melvin
- Total Thermal Imaging Wellness Center, 8341 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942, United States.
| | - Drew Sinatra
- Clear Center of Health, 125 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States.
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Lee JH, Hinchet R, Kim TY, Ryu H, Seung W, Yoon HJ, Kim SW. Control of Skin Potential by Triboelectrification with Ferroelectric Polymers. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2015; 27:5553-5558. [PMID: 26292202 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201502463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Negatively polarized ferroelectric polymer β-P(VDF-TrFE) shows higher positive triboelectric properties than skin, which could lead to new medical applications. Kelvin force microscope measurements and triboelectric nanogenerator characterizations are performed to demonstrate this new property. In addition, how many negative charges are exchanged by contact electrification between the negatively polarized β-P(VDF-TrFE) and the skin is estimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Hyuck Lee
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Center for Human Interface Nanotechnology (HINT), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 440-746, Republic of Korea
| | - Ronan Hinchet
- School of Advanced Materials Science and Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 440-746, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Yun Kim
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Center for Human Interface Nanotechnology (HINT), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 440-746, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanjun Ryu
- School of Advanced Materials Science and Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 440-746, Republic of Korea
| | - Wanchul Seung
- School of Advanced Materials Science and Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 440-746, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Joon Yoon
- School of Advanced Materials Science and Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 440-746, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Woo Kim
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Center for Human Interface Nanotechnology (HINT), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 440-746, Republic of Korea
- School of Advanced Materials Science and Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 440-746, Republic of Korea
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Chevalier G, Sinatra ST, Oschman JL, Delany RM. Earthing (grounding) the human body reduces blood viscosity-a major factor in cardiovascular disease. J Altern Complement Med 2013; 19:102-10. [PMID: 22757749 PMCID: PMC3576907 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2011.0820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Emerging research is revealing that direct physical contact of the human body with the surface of the earth (grounding or earthing) has intriguing effects on human physiology and health, including beneficial effects on various cardiovascular risk factors. This study examined effects of 2 hours of grounding on the electrical charge (zeta potential) on red blood cells (RBCs) and the effects on the extent of RBC clumping. DESIGN/INTERVENTIONS SUBJECTS were grounded with conductive patches on the soles of their feet and palms of their hands. Wires connected the patches to a stainless-steel rod inserted in the earth outdoors. Small fingertip pinprick blood samples were placed on microscope slides and an electric field was applied to them. Electrophoretic mobility of the RBCs was determined by measuring terminal velocities of the cells in video recordings taken through a microscope. RBC aggregation was measured by counting the numbers of clustered cells in each sample. SETTINGS/LOCATION Each subject sat in a comfortable reclining chair in a soundproof experiment room with the lights dimmed or off. SUBJECTS Ten (10) healthy adult subjects were recruited by word-of-mouth. RESULTS Earthing or grounding increased zeta potentials in all samples by an average of 2.70 and significantly reduced RBC aggregation. CONCLUSIONS Grounding increases the surface charge on RBCs and thereby reduces blood viscosity and clumping. Grounding appears to be one of the simplest and yet most profound interventions for helping reduce cardiovascular risk and cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaétan Chevalier
- Developmental and Cell Biology Department, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Stephen T. Sinatra
- Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT
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Earthing: health implications of reconnecting the human body to the Earth's surface electrons. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2012; 2012:291541. [PMID: 22291721 PMCID: PMC3265077 DOI: 10.1155/2012/291541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Environmental medicine generally addresses environmental factors with a negative impact on human health. However, emerging scientific research has revealed a surprisingly positive and overlooked environmental factor on health: direct physical contact with the vast supply of electrons on the surface of the Earth. Modern lifestyle separates humans from such contact. The research suggests that this disconnect may be a major contributor to physiological dysfunction and unwellness. Reconnection with the Earth's electrons has been found to promote intriguing physiological changes and subjective reports of well-being. Earthing (or grounding) refers to the discovery of benefits—including better sleep and reduced pain—from walking barefoot outside or sitting, working, or sleeping indoors connected to conductive systems that transfer the Earth's electrons from the ground into the body. This paper reviews the earthing research and the potential of earthing as a simple and easily accessed global modality of significant clinical importance.
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Mysterud I. Fysisk kontakt med jorden er viktig for helsen. TIDSSKRIFT FOR DEN NORSKE LEGEFORENING 2012; 132:270. [DOI: 10.4045/tidsskr.11.0885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Multifunctional Merkel cells: Their roles in electromagnetic reception, finger-print formation, Reiki, epigenetic inheritance and hair form. Med Hypotheses 2010; 75:162-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2010.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/10/2010] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Oschman JL. Charge transfer in the living matrix. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2008; 13:215-28. [PMID: 19524846 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2008.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2008] [Revised: 05/26/2008] [Accepted: 06/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The living matrix is defined as the continuous molecular fabric of the organism, consisting of fascia, the other connective tissues, extracellular matrices, integrins, cytoskeletons, nuclear matrices and DNA. The extracellular, cellular and nuclear biopolymers or ground substances constitute a body-wide reservoir of charge that can maintain electrical homeostasis and "inflammatory preparedness" throughout the organism. Recent research has emphasized the significance of charge transfer in relation to the scavenging or neutralization of free radicals delivered to sites of injury during and after the oxidative burst. Evidence comes from studies of the role of electrons in mitigating the consequences of inflammation when living systems are connected to the earth (earthing). The phenomenon helps explain how bodywork and movement therapies can facilitate the resolution of acute or chronic injuries, and how patients with inflammatory conditions may "deplete" a therapist during hands-on treatments. It is suggested that barefoot contact with the earth as well as hands-on and hands-off therapies facilitate healing by stimulating the migration of charges into sites of acute or chronic inflammation. One hypothesis to explain the effects of earthing is that charges from the ground substance reservoir prevent "collateral damage" to healthy tissues in the vicinity of an injury. A second hypothesis is that earthing allows electrons to replenish charge in the ground substance reservoirs, making electrons available throughout the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Oschman
- Nature's Own Research Association, PO Box 1935, Dover, New Hampshire, USA.
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