Earthing Sheets

How To Make Your Own Earthing Sheet

Earthing Sheets Connect Us to the Schumann Resonance of The Earth

by Michael at Earthrunners

In 2007, a team of researchers from the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health ran a study and concluded the following, “The nature of the electromagnetic environments that most humans are now regularly exposed to has changed dramatically over the past century and often bears little resemblance to those created in Nature”.  “In particular, the increased masking/shielding/insulation of individuals from beneficial types of natural electromagnetic phenomena, the presence of synthetic materials that can gain strong charge and increase exposures to inappropriate electric field levels and polarities have greatly altered the electromagnetic nature of the microenvironments many individuals usually occupy.” 

  

Here’s the problem. Living indoors disconnects us from our natural electric state & hinders our bodies ability to tell time.

Living the majority of our lives indoors exposed to high-frequency-man-made electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) reaps havoc on our biology when disconnected from the natural low frequency EMF’s found on the Earth’s surface. These foreign frequencies interfere with our internal clock’s ability to tell time and coordinate nanoscopic biochemical reactions that are crucial for optimal health. Most people believe that the circadian clock of the brain is controlled exclusively by the light and dark cycles but this is not the case. There are magnetic cells in our suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus that coordinate with the electromagnetic resonance of the Earth and its ionosphere. The electrical exchange between the earth and the ionosphere are constantly excited by lightning discharges, creating a global electromagnetic resonance called the Schumann resonance frequency.

As life has evolved here on Earth it not only paid attention to the light and dark cycle, but it ingrained the frequency of the Schumann resonance into our biology. The brain uses this natural resonance along with light and dark to tell time. The master controller of all life is time, and when our internal timing is off, a myriad of missed biochemical reactions result in inflammation.  

When we address the current health of the developing world, inflammation stands as the central health issue of our time. If we consider the fundamental changes in our lifestyle over the past century, what seems to have been over looked is our electrical connection to the Earth. All life has lived grounded electrically to the Earth at every point in life’s history, up until modern times. This electrical disconnect from the harmonizing rhythms of the Earth seems to have affected our bodies ability to accurately tell time. Alpha brain waves known for their synchronous electrical activity throughout our nervous system, resonate at the same frequency as the Schumann resonance. This implies that our nervous system uses the Schumann resonance as a fixed reference point to help tell time and normalize the biological rhythms of the body.

Going barefoot connects us to the harmonizing rhythms of the Schumann resonance.

When we go barefoot at the beach or swim in the ocean we share the same electrical potential as the earth and therefore submerge ourselves in the harmonizing rhythms of the Schumann resonance. These experiences reveal the peace and clarity these types of earthing practices bring into our life.  Not to say there are not many other factors at play in this given scenario, but it’s hard to ignore some fundamental factor contributing here.

Earthing Sheets simulate the effect of sleeping in direct contact with the Earth.

As an engineer myself, I decided to run my own experiment to test the effects of earthing while eliminating as many of these variables as possible.  I created an earthing sheet made of locally available goods and planned to sleep grounded as I had read about in the book Earthing, by Clinton Ober. This would simulate the effect of sleeping in direct contact with the Earth, while still being in the comfort of my own bed. I attempted to replicate the protocol used in the earthing studies I had read. I did this by creating as much surface area between me and my earthing sheet as possible, and also made sure to connect my sheet directly to a stake in the ground out my window.  I created a video showing how I made my earthing sheet, in hopes that others can run the same experiment and experience the same remarkable results that I did!

Listen to the neurosurgeon.

For further reading on how Earthing can help normalize your circadian cycle and avoid the harmful effects of high-frequency-man-made EMF, check out EMF 1: Does Your Rolex Work? by Jack Kruse. Jack is a practicing neurosurgeon and optimal heath coach who has taken the paleo community by storm in the past few years. He has been sharing his tried and true methods he and his patients have been practicing for the past 6 years with remarkable results.

Earth Runners - Earthing sandals

 Very excited to share my third brand purchase of Earthing shoes.  These are a very minimal option for footwear, when you want to stay connected to the earth but don't want to be 100% barefoot. Great for minimalist running.  I bought two pairs from EarthRunners. The first pair is the 

 Circadian Earth Runners (Conductive laces +$7, With Inserts +$14, With Bedding +$10, 5.5 Men / 7.5 Women)= $86

They aren't cheap, but I love the idea of these sandals. As you can see the extra earthing inserts and laces added to the cost, and essential for me as they were the purpose of the shoes for me. The Circadian runners are very flexible as you can see, they bend with ease in one hand. They have minimal strapping but enough to hold the sandal in place on your foot, allowing you to run and jump in them without losing them.  

Earth Runners combine ancient design with modern manufacturing to create the ultimate sandal experience. Lightweight and durable in the sandals are built to hold up in all outdoor applications for years to come.

The Circadian Earth Runners features a custom molded 6mm high performance Vibram tread that offers the closest thing to going barefoot. The signature lacing system features a locking buckle that combines adjustability and comfort into a free and easy ride.

You can choose a size from their website or do an outline of your foot, as demonstrated in a video before ordering. 

Earth Runner’s barefoot technology allows for energy flow between the foot and earth. Both the copper inserts and conductive laces ground you electrically by allowing electron transfer from the planet – direct to your body.

Quantum Earth Runners (Conductive laces +$7, With Inserts +$14, 2mm Mild Vibram Tread) = $86

The Quantum on the other hand have a cork base that's very sturdy if you want something more solid on the ground, and with pressure I couldn't get it to bend much at all with one hand. 

Features a 4mm thick molded cork-latex footbed that cups the heel with zero drop from heel to toe. With increased wear, footbeds become more form-fitting and customize to your unique foot shape. The Quantum contoured footbed offers all day comfort.

You can choose between 2mm mild tread or 4mm heavy tread. I opted for the 2mm for more flexibility.

These ones require a custom fit, so I sent in a outline of my foot and the sizing was perfect.  

Here’s the problem. Living indoors disconnects us from our natural electric state & hinders our bodies ability to tell time.

Living the majority of our lives indoors exposed to high-frequency-man-made electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) reaps havoc on our biology when disconnected from the natural low frequency EMF’s found on the Earth’s surface. These foreign frequencies interfere with our internal clock’s ability to tell time and coordinate nanoscopic biochemical reactions that are crucial for optimal health. Most people believe that the circadian clock of the brain is controlled exclusively by the light and dark cycles but this is not the case. There are magnetic cells in our suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus that coordinate with the electromagnetic resonance of the Earth and its ionosphere. The electrical exchange between the earth and the ionosphere are constantly excited by lightning discharges, creating a global electromagnetic resonance called the Schumann resonance frequency.

Available at https://www.earthrunners.com

Juil Gaia - Earthing shoes

Stay in touch with the earth beneath your feet without sacrificing your fashion sense, or your sense of responsibility. 

The Gaia vegan flip-flops make a statement wherever you wear them. 

I love these shoes! They are super comfortable.
My first experience with Earthing shoes were an extremely uncomfy cheaply made rubber flip flops that gave me blisters in under half an hour. 
Thankfully more companies are realizing the importance of staying grounded:) 

You can discover the many different styles at Juil. 

The copper dots allow your skin to connect with the Earth and keep you grounded without having to be barefoot. We are affected every day by the EMFs that we are surrounded by though electronics, power-lines etc. As in my previous blogs showing videos demonstrating the conductivity effect of going barefoot, these shoes allow you to do so without walking the streets without shoes.

Grounded

 This captivating documentary follows a National Geographic filmmaker who finds relief from pain and aches using the earth as a healing conduit source of free electrons. Helping his community in Alaska, he expands his circle of people who are eager to learn about the effects of grounding. Featuring David Suzuki, Clint Ober, Dr. Mercola, and other leaders, naturalists, and health visionaries.

Click here to visit the video on youtube 

Clint Ober Discusses Earthing Research 

 http://www.mercola.com/ Natural health physician and Mercola.com founder Dr. Joseph Mercola and Clint Ober discuss one of the most exciting new innovation on health, the earthing.

How To Make Your Own Earthing Sheet

Living indoors disconnects us from our natural electric state & hinders our bodies ability to tell time. Earthing sheets simulate the effect of sleeping in direct contact with the Earth and reconnect us with the Schumann resonance.

For more information on sleeping grounded check out our blog post:
http://www.earthrunners.com/earthing-...

This video is for educational purposes only, please do not attempt this if you do not understand electrical. I used a fuse with the smallest amp value (5A) I could find.

Also see the insulating effects of different footwear in our comparative test by voltmeter:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Nauo9...

#TapIntoYourTrueNature #GetGrounded www.EarthRunners.com

Grounding - Earthing

 Download Interview Transcript

By Dr. Mercola

Dr. James Oschman is an expert in the field of energy medicine, with a Bachelor's Degree in Biophysics and a PhD in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh.

As an author of a number of books, he is widely recognized as an authority in the biophysics of energy medicine. In this interview he discusses the practice of "earthing," or grounding.

Every modern school of alternative medicine talks about "energy," although they may use a variety of words to describe it. But what is this fundamental "energy" you keep hearing about?

As Dr. Oschman went about to investigate, he found there is very good science that can help demystify this nebulous term. He wrote a number of articles for a journal published by Churchill Livingstone on the subject, and after some encouragement from the publisher, those articles eventually resulted in two books: Energy Medicine: The Scientific Basisⁱ, and Energy Medicine in Therapeutics and Human Performanceⁱⁱ.

Dr. Oschman was also introduced to earthing, or grounding, and his research in this area has turned up some very interesting and compelling information about how the energy from the Earth can help you live a healthier life. He has recently written the Foreword for a new book by Clinton Ober, Dr. Stephen T. Sinatra and M. Zucker, entitled Earthing: the most important health discovery ever?ⁱⁱⁱ published in 2010 (Basic Health Publications, Inc., Laguna Beach, CA.).
If you're like most people, you probably wear shoes with rubber or plastic soles for the better part of each day. Read on to learn why shoes might be one of the banes of modern existence.

The Emergence of "Earthing"

The concept of earthing, also known as grounding, was initially developed by Clint Ober. Stated in the simplest terms possible, earthing is simply walking barefoot; grounding your body to the Earth. Oschman was introduced to Ober via Jeff Spencer, the chiropractor for Lance Armstrong's cycling team and an expert in treating professional athletes. 

"When Clint described the earthing phenomenon to Jeff, Jeff immediately called me and had me fly out to California to meet Clint and talk about what kind of research could be done to find out what is going on," Oschman explains.

"People have known for a long time that walking barefoot feels good. There are places in the world like Germany and Austria and Switzerland with communities where there is a tradition of getting up in the morning and going barefoot."

My own introduction to the concept of earthing was also through Jeff Spencer, some five or six years ago. I found it very intriguing, although I initially approached it with some skepticism. As you will soon see, it's a simple concept—to some it may appear too simple.

Fortunately, Dr. Oschman is now able to provide the scientific groundwork for understanding what actually occurs. In fact, his team has now published about a dozen papers on this topic.

What Happens to You When You Walk Barefoot?

Your skin in general is a very good conductor. You can connect any part of your skin to the Earth, but if you compare various parts there is one that is especially potent, and that's right in the middle of the ball of your foot; a point known to acupuncturists as Kidney 1 (K1). It's a well-known point that conductively connects to all of the acupuncture meridians and essentially connects to every nook and cranny of your body. Interestingly, grounding—or rather the lack thereof—has a lot to do with the rise of modern diseases.
How is this?

Well, Dr. Oschman's research into grounding has led him to better understand inflammation. I've discussed before, chronic inflammation is a primary cause of virtually all disease, from diabetes to cancer. And by looking at what happens during grounding, the answer to why chronic inflammation is so prevalent, and what is needed to prevent it, is becoming better understood.
When you're grounded there's a transfer of free electrons from the Earth into your body. And these free electrons are probably the most potent antioxidants known to man.

These antioxidants are responsible for the clinical observations from grounding experiments, such as:

• Beneficial changes in heart rate
• Decreased skin resistance
• Decreased levels of inflammation

To better understand the science behind what happens during grounding and how it impacts the inflammatory response, Dr. Oschman begins by explaining what happens when you experience an injury.

"Even the slightest bump, if you bump the door, your immune system immediately responds by sending white blood cells (neutrophils) to the place of injury…

The neutrophils secrete a Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)… called free radicals, in what's referred to as an oxidative burst... These are like Pac-Man. They are very important molecules that tear things apart. If bacteria have gotten through your skin, these free radicals will destroy the bacteria very quickly. If you have damaged cells, the free radicals will break them apart so that there is a space for healthy cells to move in and repair the tissues.
That's known as the inflammatory response.

What we have discovered that is truly profound is this: we now understand why you get the inflammatory response, which has five characteristics: pain, redness, heat, loss of range of motion, and swelling. All of those are the five hallmarks of inflammation and it turns out that that doesn't have to happen.

Inflammation, which in medicine is considered an important part of the healing process, is really an artifact caused by lack of electrons in your tissues. What happens is, the neutrophils deliver the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) to the site of injury, but in so doing, some of those free radicals can leak into the surrounding tissue and damage healthy tissue. That's what creates the inflammatory response".

Interestingly, grounding research has now discovered that if you place your feet on the ground after an injury (or on a grounded sheet, or place grounding patches on the balls of your feet), electrons will migrate into your body and spread through your tissues. Any free radicals that leak into the healthy tissue will immediately be electrically neutralized. This occurs because the electrons are negative, while the free radicals are positive, so they cancel each other out.

"So really what is happening with grounding or earthing is that you're protecting your body from -- I call it, collateral damage," Dr. Oschman says. "Damage that was not intended to take place but does take place because we have disconnected ourselves from the Earth by putting rubber and plastic on the bottoms of our shoes."

Earthing as an Anti-Aging Strategy

One of dominant theories on aging is the free radical theory, which is that aging occurs because of accumulative damage to your body caused by free radicals. You get free radicals when you have an injury or chronic inflammation, from breathing, and from the food you eat, among other things. While you don't want to completely eliminate ALL free radicals, you do want to maintain a healthy balance of antioxidant electrons in your body to ensure the damage from free radicals doesn't' get out of hand.

Earthing can help accomplish this delicate balance. There are three kinds of sub-models of the aging process caused by free radicals.

1. DNA damage and mutation due to free radical damage
2. The mitochondrial theory. Mitochondria in every cell in your body carry out oxidative metabolism and a byproduct is free radicals. Eventually the mitochondria wear out or self-destruct due to excess free radicals
3. The protein cross linking theory, which explains why you get wrinkles in your skin. The proteins stick to each other, reducing the efficiency of enzymes

"It looks to me, from my study of biophysics and cell biology, like the body is designed with a semi-conductive fabric that connects everything in the body, including inside of every cell," Dr. Oschman says.

"I refer to this system as the living matrix. Those electrons that enter the bottom of your foot can move anywhere in your body. Any place where a free radical forms, there are electrons nearby that can neutralize that free radical and prevent any of those processes: mitochondrial damage, cross linking of proteins, and mutation or genetic damage.

So the whole fabric is basically an antioxidant defense system that is in every part of our body.

We have this material called ground substance which is part of the connective tissue. It goes everywhere in the body. It's a gel material and it stores electrons. So that if you go barefoot, you will take in electrons and your body will store them, and they will be available at any point where you might have an injury, or any point where a free radical might form..."

How Grounding Affects Your Blood

Another very important discovery, and one of the most recent, is that grounding thins your blood, making it less viscous. This discovery can have a profound impact on cardiovascular disease, which is now the number one killer in the world. Virtually every aspect of cardiovascular disease has been correlated with elevated blood viscosity. Dr. Sinatra has been coaching Dr. Oschman's team in how to measure blood viscosity using a method called zeta potential. It measures the potential on your red blood cells by determining how fast they migrate in an electrical field.

It turns out that when you ground to the earth, your zeta potential quickly rises, which means your red blood cells have more charge on their surface, which forces them apart from each other. This action causes your blood to thin and flow easier. It also causes your blood pressure to drop.

Another obvious implication of this is that by repelling each other, your red blood cells are less inclined to stick together and form a clot. Blood clots don't have to be very big to form like a pulmonary embolus that would kill you instantly, so this is a significant benefit. Additionally, if your zeta potential is high, which grounding can facilitate, you not only decrease your heart disease risk but also your risk of multi-infarct dementias, where you start losing brain tissue due to micro-clotting in your brain.

The Best Surfaces for Grounding

Clearly, the simplest way to ground is to walk barefoot outside when safe to do so. But what about urban or city dwellers who are surrounded by asphalt and concrete? Can you ground on those?  And what about natural surfaces—which ones are the most effective? There are indeed significant differences between various surfaces.

The ideal location for walking barefoot is the beach, close to or in the water, as sea water is a great conductor. Your body also contains mostly water, so it creates a good connection.

A close second would be a grassy area, especially if it's covered with dew, which is what you'd find if you walk early in the morning. According to Dr. Oschman, concrete is a good conductor as long as it hasn't been sealed. Painted concrete does not allow electrons to pass through very well. Materials like asphalt, wood, and typical insulators like plastic or the soles of your shoes, will not allow electrons to pass through and are not suitable for barefoot grounding.

Why Living in a High-Rise Could be Detrimental to Your Health

Additionally, there's a major difference between standing outside in your bare feet and standing outside in shoes. And, how high up you are, off the surface of the Earth, without being grounded also matters. Why is this?
Dr. Oschman explains:

"The Earth's surface is electrically charged and can push electrons up in your body. So from the top of your head to the Earth, there is a potential, which you don't feel because it doesn't cause any any particular current to flow, even though it can be a couple of hundred volts. If it did, it would give you a shock.

What happens is when the weather changes is that the potential can go up enormously. It can go from a hundred volts per meter to 10,000 volts per meter. That's pre lightning. We're talking about the potential that causes lightning to come to the earth. That voltage is well known and well understood…

This is the potential between the surface of the earth and the ionosphere, hundreds of miles up, which is very electrically active; charged by the solar wind, the charged particles that come from the sun. Those charged particles eventually reach the Earth by lightning and electrify the entire surface of the Earth so that anywhere you touch the Earth, there are electrons. They come originally from the sun, to the ionosphere, to the earth.
There is no lightning happening right here right now but somewhere there is lightning, a constant current flow from the ionosphere to the earth. Those are the electrons that your body needs for your immune system to function properly."

What this means is that the higher up you are, separated from the surface of the Earth, the higher this potential would be, and the worse the implications for your health if you're not grounded. For example, if you live on the 20^th floor of a high-rise and you're not grounded (using grounding technology, of course), the consequences to your health will be more significant than if you lived on the first floor. Likewise, when you wear rubber- or plastic-soled shoes, you are effectively shielding yourself from this beneficial influx of electrons from the Earth. For optimal immune function, you want these electrons to enter your body, so make sure you take your shoes off now and then!

Easy Ways to Incorporate Grounding Into Your Daily Life

Exercising barefoot outdoors is one of the most wonderful, inexpensive and powerful ways of incorporating earthing into your daily life and will also help speed up tissue repair and ease muscle pain due to strenuous exercise.

Resonance - documentary

Resonance - Beings of Frequency (documentary film) 

(Full Film) RESONANCE ➜ This James Russell film is a Sensational Eye Opening Documentary that examines 60 years of scientific research! ➜ Join the FACEBOOK page http://goo.gl/yf4Qs

➜ James Russell (Director + Producer)
james@flatfrogfilms.com
http://www.FlatFrogFilms.com

➜ John Webster (Director)
http://www.PatientZeroProductions.com

This spectacular documentary uncovers for the very first time, the actual mechanisms by which mobile phone technology can cause cancer. And, how every single one of us is reacting to the biggest change in environment this planet has ever seen.

Two billion years ago life first arrived on this planet; a planet, which was filled with a natural frequency. As life slowly evolved, it did so surrounded by this frequency. and Inevitably, it began tuning in.

By the time mankind arrived on earth an incredible relationship had been struck; a relationship that science is just beginning to comprehend.

Research is showing that being exposed to this frequency is absolutely integral to us. It controls our mental and physical health, it synchronizes our circadian rhythms, and it aids our immune system and improves our sense of well being.

Not only are we surrounded by natural frequencies, our bodies are filled with them too. Our cells communicate using electro magnetic frequencies. Our brain emits a constant stream of frequencies and our DNA delivers instructions, using frequency waves. Without them we couldn't exist for more than a second.

This delicate balance has taken billions of years to perfect. But over the last 25 years the harmony has been disturbed. and disturbed dramatically.

Mankind has submerged itself in an ocean of artificial frequencies. They are all around us, filling the air and drowning out the earth's natural resonance.

To the naked eye the planet appears to be the same. But at a cellular level it is the biggest change that life on earth has endured; the affects of which we are just starting to see and feel.

This is why I believe spending time outside barefoot, and during colder months having a grounding mat is so essential for our health.

★ PLEASE SIGN
I have started a petition to have telecoms companies put warnings on the packaging.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/clear-health-warnings-on-cell-phone-packag...

★ Enjoy the DVD
Many people who are too electro sensative to watch the film online have contacted me so I have made a DVD available. can you please put a link to this also

http://flatfrogfilms.com/resonance-documentary/

Body Voltage

I wanted to do another blog about Earthing because I was so excited to have the opportunity to get my body voltage measured, and indeed the mats I use at my computer and sleep on have proven to work!  It was very exciting for me to discover this (not that I had a single doubt in my mind). 

A few weeks ago I went to an Eco Living Expo in a near by city, and at the event I had my body voltage measured. My 5 year old nephew had his measured first, followed by my 3 year old niece, both ranging in the mid 30s. When it was my turn I rated 45 mv!  I thought at first, aww that's probably not great because the 2 before me were in the 30s, but I clearly had no idea how it was measured. The lady replied to my sigh with a "what do you weigh 30lbs!? that's excellent!" It wasn't until we left the booth that it all clicked with me that what i just measured was a result of using the grounding mat. 

Below is an article by Dr. John Briffa, he also shares his experience with Earthing.  Now that the weather is warming up, I will definitely be spending more time outside connecting with the Earth:)

‘Earthing’ or ‘grounding’ has been getting a lot of attention of late in certain communities, so about a week ago I decided to take a look. Here, in summary is what I’ve learned.

What is ‘earthing’?

Earthing is the practice of connecting the body with earth by touching skin to a conductive material such as grass (preferably wet), wet sand, a river, lake or sea.

Why would you want to do that?

When the body loses contact with the earth it can carry a positive voltage relative to the Earth. Some people believe this is not good for health and wellbeing. Earthing the body returns the voltage to zero which is, supposedly better for us.

Is there any ‘science’ to it?

Actually, yes. First of all, some theory…

During the normal processes of metabolism the body generates what are called ‘reactive oxygen species’ which are commonly referred to as ‘free radicals’. These compounds appear to be important, at least in part because they have the ability to attack and destroy unwanted things within the body including bacteria and viruses. However, too many free radicals are a bad thing, and have been implicated in chronic disease and well as the very process of aging.

Free radicals are involved in the process known as inflammation, which is part of the healing process. However, low-grade inflammation throughout the body may lead to pain and other problems in the muscles and joints, and is also believed to be a key driving factor in many chronic diseases including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. In short, we want free radicals, but not too many.

 

Free radicals lack sparks of energy known as ‘electrons’. One way to quell them is to give them electrons, and these can be supplied by nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E, and plant substances known as ‘polyphenols’ (found in, among other things, tea, coffee, cocoa and apples). However, substances we eat and drink are not the only way to get electrons into the body: earthing does this too. If the body has a positive charge on it, earthing allows electrons to flow into the body where, in theory, they can neutralise overblown free radical and inflammatory damage.

Carrying a positive charge may well affect the body in lots of different ways, which means that earthing may offer a range of wellbeing benefits.

Any studies?

There is indeed some evidence that earthing can help people. For example, in one study earthing was studied in 60 people suffering form sleep disturbances and chronic muscle and joint pain for at least six months [1]. Subjects were randomly divided for the month-long study in which both groups slept on earthed mattresses. Half the pads were properly earthed and the other half while the other half were “sham” grounded (not actually earthed).

Most grounded subjects described symptomatic improvement while most in the control group did not. Some subjects reported significant relief from asthmatic and respiratory conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep apnea, and hypertension while sleeping grounded. Here’s a table which summarizes the results:

Other ‘blinded’ experiments have found earthing can induce significant changes in a range of objective parameters including heart rate, brainwave activity and skin conductance. You can access a pdf of a review article about earthing by clicking the following link earthing review article.

My own personal experience (Dr. John Briffa)

I decided to give earthing a try.

First some background: On 3rd January this year I vaulted over a high gate and landed on some steps the other side, twisting my right ankle as I did this. I’ve had pain in this ankle ever since. Not enough to stop me walking, but running has been out of the question. Rushing down the stairs (as I like to do) has also been quite uncomfortable. I’ve also had a pain in the top of my left foot. Not sure when this started, but I first noticed it at least several weeks ago.

My earthing experiment started with me sitting with my bare feet on damp grass on 14th April. I lasted 20 minutes. Later in the day I noticed that the pain in my left foot and ankle had disappeared completely (and they have not returned since).

Another odd thing is that for the preceding few days I had been brewing an ingrowing toenail on my right big toe. I used to get these a lot when I younger, but they’ve been rarer since I’ve gotten older. The normal course for these is to get steadily worse over several days and then I’d perform a bit of DIY surgery (don’t ask) to relieve the issue. The morning after my first earthing escapade, I noticed that my ingrowing toenail had utterly resolved on its own.

That day I put my bare feet on the grass again, this time for 30 minutes. And then some earthing kit that I’d ordered arrived in the post and I’ve been using ever since (primarily an earthing mat which I put my feet on when I work).

OK, so the near miraculous resolution of my foot and ankle troubles could have been due to a lovely placebo response. I’m comfortable with this, if that’s the case (though I’ll never know). But one of my experiences I think points away from the improvement being purely placebo: For several months now I’d also had a niggly pain in my left elbow which is most noticeable when I wake up. While my ankle and foot pain (and ingrowing toenail) resolved, my elbow pain did not. This does not in any way disprove my foot/ankle improvement was not a placebo response, but the likelihood of it being placebo is diminished by the experience with my elbow I think.

Further reading

One of the biggest proponents of earthing is Clint Ober. He’s co-authored a book (Earthing – the most important health discovery ever?) which is worth a look for those who want to dig deeper and learn more. (I have personally read it, and it's what caught my full attention last summer about getting grounded...I was so happy to have received this book free from where I bought my Earthing mats:)

References:

1. Ober C. Grounding the human body to neutralize bio- electrical stress from static electricity and EMF. ESD Journal January 2000.

Earthing (Grounding)

I discovered Earthing, and being grounded in the summer of 2011, when I went on my raw food diet (non-toxic natural journey), it didn't take long for me to discover grounding, as many sources of natural health place great emphasis on this proven necessity of living healthy...in spite of the medical community not emphasizing it as part of living healthily. 

It was so wonderful taking long walks barefooted in the summer, but living in Minnesota, it only lasted through the season.  However I did purchase grounding pads to connect with during the long hours I spend at my computer, and a grounding pad to sleep with as well. I don't sleep a single night ungrounded unless I'm not at home (however taking a grounding pad with you is so simple as long as the room you are sleeping in has a grounding outlet (the 3rd round prong in an electrical outlet). Because I live in an older built home, I purchase a cord to connect to the Earth directly through a metal cord in the ground because my room doesn't have grounded outlets (newer homes do)...and surprisingly it worked just fine to be able to close my window for the winter. However I can't wait for summer to connect directly to the Earth.

When I purchased my grounding pads they sent me the Earthing book for free!  It's an amazing read, and would highly recommend it to everyone (especially those who suffer from any pain, or have trouble sleeping and healing).

Clint Ober Discusses Earthing Research

You can find more information about Earthing here - http://earthing.com/

Renowned Cardiologist, Stephen Sinatra, M.D., who has over 30 years practicing in medicine says, “I regard Earthing as the greatest health breakthrough in all my years in medical practice. Regular grounding (another name for Earthing) restores the body’s natural electrical state, calms the nervous system, reduces inflammation, and improves circulation. No pill on Earth can do what Mother Earth does!” 

Earthing Advisory - Medical Considerations

Earthing (grounding) refers to the process of establishing conductive contact between the surface of the earth and the the body to maintain the body at earth potential. This occurs naturally when standing barefoot on the earth.

Research has demonstrated that earthing the body plays a substantial role in the reduction of inflammation and functioning of other physiological processes.  On this basis, it is strongly recommended that individuals taking medication to thin the blood, regulate blood sugar, control blood pressure, or to regulate hormone thyroid levels, consult their Doctor for advice and a medication monitoring routine before they begin sleeping earthed.

Research studies providing evidence of earthing effects include:

Earthing the Human Body Influences Physiologic Processes (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21469913) 

Pilot Study on the Effect of Grounding on Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness(www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20192911)

Other research studies are posted at www.earthinginstitute.net/index.php/research

Click here for Frequently asked questions on grounding - http://earthing.com/faq-earthing-basics.php

Mercury, Chlorella, Earthing

I loved this article, it touches on so many topics I have tried to highlight over the months in my blog, from mercury in fillings, to detoxing superfoods like chlorella to Earthing (grounding) etc. Once again Dr. Mercola was a guest of Dr. Oz, and every time this happens it gives more validity to the health information I try to share, as Dr. Oz, as a conventional Dr. validates the natural health information through his own research and testing.  not to mention it brings great exposure to natural healing and awareness of toxic dangers that the average person who doesn't seek out this information on the internet won't be aware of.  I hope Dr. Mercola gets to guest star for many more shows to come!

Dr. Oz Show- Chlorella 
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dr-mercola-s-radical-cures-pt-2

Dr. Oz Show- Earthing (what a great explanation he gives:)
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dr-mercolas-most-radical-alternative-cures?page=2
  

By Dr. Mercola

Dr. Oz invited me back to New York to tape another segment for his show. The show, which will mark my fourth appearance as a guest, will be airing today, Tuesday February 21.
Check the schedule for your area in this link.
We talked about a number of interesting topics, but one in particular left the audience completely shocked...

Eggplant Cream for Skin Cancer

I started the show off with a discussion of skin cancer. Non melanoma skin cancer affects over 3 million people every year in the US alone.
This is more cases of cancer than all other cancers combined.
Fortunately there is a cream derived from plants in the Solaceae family of eggplant, tomato, potato, and Bell peppers.

It's called Solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides, BEC5 or Curaderm and is available online. It works by targeting a receptor that is only on the cancer cells so is very safe to use.

It is applied directly over the skin lesion twice a day under occlusion and treatment lasts about 14 weeks for most small skin cancers.
While eating these plants can be healthy it will not address the skin cancer as a glucose molecule needs to be attached and this does not occur during normal digestion. The cream is essentially a natural safe drug.
The cost is typically about 1% of the cost of traditional treatment and you can read more about it in an article I wrote in December.

The treatment has been around for nearly 200 years but, of course, has been suppressed by the conventional medical approach. While the cream is very safe it is recommended that one consult with a professional to make the initial diagnosis as one must be absolutely certain the skin cancer is not a melanoma as more aggressive treatment will be needed. Melanoma cells can spread to distant areas of the body and the cream will not work as it must be in direct contact with the lesion. If this happens the disease can be fatal. So if you elect to use this treatment you simply must see an expert.

Silver Fillings in Your Mouth Release Mercury

Most people are aware that mercury is a poison, but many overlook the fact that they have this toxic metal implanted in their mouth in the form of "silver" (amalgam) fillings. I explained on the Dr. Oz show that three out of four adults have silver fillings -- and the primary ingredient in them is mercury.
There are 1,000 mg of mercury in the average filling -- this is about 1 million times more mercury than is found in seafood, which is in microgram quantities.
Even the conservative EPA and CDC advise pregnant women to avoid high-mercury fish like tuna, due to the well documented adverse effects on fetuses.
Mercury is an incredibly potent neurotoxin; it doesn't take much to cause serious damage because it's an absolute poison. If you were to take the amount of mercury in a typical thermometer and put it in a small lake, that lake would be closed down due to environmental hazards.

Yet, amounts much higher than that are readily put into people's mouths daily, with many unaware of the risks. It's estimated that 75 percent of Americans are ignorant about the fact that amalgam fillings are actually 50 percent mercury. Worse still, every time you chew you liberate mercury from your fillings. Actually, almost any kind of stimulation can cause your fillings to release mercury, including eating, drinking, brushing your teeth, grinding your teeth and chewing gum. If you want to see the vapors released for yourself, watch the shocking video below.

Mercury vapor from amalgams pass readily through cell membranes, across the blood-brain barrier, and into your central nervous system, where it causes psychological, neurological, and immunological problems. Children and fetuses, whose brains are still developing, are most at risk, but really anyone can be impacted. So, as I explained to Dr. Oz, if you have silver amalgam fillings it would be wise to take chlorella with every meal until you are able to have them SAFELY removed by a biologically trained dentist.

Chlorella Expels Mercury from Your Body

Chlorella, a single-celled fresh water algae, acts as an efficient detoxification agent by binding to toxins, such as mercury, in your body and carrying them out of your system. It is the chlorophyll in chlorella that makes it so powerful, as chlorophyll helps you process more oxygen, cleanses your blood and promotes the growth and repair of your tissues.

In one study, when mice fed methylmercury were given chlorella, they excreted approximately twice the amount of mercury in their urine and feces as mice not treated with chlorella.ⁱ This is important, as chlorella plays a particularly crucial role in systemic mercury elimination because the majority of mercury is rid through your stool. Once the mercury burden is lowered from your intestines, mercury from other body tissues will more readily migrate into your intestines -- where chlorella will work to remove it.

Chlorella is Only Digestible if it has a "Broken Cell Wall"

One important caveat you need to be aware of: chlorella is completely indigestible by humans, as we simply do not have the enzymes to break down its cell wall.

Unlike other green foods, chewing and digesting chlorella will not release the powerful health benefits contained within this green algae. This is because chlorella's tough outer cell wall, which is also chemically responsible for binding with the toxins inside your body, cannot be broken down by your biology. Therefore, it is imperative that the manufacturing process break down the tough outer cell wall for you, as this is the only way to make the chlorella biologically available to help remove toxins like mercury from your body.
This is why I only recommend supplementing with Broken Cell Wall chlorella, because this is the only form that allows your body to use this powerful detoxification agent.

Another concern when choosing your chlorella is to be sure that the source waters where it is grown and harvested are free of any contamination. Since chlorella is a natural green food, it will be affected by polluted water and will retain environmental toxins if it's grown in contaminated waters. So be certain any chlorella you supplement with comes from a naturally clean water source. One final consideration, mixing chlorella with the cilantro may enhance the detoxification benefits. If you have multiple silver fillings and are concerned about your body's heavy metal burden, this is a complementary strategy to consider.

Join the Fight to Get Mercury Out of the Dentist's Office

As a result of enormous public pressure from dentists, health professionals and consumers, we are on the brink of prompting real change in the fight for mercury-free dentistry; you can help us reach the tipping point in order to bring about permanent change. You can find out more about this important issue, and how to voice your opinion here.

IMPORTANT: Find a Good Biological Dentist

If you are convinced of the importance of removing your mercury let me caution you to avoid the mistake I made. After being convinced of the danger by watching the 60 Minutes program on the topic 20 years ago (you can see the video below) I actually had over a dozen of my amalgam fillings removed.

I saw a competent conventional dentist but he was absolutely clueless about the dangers of mercury. As a result I had large amounts of mercury liberated improperly and I believe it was largely responsible for damaging my kidneys.
SO PLEASE...

Avoid my mistake and see a biological dentist who is trained in properly removing mercury so it doesn't go into your body during the removal process. This typically involves the use of high-powered suction and rubber dams. One simple strategy is to ask your friends or local health food stores who these dentists are in your community, or you can also contact The International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine, which is the organization that created the video above.

Why Barefoot is Best

Many people realize while on vacation, how great it feels to walk barefoot on the beach. I have personally prioritized grounding myself to the earth as much as possible for over 5 years. The preliminary information confirms what I have believed for years, grounding yourself to the earth may significantly improve your health. The soles of our feet are the best contact to make with the earth, and will naturally discharge inflammation.

The details can be found by listening to my interview with Clint Ober:

Clint Ober Discusses Earthing Research (Part 1 of 7)

 

Tomorrow's blog on Earthing will also share the remaining 8 parts to this interview.

Earthing

EARTHING

Q. In a high-tech age, why is the concept of Earthing so important?
A. What is most profound about Earthing is that it is so natural and simple, and that it affects every aspect of human physiology. When you ground yourself, the entire body readjusts to a new level of functioning, the level, in fact, it seems to have been designed for throughout evolution. Many people who have lived Earthed for some years say that they do not want to go back to living ungrounded. They feel the difference. Living Earthed broadly elevates your quality of life to a level that seems not otherwise possible.
James Oschman, Ph.D., an internationally-renowned expert on energy medicine and a member of our board of advisors, describes the phenomenon thusly: “Recently I attended a meeting on the East coast. One of my colleagues came in from the West coast. She had a bad case of jet lag. I told her to take her shoes and socks off and step outside on the grass for 15 minutes. When she came back in, she was completely transformed. Her jet lag was gone. That is how fast Earthing works. Anyone can try this. If you don’t feel well, for whatever reason, just make barefoot contact with the Earth for a few minutes and see what happens. Of course, if you have a medical problem, you should see a doctor. There is nothing that comes close to Earthing for quick relief. You can literally feel pain draining from your body the instant you touch the Earth.” 


Q. Why does the Earth’s electric field transfer so easily to the body?
A. The body is mostly water and minerals. It is a good conductor of electricity (electrons). The free electrons on the surface of the Earth are easily transferred to the human body as long as there is direct contact. Unfortunately, synthetically-soled shoes act as insulators so that even when we are outside we do not connect with the Earth’s electric field. When we are in homes and office buildings, we are also insulated and unable to receive the Earth’s balancing energies. 




Q. What is the difference between the Earth’s electric field and the electric field used to conduct electricity in my home? 

A. The Earth’s electric field is mainly a continuous direct current (DC) producing field. Throughout history, life on the planet has attuned our biology to this subtle field. By comparison, home wiring systems in the U.S. use 60-cycle per second alternating current (AC). Unless at very low frequency (less that 10 cycles per second) and/or low power, alternating current is foreign to our biology. AC, and other forms of man-made environmental electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are being researched as possible factors in a variety of stress-related responses. Many people are sensitive to EMFs. Studies show an “association,” but not cause and effect, between living near power lines (or exposure to EMFs on the job) and higher rates of health problems. 


Q. How much “current” is actually being transferred from the Earth's surface via the wire to a grounding product?
A. There is no constant measurable current flow beyond the equalization charge that is instantly transferred to the body when a person lies on a conductive sheet or makes contact with another type of Earthing product. We are talking about numbers of electrons in the trillions and quadrillions. Once the body is grounded, the rate of influx changes, and the body will only absorb that amount of electrons needed to maintain the same electrical potential as the Earth and to restore what is lost in the body’s metabolic processes. It may take many quadrillions to get the body stable. As long as a person continues to be grounded, the body can use the Earth as a natural reservoir, or “power source,” of electrons to maintain a “topped up” homeostatic level that compensates for any attrition of internal electrons. With connection to the Earth, it would thus seem hard for the body to develop any electron deficiency, and, theoretically, any chronic inflammation. The actual amount of charge (electrons transferred) would vary significantly based upon location of the body above the Earth (voltage) and any potential electrostatic charge that has built up on the body. The continuing amount of electrons absorbed by the body to reduce metabolic and immune response free radicals would also vary significantly between people depending upon their life style and activity. This is all extremely difficult, if not impossible, to measure.

Q. What is the difference between the Earthing technology and the use of magnets? 

A. Although the use of magnets produce some therapeutic effects when properly applied, magnets cannot provide free electrons, nor can they connect the body with the naturally balancing electric frequencies of the Earth. Earthing technology used inside your home or office connects you with the Earth’s electrons in the same way as if you were standing barefoot on ground outside. 



Q. Can I wear any type of footwear and still be earthed?
A. No. Standard plastic/rubber or composite soles do not conduct the Earth’s electric energy. Most shoes today are made from those materials. You need leather or hide soles, which used to be the primary footwear materials in the past. Leather itself isn’t conductive, but the foot perspires and the moisture permits conduction of the energy from the Earth through the leather and up into the body. In addition, moisture from walking on damp ground or sidewalks could permeate up into the leather soled shoe. Thickness of the sole can also be a factor, and specifically that a very thick leather sole may not allow the moisture through. Moccasins are the best type of natural conductive footwear. Leather isn’t quite as good as bare feet on the ground but certainly much, much better than standard soles that are insulating. Hopefully soon shoe companies will begin making grounded shoes. 



Q. Can I ground myself outside by wearing electrostatic discharge (ESD) footwear? 

A. ESD shoes are primarily designed for discharging static electricity but to a degree they ground the body beneficially. They are better than regular shoes but not as good as going barefoot. The difference between grounding and static discharge is that grounding instantly equalizes your body at Earth’s potential. Static discharge, generally called a soft ground or a dissipative ground, has an inline 1 meg ohm resistor in the ground cord which is design to slowly bleed off static electrical charges (contact and separation charges). These charges are created on the body by clothing and shoes whenever you move your clothing with arm movement or walk or sit on any synthetic material. The ESD industry uses dissipative grounding to prevent a rapid discharge of static electricity that might otherwise blow an electronic circuit or sensitive chip.

Q. I live in Chicago and my cement basement floor is cold, so I am reluctant to ground myself bare foot on that surface. Could I get grounded there by using an un-insulated metal container, filled with warm water and still get the same results?

A. If bare feet directly on the floor is uncomfortable, you can use a metal container as you suggest. 


Q. Does Earthing occur if I work, stand, or walk barefooted on a ceramic tile floor?
A. It depends on whether the tile floor sits on a concrete slab or on the ground. If directly on a slab or ground, the energy could come through. If the tile sits on plywood or some other kind of wood, plastic, or vinyl understructure, you are not likely to get any conductivity. It also depends on what kind of tile. Ceramic tile with a glazed finish on the surface will, like glass, probably prevent conductivity.

Q. I live in a warm climate where we are reluctant to go out barefoot due to parasites in the soil like hookworm and roundworm. The soil never gets cold enough for the parasites to die off.
A. If being barefoot outside is risky, Earthing sheets and mats allow you to be grounded inside. The best opportunity to gain the many benefits of Earthing is to sleep grounded.



Q. Can Earthing protect me from cell phone frequencies? 

A. The protective potential of Earthing has not been tested yet on cell phone exposure. There is no research indicating that Earthing will or will not protect a person from exposure to cell phones signals, microwave radiation, or radio frequencies. What we know is that Earthing reduces significantly the induced body voltages generated by simple exposure to common household 60 Hz EMFs continuously emitted by all plugged-in electrical cords (even if the appliance is off), internal wiring, and all ungrounded electrical devices in the home or office. Based in the cases we have seen of people extremely sensitive to such EMFs it is prudent to be grounded as much as possible in the home or office.

Q. If I sleep on the ground in a sleeping bag am I grounded? 

A. Some part of your body needs to be in direct contact with the Earth in order for you to get the full benefit of Earthing. The skin of your body needs to come in contact with the “skin of the Earth.” It can be a bare foot, or arm, for instance, sticking out of the sleeping bag in contact with the Earth. 



Q. I do not live in North America. Can I plug my Earthing product into a wall outlet?
A. We receive many questions about using Earthing products around the world. To assist you, we have compiled some basic facts you will need to determine the best connecting options for you. Earthing products are designed to be used with an Earthing ground rod placed in the soil outside next to a window or door, or via a grounded wall outlet inside the home or office. Individual conditions in your home, office, and country may dictate which of these options you use to connect to the Earth.

The first thing you need to know is that Earthing products do not operate on electricity, so it does not matter what the electrical current is in your country (whether 110 volts or 240 volts, etc). Earthing products simply allow the natural, gentle energy from the Earth outside to be carried inside. When you make physical — bare skin — contact with the Earthing product it is the same as if you were standing or walking barefoot outside. This is what creates the benefits of Earthing.

Our preference is that the products throughout the world be connected to Earthing ground rods, however many people like the idea of simply plugging them into an electrical outlet ground port in their home or office. For people who live in tall apartment buildings (high rises), a ground rod may not be feasible, and for people who do not have a grounded electrical system in their home or office, the only option is the ground rod.
The following explanation covers two options for connecting Earthing products. The electrical terms “ground” and “Earth” have the same meaning. In Spanish, the term is “tierra.”

Option # 1: Plug-In
There are many different outlet configurations around the world. Some are grounded (Earthed). Others are not. For this reason, if you want to plug into a wall outlet you will have to determine first whether your electrical system and outlets are indeed properly grounded. An electrician can determine that for you or you can purchase a simple outlet ground checker at an electrical supply or hardware store locally.

Outlets with only two holes and no Earth/ground strip or Earth/ground pin or hole means there is no Earth/ground present. You must use a ground rod. This is quite common in older homes. Keep in mind, however, that an outlet with three holes, or two holes and an Earth/ground strip or Earth/ground pin or hole, does not necessarily mean that the Earth/ground is actually connected. The individual outlet must be tested for correct wiring.
In the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean, the electrical systems in homes and offices that have been grounded utilize what is know as “Type B” electrical wall outlets. To determine what type of outlet is used in your country, go to the following web site: http://electricaloutlet.org/ The cords that come with Earthing products are designed to fit directly into the ground ports (third hole) of grounded Type B wall outlet or into the female receptor end of Earthing ground rod cords used anyplace in the world. The Earthing cords will not usually fit into international ground ports or contacts.

If your outlets are grounded, you will need to obtain a grounded outlet adapter for use with North American appliances in your country. Earthing products come with a 12 foot (about 3 ½ meters) long cord. One end snaps onto the product and the other (male) end inserts into the ground (Earth) port of the appropriate adapter that is then plugged into a properly grounded electrical outlet. Adapters are available through local electric supply stores or through the Internet. In many European countries, the Schuko adapter below is commonly used. VP 11B - Grounded Europe Adapter - USA to Europe Heavy Duty Adaptor Plug German Schuko from VCT electronics distributed by Amazon http://www.amazon.com/VP-11B-Grounded-Adapter-Adaptor/dp/B003C1MFYI%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAJYLDMVYHH6B6UT6Q%26tag%3Dshopledhdtv-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB003C1MFYI
Do not buy a universal adapter. Some universal adapters look like they have the Earth/ground connection but when tested they do not work. Others have loose intermittent connections that will minimize the benefits you expect from Earthing.
If you do not have a grounded outlet, you will have to use a ground rod (Option # 2) or have an electrician connect your electrical outlet(s) to the Earth.

Option # 2
Earthing sleep systems (sheets and recovery bag) come with a 12-inch long ground rod included. The Earthing mats do not include the ground rod. If you want to use a ground rod for use with a mat, it must be purchased separately. The ground rod costs $26.95 U.S.
The ground rods are inserted into the ground (dirt, garden bed) outside/below a window or door adjacent to where the Earthing product will be used inside. It is very simple to do. If there is only concrete and no adjacent Earth in which to put the ground rod then this is not an option for you. The Earthing ground rod has a 40 foot (13 meter) cord attached to it. You can run the cord under a window or door, just being careful not to sever the cord. The cord from the Earthing sheet or mat is connected to the ground rod cord, male end into the female end. Again, very simple. This is how you set up the ground rod.
The cords that come with each product can be connected to a grounded outlet (or outlet adapter, as described in Option # 1) or a ground rod. If additional length is needed, Earthing extension cords can also be purchased.

Available also are splitter cords, into which you can insert the cords from any two Earthing products. The splitter connects either to a wall outlet (or outlet adapter) or to the ground rod cord. All Earthing product connection cords contain a current limiting 100k resistor.
These products can all be seen at www.earthing.com