Earthing: The Next Great Solution to a Slew of Maladies?

We've lost contact with the earth. Our feet seldom touch its surface, and when they do, it's usually only for a day here and there in the summer. I never realized how big of a deal it was to be disconnected from the earth, until I purchased an earthing bed pad; basically, a conductive half-sheet with a wire that plugs into the wall and which connects to the earth.

I purchased the bed sheet about a month ago, after reading a book called "Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever?" by Clinton Ober, Stephen T. Sinatra, and Martin Zucker.

The concept of Earthing, while quite simple, has amazing effects upon the body, according to the authors of the book. By standing on the earth or connecting the body with a device that's grounded into the earth, electrons from the earth get transferred into the body. These electrons neutralize free radicals, and thereby, lower oxidative stress and inflammation.

Earthing also seems to normalize a number of other bodily processes. The authors of the book mention that it balances the nervous system, and specifically, cortisol levels. Studies have revealed that it also thins the blood, strengthens the immune system and restores sleep. It also blocks or lessens the effects of EMF's, electromagnetic frequencies, upon the body.

The effects of Earthing are yet not entirely understood, and tests are still being done to determine exactly how it affects the body. But so far, it's believed to restore and balance the body's electrical system, as it reduces inflammation, which means that it is likely to impact the body in a wide variety of ways.

Those who have tried Earthing report a variety of results; anything from improved sleep to less pain to complete resolution of their disease processes.

I have been sleeping on an Earthing half-sheet for several weeks now and my sleep has improved radically. I used to get up once or twice during the night and it used to take me an hour to an hour and a half to fall asleep. Now, I can often sleep through the night, and I have been falling asleep faster than before. I am also sleeping more deeply. In addition, I feel more relaxed during the day, which means that Earthing may be a good treatment for those with anxiety.

That said, during the first week or so that I slept on my half-sheet, I felt more deeply rested, but also a bit more tired, which may have simply been the result of my body entering into a deeper state of relaxation. Or it may have been caused by toxins being released from my body, as my body realigned itself energetically with the earth. Indeed, those with chronic illness who are considering Earthing should take care not to spend too many hours on an earthing mat or bed sheet at first, as doing so can trigger the release of toxins.

I am cautiously optimistic about the long-term effects of Earthing. If the results of the preliminary studies are any indication, Earthing may be useful for treating a variety of diseases, and normalizing many of the body's abnormal processes.

I believe it's well-worth trying out as an adjunct treatment for those suffering from chronic illness and Lyme disease. For more information on Earthing, visit: http://www.earthinginstitute.net, or http://www.earthing.com