Earthing (Grounding) Has a Wide Variety of Positive Effects
Presenter Hometown
Manchester, Kentucky
Major
BA in General Studies concentration in Health Sciences
Department
Health Promotion and Administration
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Richard Osbaldiston
Mentor Department
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Smith, Christopher Dewayne, "Earthing (Grounding) Has a Wide Variety of Positive Effects" (2016). University Presentation Showcase Event. 15.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2016/undergraduate/15
Abstract
Earthing (or grounding) is the process of electrically connecting the human body to the surface of the earth. Modern lifestyles inhibit this connection, but being electrically connected to the earth is very important for our health and well-being. For this literature review, we located 14 empirical studies that used sound scientific methods for assessing the effect of earthing. These studies showed earthing improves perceptions of pain, stress, relaxation, sleep quality, mood, and general health. In addition, these studies also reported a wide variety of physiological improvements, including blood chemistry, hormone levels, nervous system activity, and immune functioning. The majority of effect sizes for all of these variables are in the moderate range (standardized mean differences between 0.25 and 0.75). Earthing has not yet been embraced by the medical community as an effective health-promoting activity, but the science behind earthing clearly indicates that it does have positive health effects.
Presentation format
Poster
Poster Number
055
Earthing (Grounding) Has a Wide Variety of Positive Effects
Earthing (or grounding) is the process of electrically connecting the human body to the surface of the earth. Modern lifestyles inhibit this connection, but being electrically connected to the earth is very important for our health and well-being. For this literature review, we located 14 empirical studies that used sound scientific methods for assessing the effect of earthing. These studies showed earthing improves perceptions of pain, stress, relaxation, sleep quality, mood, and general health. In addition, these studies also reported a wide variety of physiological improvements, including blood chemistry, hormone levels, nervous system activity, and immune functioning. The majority of effect sizes for all of these variables are in the moderate range (standardized mean differences between 0.25 and 0.75). Earthing has not yet been embraced by the medical community as an effective health-promoting activity, but the science behind earthing clearly indicates that it does have positive health effects.
