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Abstract
Over the last few years, the utilization of integrative biophysics for medical application has been increasing in popularity. Grounding or earthing is the oldest and most basic form of natural bioelectric potential that supports physiological and electrophysiological changes in the body. Since previous investigations have shown that grounding profoundly affects skin conductance within seconds, we hypothesized that grounding may also improve heart rate variability (HRV).
In this study of 27 final participants, grounded subjects had improvements in HRV that go beyond basic relaxation (P<.01). Since improved HRV has such a positive impact on cardiovascular status, it is suggested that simple grounding techniques be utilized as a basic integrative strategy in supporting the cardiovascular system, especially under situations of heightened autonomic tone (ie, when the sympathetic nervous system is more activated than the parasympathetic nervous system).
Grounding or earthing is defined as placing one's bare feet on the ground (especially when humid or wet), whether it be dirt, grass, sand, or concrete. It is known that the earth maintains a negative electrical potential on its surface.1,2 When in direct contact with the ground (walking, sitting, or lying down on the earth's surface), the earth's electrons are conducted to the human body, bringing it to the same electrical potential as the earth.3,4 Living in direct contact with the earth grounds the body, inducing favorable physiological and electrophysiological changes that promote optimum health.5 Regulation of circadian rhythms and improved sleep and nighttime Cortisol dynamics reflect a few changes associated with favorable autonomic nervous system (ANS) function that can come about with grounding.5,6
The many unpredictable sociological, economic, and political events of the 21st century have increased the stress of modern living as compared to earlier and simpler times. As a result, more and more people live day-to-day in unrelenting states of heightened physiological arousal. These physiological states involve chronic over-activation of the ANS.
Situations that balance the over-stressed sympathetic limb of the autonomic nervous system also support the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) and result in a decrease in sympathetic tone and improved clinical outcomes for stress. Interventions such as exercise, supplementation with omega-3 essential fatty acids, and medicating with supportive pharmaceutical agents (eg, beta blockers and angiotension-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitors) all support the ANS.7 (ACE...