Earthing the human body influences physiologic processes

Down to earth - A new type of hygiene

In the current issue of the Biomedical Journal a special section introduces the influence earthing (or lack thereof) has on the human body. A variety of enlightening articles elaborate how electromagnetic hygiene involving earthing may lower the occurrence of various diseases, reduce inflammation, improve sleep and help maintain a well-functioning circadian rhythm. Another article has a closer look at the connection between sunspot extrema and pandemics, and the relief grounding may exert on the main complications encountered in COVID-19 infection. This issue furthermore contains articles about the principles and safety of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, the use of lidocaine against the cytokine storm triggered by SARS-CoV-2, and hypocalcemia as predictive marker in COVID-19. The reader learns about two miRNAs playing a role in colorectal cancer, diffusion characteristics of cerebrospinal fluid, and an approach of rotational radiography leading to a lower radiation exposure. The final articles present the use of dynamic arthroscopy to refine diagnosis of the origin of shoulder pain, the application of traditional Chinese medicine in analysis of chronic kidney disease, and an exchange concerning neuroimaging abnormalities in pediatric COVID-19 cases.

Grounding - The universal anti-inflammatory remedy

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!

Grounding (earthing) as related to electromagnetic hygiene: An integrative review

There are a growing number of studies investigating how grounding (earthing) the body may benefit biological performance and aid the treatment of non-communicable diseases. Research also indicates how biological grounding initiatives can sometimes be compromised, or inappropriate, and the need to take additional factors into account as potential contributory factors, or confounders, to expected results. It is proposed that expanding electromagnetic hygiene measures beyond biological grounding alone may help reduce spread of communicable diseases, incidence of respiratory conditions, neurodegenerative disease and all-cause mortality. Identifying potential synergies that exist could enable multilevel interventions to further increase the efficacy of measures. It is hoped that this review will help act as a catalyst to inspire and inform multi-disciplinary research within these topic areas, best practices and policies to help drive medical innovation, reduce health burdens, improve bioelectromagnetic-based therapies, and influence the general design of the built environment and next-generation technologies.

Illnesses in technologically advanced societies due to lack of grounding (earthing)

The research on grounding or earthing summarized here is providing valuable clues about why chronic and autoimmune diseases are rampant, simple and reliable help for those with these health issues, and promising paths forward. During the period when this research was getting started, approximately 2000 to the present, scientists from around the world were establishing connections between inflammation and virtually all chronic diseases (Table 1) using the c-reactive protein assay developed by Ridker and his colleagues at Harvard Medical School. This article reviews Earthing, a safe therapy that optimizes (balances) each person's unique physiological functions; and that provides relief from the major diseases of the aging population; and that may slow the aging process itself. This statement is made because of the recognition that cumulative damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS), sometimes referred to as free radicals, is one of the most widely studied theories of the cause of aging. Because the continuous semiconducting fabric of the body reaches into every part of the body, including the interiors of all cells and their nuclei, mobile electrons in the grounded or earthed person are thought to be capable of rapidly neutralizing ROS produced by oxidative metabolism taking place in every cell and tissue.

Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection by earthing

BACKGROUND

Earthing is a body contact with earth without insulator. In previous studies, grounding revealed anti-inflammatory effect, immunity enhancement, anticoagulation, and rising blood oxygenation.

AIM

To investigate the role of earthing in treatment and prevention of COVID-19 infection.

METHODS

An observational and interventional study included 71 cases with COVID-19 infection. Earthing was applied as preventive and treatment measures. All participants conducted earthing through direct contact with the earth or connecting apparatus for about 15 min to 6 h/day.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients were fully improved within 2 h-11 days after commencement of earthing (mean: 2.9 days, SD ± 2, median: 2 days), while the mean illness duration was 8.9 days (SD ± 4.6) and the median was 9 days. Two patients with many risk factors died where earthing was carried out insufficiently and too late. Nine people contracted mild or short-lived illness (mean: 6.3 days, SD ± 5.5) as a consequence of performing prophylactic earthing. There was a spectacular response in a critically ill patient who was unable to speak due to severe dyspnea with blood oxygen level 38% on continuous oxygen supply. On the second day, after two sessions of 3 h daily earthing, his oxygen level raised to 95% with oxygen supply and 77% without oxygen supply. The following symptoms were improved after implementing earthing: fever, dyspnea, cough, weakness, headache, chest pain, taste and smell sensation loss, anorexia, and body pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Earthing revealed significant curing and preventive effects with a shorter illness duration.

Grounding the Body Improves Sleep Quality in Patients with Mild Alzheimer’s Disease: A Pilot Study

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.

The Impact of Electrical Stimulation of the Brain and Spinal Cord on Iron and Calcium-Phosphate Metabolism

BACKGROUND

Deep-brain stimulation (DBS) electrically modulates the subcortical brain regions. Under conditions of monopolar cerebral stimulation, electrical current flows between electrode's contacts and an implantable pulse generator, placed in the subclavicular area. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) delivers an electrical current to the spinal cord. Epidural electrical stimulation is associated with the leakage of current, which can cause a generalized reaction. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the electrical stimulation of the cerebrum and spinal cord could have generalized effects on biochemical parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 25 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD, n = 21) and dystonia (n = 4), who underwent DBS implantation, and 12 patients with chronic pain, who had SCS, received electrical stimulation. The blood levels of selected biochemical parameters were measured before and after overnight stimulation.

RESULTS

After DBS, the mean ± interquartile range (IQR) values for iron (off 15.6 ± 13.53 µmol/L; on: 7.65 ± 10.8 µmol/L; p < 0.001), transferrin (off: 2.42 ± 0.88 g/L; on: 1.99 ± 0.59 g/L; p < 0.001), transferrin saturation (off: 23.20 ± 14.50%; on: 10.70 ± 11.35%; p = 0.001), phosphate (off: 1.04 ± 0.2 mmol/L; on: 0.83 ± 0.2 mmol/L; p = 0.007), and total calcium (off: 2.39 ± 0.29 mmol/L; on: 2.27 ± 0.19 mmol/L; p = 0.016) were significantly reduced, whereas ferritin (off: 112.00 ± 89.00 ng/mL; on: 150.00 ± 89.00 ng/mL; p = 0.003) and C-reactive protein (off: 0.90 ± 19.39 mg/L; on: 60.35 ± 35.91 mg/L; p = 0.002) were significantly increased. Among patients with SCS, significant differences were observed for ferritin (off: 35 ± 63 ng/mL; on: 56 ± 62 ng/mL; p = 0.013), transferrin (off: 2.70 ± 0.74 g/L; on: 2.49 ± 0.69 g/L; p = 0.048), and C-reactive protein (off: 31.00 ± 36.40 mg/L; on: 36.60 ± 62.030 mg/L; p = 0.018) before and after electrical stimulation. No significant changes in the examined parameters were observed among patients after thalamotomy and pallidotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Leaking electric current delivered to the subcortical nuclei of the brain and the dorsal column of the spinal cord exposes the rest of the body to a negative charge. The generalized reaction is associated with an inflammatory response and altered iron and calcium-phosphate metabolism. Alterations in iron metabolism due to electrical stimulation may impact the course of PD. Future research should investigate the influence of electric current and electromagnetic field induced by neurostimulators on human metabolism.

Integrative and lifestyle medicine strategies should include Earthing (grounding): Review of research evidence and clinical observations

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.

Effect of in vivo and in vitro exposure to electrostatic field on some hematological parameters in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the external electrostatic field (ESF) on some hematological parameters in rats. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments were carried out. In in vivo investigations, rats were exposed to ESF (200 kV/m) during short (1 h) and long periods (6 days, 6 h daily). For in vitro study, the blood of intact rats was exposed to ESF for 1 h. Blood hematology was measured using validated ABX Micros ESV 60 Veterinary Hematology Analyzer. DNA damage in blood leucocytes was detected by means of comet assay. ESF effect on blood cell count was mainly manifested in white blood cells (WBC) and platelets. Damage of WBC was shown both in vitro and in vivo despite alterations in the count. This means the observed increase in WBC count in some cases might be a result of WBC compensatory mobilization from the bone marrow. Red blood cell (RBC) count and related parameters were slightly affected by ESF. Nevertheless, alterations in the shape and size of RBC were manifested. All ESF effects were extinguished in 14 days after the end of exposure. Bioelectromagnetics. 37:513-526, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Prevention and Treatment of Influenza, Influenza-Like Illness, and Common Cold by Herbal, Complementary, and Natural Therapies

In recent years viral respiratory tract infections, especially influenza viruses, have had a major impact on communities worldwide as a result of unavailability of effective treatment or vaccine. The frequent alterations in the antigenic structures of respiratory viruses, particularly for RNA viruses, pose difficulties in production of effective vaccines. The unavailability of optimal medication and shortage of effective vaccines suggests the requirement for alternative natural therapies. Several herbal remedies were used for prevention and treatment viral respiratory illnesses. Among those that were found effective included maoto, licorice roots, antiwei, North American ginseng, berries, Echinacea, plants extracted carnosic acid, pomegranate, guava tea, and Bai Shao. There is scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of several complementary therapies for colds. Oral zinc may reduce the length and severity of a cold. Taking vitamin C supplements on a regular basis only slightly reduces the length and severity of colds. Probiotics were found better than placebo in reducing the number episodes of acute upper respiratory tract infections, the rate of episodes of acute upper respiratory tract infection and reducing antibiotic use. Alkaline diets or drinks might have antiviral properties as in vitro studies demonstrated inactivation effect of alkaline medium on respiratory virus. Earthing might have a natural anti-inflammatory effect for human body. It is now accepted that an overwhelming inflammatory response is the cause of human deaths from avian H5N1 influenza infection. Earthing accelerates immune response following vaccination, as demonstrated by increases of gamma globulin concentration. No in vivo or clinical studies were found that investigate the role of alkalization or earthing on respiratory viral infections. Thus, future studies are recommended to reveal any potential curative effects.

Grounding after moderate eccentric contractions reduces muscle damage

Grounding a human to the earth has resulted in changes in the physiology of the body. A pilot study on grounding and eccentric contractions demonstrated shortened duration of pain, reduced creatine kinase (CK), and differences in blood parameters. This follow-up study was conducted to investigate the effects of grounding after moderate eccentric contractions on pain, CK, and complete blood counts. Thirty-two healthy young men were randomly divided into grounded (n=16) and sham-grounded (n=16) groups. On days 1 through 4, visual analog scale for pain evaluations and blood draws were accomplished. On day 1, the participants performed eccentric contractions of 200 half-knee bends. They were then grounded or sham-grounded to the earth for 4 hours on days 1 and 2. Both groups experienced pain on all posttest days. On day 2, the sham-grounded group experienced significant CK increase (P<0.01) while the CK of the grounded group did not increase significantly; the between-group difference was significant (P=0.04). There was also an increase in the neutrophils of the grounded group on day 3 (P=0.05) compared to the sham-grounded group. There was a significant increase in platelets in the grounded group on days 2 through 4. Grounding produced changes in CK and complete blood counts that were not shared by the sham-grounded group. Grounding significantly reduced the loss of CK from the injured muscles indicating reduced muscle damage. These results warrant further study on the effects of earthing on delayed onset muscle damage.

Control of Skin Potential by Triboelectrification with Ferroelectric Polymers

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.

Analysis of the charge exchange between the human body and ground: evaluation of "earthing" from an electrical perspective

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate "earthing" from an electrical perspective through measurement and analysis of the naturally occurring electron flow between the human body or a control and ground as this relates to the magnitude of the charge exchange, the relationship between the charge exchange and body functions (respiration and heart rate), and the detection of other information that might be contained in the charge exchange.

METHODS

Sensitive, low-noise instrumentation was designed and fabricated to measure low-level current flow at low frequencies. This instrumentation was used to record current flow between human subjects or a control and ground, and these measurements were performed approximately 40 times under varied circumstances. The results of these measurements were analyzed to determine if information was contained in the current exchange.

RESULTS

The currents flowing between the human body and ground were small (nanoamperes), and they correlated with subject motion. There did not appear to be any information contained in this exchange except for information about subject motion.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that currents flow between the environment (earth) and a grounded human body; however, these currents are small (nanoamperes) and do not appear to contain information other than information about subject motion.

Differences in Blood Urea and Creatinine Concentrations in Earthed and Unearthed Subjects during Cycling Exercise and Recovery

Contact of humans with the earth, either directly (e.g., with bare feet) or using a metal conductor, changes their biochemical parameters. The effects of earthing during physical exercise are unknown. This study was carried out to evaluate selected biochemical parameters in subjects who were earthed during cycling. In a double-blind, crossover study, 42 participants were divided into two groups and earthed during exercise and recovery. One group was earthed in the first week during 30 minutes of cycling exercise and during recovery, and a second group was earthed in the second week. A double-blind technique was applied. Blood samples were obtained before each training session, after 15 and 30 minutes of exercise, and after 40 minutes of recovery. Significantly lower blood urea levels were observed in subjects earthed during exercise and relaxation. These significant differences were noted in both groups earthed at the beginning of exercise (P < 0.0001), after 15 (P < 0.0001) and 30 minutes (P < 0.0001) of exercise, and after 40 minutes of relaxation (P < 0.0001). Creatinine concentrations in earthed subjects during exercise were unchanged. Conclusions. Earthing during exercise lowers blood urea concentrations and may inhibit hepatic protein catabolism or increase renal urea excretion. Exertion under earthing may result in a positive protein balance.

Earthing the human organism influences bioelectrical processes

OBJECTIVES

This article describes interaction of the Earth's mass-electrolytic conductor on the electrical environment of human organism-aqueous environment and skeleton. In this environment, bioelectrical and bioenergetical processes take place.

METHODS AND SUBJECTS

Measurements of electric potential on tongue, teeth, nails, and in venous blood in subjects earthed and unearthed were conducted in Faraday's cage with the use of an electrometer placed outside the cage. Measurements were performed in subjects in lying position and in movements of standing up and lying down.

RESULTS

In the unearthed human organism in the lying position, electric potential measured in examined points is around 0  mV. Contact of the Earth by a copper conductor with a moistened surface of the human body evokes a rapid decrease of electrostatic potential on the body and in venous blood to the value of approximately -200  mV. This effect is immediate and general. Interruption of contact with the Earth causes a rapid return of the potential to its initial values in examined points. Changes in electric potential measured in venous blood and on mucosal membrane of the tongue reflect alterations in electric potential of the aqueous, electrical environment. Up-and-down movement of the insulated human organism causes transient changes in potential in the human electrical environment. During the same movement, values of potential in the electrical environment of an earthed human body remain constant.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that up-and-down movement and the elimination of potentials in the electrical environment of the human organism by the Earth's mass may play a fundamental role in regulation of bioelectrical and bioenergetical processes. The Earth's electromagnetohydrodynamic potential is responsible for this phenomenon.

Earthing: health implications of reconnecting the human body to the Earth's surface electrons

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.

The neuromodulative role of earthing

Neuromodulation is a process of inhibition, stimulation, modification and regulation or therapeutic alteration of activity, electrically and chemically in the peripheral, central or autonomic nervous systems. Direct electric current or electric field alternates the function of nervous system. Coupling the human organism with the Earth directly or via a wire conductor changes the electric potential not only on the surface of the body but also inside it, changing the potential of electric environment of the human organism. Earthing refers to a direct contact with the Earth with bare feet or contact with the Earth with the use of conductive wire attached to the human body during sleeping, or daily activities. During earthing this electric potential equals to electric potential of the Earth and the value of it depends on location, time, atmospheric conditions, moisture of the surface of the Earth. The earthing which changes the density of negative charge in electric environment of the human body influences physiological processes. Our medical hypothesis states that contact with the Earth (earthing) directly or via a conductive wire plays role as a neuromodulative factor, probably primary, which enables the nervous system to be better adapted to the demands of organism and ambient environment. It helps to restore natural, electrical status of the electrical environment of the organism and thus the nervous system. Earthing generates immediate changes in electroencephalography (EEG), surface electromyography (SEMG), and somato-sensory evoked potentials (SSEPs). We hypothesize that earthing through its complex action on bioelectrical environment of human organism and alternations in electrolyte concentrations regulates correct functioning of the nervous system. Earthing significantly influences on the electrical activity of the brain.