Grounding, also known as earthing, is a practice that connects us to the Earth’s natural energy, offering a range of potential health benefits. Whether you’re new to grounding or looking to deepen your understanding, this glossary provides clear definitions and explanations of essential terms related to grounding and earthing practices.
Grounding (Earthing)
The practice of connecting to the Earth’s natural energy by making direct contact with the ground, such as walking barefoot on grass, dirt, or sand, or using grounding devices indoors.
Grounding Mat
A conductive mat that connects to the Earth, allowing individuals to practice grounding indoors by standing, sitting, or sleeping on it.
Grounding Sheet
A bed sheet made with conductive materials, typically silver or carbon fibers, that connects to the Earth’s energy, allowing grounding while sleeping.
Grounding Strap
A conductive strap worn on the body, often around the wrist or ankle, that connects to the Earth, usually through a cord that plugs into a grounded outlet.
Grounding Rod
A metal rod driven into the ground outside that connects to a grounding mat or strap via a wire, used when no grounded outlets are available.
EMF (Electromagnetic Fields)
Invisible areas of energy, often referred to as radiation, associated with the use of electrical power and various forms of natural and man-made lighting.
Free Radicals
Unstable molecules that can damage cells, leading to inflammation and disease. Grounding is believed to neutralize free radicals by providing the body with electrons.
Antioxidants
Substances that inhibit oxidation and can neutralize free radicals. Grounding is often compared to antioxidants for its potential health benefits.
Inflammation
The body’s natural response to injury or infection, often causing redness, swelling, and pain. Grounding is thought to reduce inflammation by neutralizing free radicals.
Cortisol
A hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. Grounding is believed to help regulate cortisol levels, promoting better sleep and reducing stress.
Circadian Rhythm
The body’s internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Grounding may help stabilize circadian rhythms by aligning the body with the Earth’s natural electrical environment.
Negative Ions
Molecules with an extra electron that are believed to have health benefits, including mood improvement and increased energy. Grounding may increase exposure to negative ions.
Positive Ions
Molecules with a missing electron that can cause oxidative stress in the body. Grounding may help counteract the effects of positive ions.
Conductivity
The ability of a material to allow the flow of electric charge. Grounding relies on the body’s natural conductivity to transfer electrons from the Earth.
Grounding Shoes
Footwear with conductive soles that allow for grounding while walking outdoors, providing a direct connection to the Earth’s surface.
Earthing Book
A popular book by Clinton Ober, Stephen Sinatra, and Martin Zucker that introduces and explains the concept of grounding, its benefits, and how to practice it.
Schumann Resonance
The natural frequency of the Earth’s electromagnetic field, which is around 7.83 Hz. Some believe that grounding helps align the body with the Earth’s resonance, promoting health and well-being.
PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy)
A form of therapy that uses electromagnetic fields to promote healing. While different from grounding, it shares the principle of using electromagnetic energy for health benefits.
Grounding Plug
A special plug that connects a grounding device to a grounded outlet, ensuring a safe connection to the Earth.
Grounding Patches
Small adhesive patches with conductive material that can be attached to the skin and connected to a grounding device, allowing localized grounding.
Earthing
Another term for grounding, often used interchangeably, referring to the practice of connecting to the Earth’s electrical energy.
Oxidative Stress
Damage caused by free radicals that can lead to chronic diseases. Grounding is thought to reduce oxidative stress by providing electrons to neutralize free radicals.
Ground Potential
The electrical potential of the Earth’s surface, which is considered to be zero volts. Grounding devices aim to bring the body to this ground potential, reducing the difference between the body’s voltage and the Earth’s.
Grounding Outlet Checker
A device used to test if an electrical outlet is properly grounded, ensuring safe use of grounding products that connect through household outlets.
Grounding Research
The body of scientific studies investigating the effects of grounding on health, including its impact on inflammation, sleep, stress, and other physiological markers.