Grounding: A Natural Strategy for Managing Autoimmune Conditions
Living with an autoimmune condition like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or multiple sclerosis (MS) can be challenging, with symptoms like chronic pain, fatigue, and inflammation impacting daily life. As individuals seek holistic ways to manage and potentially reverse these symptoms, grounding - also known as earthing - has emerged as a promising complementary therapy. Grounding involves connecting your body to the Earth’s natural electric energy, either by direct contact with natural surfaces or through conductive devices. This blog post explores how grounding may help those with autoimmune diseases, drawing from scientific research and real-life experiences shared by the Earthing Institute.
Understanding Grounding and Its Mechanism
Grounding is based on the idea that the Earth’s surface holds a negative electric charge, maintained by natural phenomena like lightning. When your body makes direct contact with the Earth - through barefoot walking on grass, sand, or soil, or by using grounding products like mats or patches - it absorbs free electrons. These electrons are believed to act as antioxidants, neutralising reactive oxygen species (ROS), also known as free radicals, which contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation.
In autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation drives the immune system to ‘attack’ healthy tissues, leading to symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, and neurological issues. By reducing inflammation, grounding may help alleviate these symptoms and support overall health. The Earthing Institute describes grounding as “pulling a switch” that aligns the body’s bioelectrical circuits, potentially making it function more efficiently.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Grounding
Research on grounding is still in its early stages, but several studies provide insights into its potential benefits for inflammation and autoimmune conditions. A key study by Oschman et al. (2015), published in the Journal of Inflammation Research (Grounding Effects), found that grounding reduces cardinal signs of inflammation - redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function - following injury. The study also reported rapid resolution of chronic inflammation in 20 case studies using medical infrared imaging, suggesting grounding’s anti-inflammatory effects.
Key findings from the study include:
Reduced Inflammatory Markers: Grounded individuals showed decreased white blood cell counts post-injury compared to ungrounded counterparts, indicating a dampened inflammatory response.
Antioxidant Effects: Grounding may neutralize ROS, reducing collateral damage to healthy tissues and preventing the formation of inflammatory barricades.
Autoimmune Relevance: The study noted reduced pain in patients with lupus and other autoimmune disorders, hypothesising that electron deficiency from disconnection with the Earth may contribute to immune system dysfunction.
Another article in Biomedical Journal (2023) by Sinatra et al. (Universal Anti-Inflammatory) describes grounding as a “universal anti-inflammatory remedy,” emphasising its potential to address chronic inflammatory conditions. While these studies are promising, they are limited in scope, and more rigorous, large-scale trials are needed to confirm grounding’s efficacy for autoimmune diseases.
Real-Life Stories: Grounding
Anecdotal evidence complements the scientific findings, offering hope to those exploring grounding. One compelling story is that of Melanie Monteith, shared on the Earthing Institute’s MS page. Diagnosed with MS at age 24, Melanie faced worsening symptoms over 14 years, including fatigue, numbness, balance issues, and optic nerve inflammation. By 2017, she relied on a walker or scooter. After starting grounding with a conductive sleep mat and patches, she noticed improvements within 45 minutes, including better mood and reduced leg tingling. Over time, her balance, sleep, energy, and eye symptoms improved significantly. By early 2019, Melanie reported feeling strong and steady, advocating for grounding as a life-changing practice for MS patients.
Similarly, the Earthing Institute highlights a woman with lupus who experienced dramatic symptom relief by grounding 16+ hours daily, using mats at her desk and home. These stories, while not scientific proof, align with research suggesting grounding’s anti-inflammatory benefits and inspire further exploration.
How to Incorporate Grounding into Your Life
Grounding is accessible and can be practiced in various ways, making it feasible for those with autoimmune conditions to try. Here are the primary methods:
Outdoor Grounding
Barefoot Contact: Walk, sit, or lie on natural surfaces like grass, sand, soil, gravel, or stone. Even wading in natural water bodies can be effective.
Duration: Aim for at least 30 minutes daily, though more time (up to several hours) may be beneficial for chronic conditions. The Earthing Institute suggests that the sicker the individual, the more grounding time is needed.
Indoor Grounding
Grounding Products: Use conductive mats, sheets, patches, or bands connected to a grounded outlet or a ground rod. These simulate barefoot contact by transferring the Earth’s energy indoors.
Application: Place patches on areas of pain or inflammation for faster relief (often within 20-30 minutes). Sleep on grounding sheets or use mats under your desk for extended exposure. I sleep on a grounding bedsheet to drain inflammation from my body while I sleep and I can report that I sleep more deeply and fall asleep more quickly since I have been using it.
Recommended Time: For serious autoimmune conditions, grounding for 16+ hours daily, including during sleep, may yield significant results, as seen in anecdotal reports.
Practical Tips
Consistency: Benefits are cumulative and last only as long as you remain grounded. Regular practice is key.
Environment: Ensure outdoor surfaces are safe and free of hazards. For indoor grounding, verify that outlets are properly grounded using a tester.
Precautions and Considerations
While grounding is generally safe, certain precautions can enhance its effectiveness and safety:
Start Gradually: Some individuals may experience detox-like symptoms (e.g., flu-like feelings) when beginning grounding. Start with 30-minute sessions and increase slowly, especially if you have electro-sensitivity, multiple chemical sensitivities, or Lyme disease.
Medication Interactions: Grounding may have a blood-thinning effect or affect medications like thyroid drugs, blood sugar regulators, or anti-inflammatories. Consult a functional medicine doctor before starting, as dosage adjustments may be needed.
Electro-Sensitivity: Those sensitive to electromagnetic fields should begin with short grounding periods to avoid discomfort. Ground away from wifi and Bluetooth. I turn my wifi and smartphone OFF at night.
Expectations: Pain relief may occur within 20-30 minutes, but reversing autoimmune markers requires consistent, long-term practice. Benefits may not be immediate for all.
The Earthing Institute notes that grounding is not a cure-all, and stopping the practice may lead to a return of symptoms. Combining grounding with other treatments, under functional medical supervision, is recommended.
Addressing the Controversy
Grounding is a polarising topic. Proponents, including the Earthing Institute, cite its simplicity and natural basis, supported by preliminary studies and testimonials. Critics argue that the evidence is limited, with small sample sizes and potential bias from sources like the Earthing Institute, which promotes grounding products. The lack of large-scale, randomised controlled trials fuels skepticism, and some healthcare professionals view grounding as unproven or placebo-driven. However, the low risk and accessibility of grounding make it a low-stakes option for those willing to try it as part of a broader health strategy.
Grounding works for me
Grounding offers a natural, accessible approach to managing autoimmune conditions by potentially reducing inflammation and improving symptoms like pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Scientific studies, such as Oschman et al. (2015), provide a foundation for its anti-inflammatory effects, while stories like Melanie Monteith’s and my own highlight its real-world impact. By practicing grounding outdoors or with indoor products, individuals with autoimmune diseases may find a complementary tool to enhance their well-being.
If you’re considering grounding, start with small steps, monitor your body’s response, and consult your functional healthcare provider, especially if you’re on medications. While more research is needed to fully validate grounding’s benefits, its simplicity and low risk make it a worthwhile exploration for those seeking holistic ways to manage autoimmunity. For further information, visit the Earthing Institute or explore the cited studies below.
