Biological Grounding - Real or Hocus Pocus?

Biological Grounding - Real or Hocus Pocus?

By Dr Edward Brell PhD

Biological grounding involves standing barefoot on the ground. The idea being any residual static electricity will be drained off into the earth - like emptying out the battery, as it were. The idea has intuitive appeal. Who hasn't been zapped by a car door handle discharging static electricity, sometimes with an audible crack? Or, who hasn't taken off a shirt or blouse and heard the crackle of static discharge? The question is, is there any therapeutic benefit derived? This article explores what published science may have to offer to underpin the practice of grounding in the context of health and wellbeing.

A university library search on the term grounding yielded 183,000 peer-reviewed publications. The meaning of the word 'grounding' ranges from the devastating grounding of a naughty teenager to grounding an issue in the facts, and beyond. Another search, this time on biological grounding, narrowed the field to almost 31,000 peer-reviewed publications. The term biological earthing yielded a manageable 600 peer-reviewed publications to winnow. This article reports on many of these publications and their relevant linked publications.

So here's the theory highly simplified. Now we all know free radicals aren't a good thing. A free radical is missing an electron (and so is positively charged). When connected to the earth the earth supplies the electron to nullify the free radical. In 1994 Anisimov performed tests to show that the earth's surface is electrically charged.

Now, according to Rosalind Tan (2014) our bodies are electrically conductive. Charged ions and free electrons get good conduit via blood and other body fluids. Electrical charge builds up in people like a battery especially in a dry climate. Fuel truck drivers must discharge any possible likelihood of sparking, sometimes with wrist straps. The relevance here is that earthing or grounding a person is very much part of solid science.

Earliest and pioneering work was that of Dr White GS (1929). Ahead of his time he helped sleep deprived individuals by earthing their beds with copper wire.

In 2010 Clinton Ober et al claim in their book: "Earthing - The most important health discovery ever?" the following:

"Defuses the cause of inflammation and improves or eliminates the symptoms of many inflammation-related disorders.

Reduces or eliminates chronic pain.

Improves sleep in most cases.

Increases energy.

Lowers stress and promotes calmness in the body by cooling down the nervous system and stress hormones.

Normalizes the body's biological rhythm

Thins blood and improves blood pressure and flow.

Relieves muscle tension and headaches.

Lessens hormonal and menstrual symptoms.

Dramatically speeds healing and helps prevent bedsores.

Protects the body against potentially health-disturbing environmental electromagnetic fields.

Accelerates recovery from intense athletic activity."

Ghaly & Tepliz in 2004 measured cortical (stress hormone) secretion during sleep of 12 subjects. The electric field of the subjects was measured and found to decrease as a result of earthing from an average over the 12 subjects from 3.270 V to 0.007 V. They concluded that earthing a person during sleep reduces night-time levels of cortisol so improving sleep.

Ib Andersen in 1965 remarked how a person could become electrically charged in relation to his surroundings merely by walking over a Nylon carpet. He added that an electric field may electrically induce a person, if:

"A person has a certain potential relative to the surroundings.

A person is at earth potential while free charges occur in the surroundings.

Both 1 and 2."

Christian Back (1967) an electrical engineer, devoted his book "Ions for breathing" to atmospheric electricity. The term 'ion' is ill defined like a rock can range from just bigger than the size of a grain of sand to massive asteroid size. The term stretches from atomic ions like household salt dissolved into Sodium cations and Chloride anions all the way to the larger aerosol size. He disserts the electric field in rooms around occupants and delves into the effect of ions on such people.

A good study of the dispersal of small air ion concentrations is a case study by Jamison et al who in 2006 measured the charged particles and molecules in an office for one person. The measurements were taken in an horizontal plane through seated eye-level and then in a vertical plane nominally coinciding with the seated person. In the vertical plane the average number of Negative Small Air Ions per cubic cm (SNAI cm-3) was 361 per cubic cm over 276 sampling points ranging in number from 10 ions to 930 ions per cubic cm. In the vertical plane the isoline areas bounded by the upper bound concentrations completely obscured the seated subject immersing the person in the higher ranges of SNAI.

A further point of interest is the electrostatic potential measured by them in the vertical plane averaging 104.9 V and ranging from 2.2 V to 7.7 kV. The maximum values were around the footrest where the operator had been rubbing shoes. Russian and Swedish guidelines stipulate less than 500 V at 50 cm from the computer.

High school science teaches about anions and cations. It should come as no surprise that the air we breathe also has ions and Charry (1984) concludes that small air ions are likely to have biological effects. Yet Krueger in 1976 had already presented experimental data that small air ions are indeed biologically active.

Just like fish swim in an ocean of Sodium and Chloride ions so too are humans in an atmosphere of ions, positive and negative. Whilst the ions can be generated, more than one third positive ions occur naturally as a result of radioactive decay. They don't travel far and have a short life. Indoors the ions have an even shorter life (30 seconds) as they bump into things and short out. (Alpha Lab Inc) Therein lies the key to biological grounding: Shorting out by earthing with Mother Earth.

To conclude, a snippet from an invited editorial prepared by the late Dr AP Kruger in 1982 is presented from the International Journal of Biometeorology. The editorial sets many urban myths about air ions straight. He concludes his editorial with advice for prospective buyers of air ion generators:

"Air ions, negative and positive, are normal constituents of our biosphere and they are biologically active.

A good deal is known about the effects of air ions on bacteria, protozoa, plants, insects and small animals. Less is known about their action on humans. There is evidence that air ions can influence mood, behaviour, and performance of certain tasks.

There is some suggestion that air ions may be of value in the treatment of certain diseases, but more critical trials are needed before air ions therapy can be established as an acceptable addition to the medical armoury armamentarium.

Some air ion generators produce ozone and should be avoided.

No one as yet has found that the negative air ion concentrations produced by any properly constructed commercial generator may be harmful." http://www.facebook.com/Wellness-Wear-612983345564444/

After about 6 years of buying women's wear from China, India, Thailand, Bangladesh and Indonesia we found a need to ensure supply is according to the following:

• No child labour

• No Azo dyes that cause cancer

• No harsh processing chemicals that hurt the environment.

• Fabric from renewable sources

• Natural fire retardant fabric

We went a little further, and asked ourselves the question:

What can we add to our range of clothing that enhances wellness in the wearer?

We came up with some surprising answers. Watch this space.

diana-ware and Wellness-Wear

Article Source:  Biological Grounding - Real or Hocus Pocus?

A Healthy Diet and Regular Exercise Is King

A Healthy Diet and Regular Exercise Is King

By Hilary Green

A conversation I recently had with a friend, prompted me to research Alzheimer's Disease and if anything could be done to prevent or cure it. As I am no longer a 'Spring Chicken' myself, the fear of contracting something that will take away my love of and ability with words is a devastating one. Among all the information available online, I came upon the following report. Our health is of vital importance to all of us and so I thought to pass on some of what I learned.

"A UCLA study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that the Mediterranean diet is one of the main lifestyle factors that seems to keep the brain from developing the toxic plaques and tangles associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Plaque is characterized by deposits of a toxic protein called beta-amyloid in the spaces between nerve cells in the brain. Think of tangles of knotted threads of the tau protein found within brain cells. Both are considered key indicators of Alzheimer's."

It seems we hear of more and more people succumbing to this awful disease. I will certainly do everything I can to prevent falling victim to it. Something else in the report, reminded us that our quest for good health these days was a concern for Hippocrates who knew the importance of food in healing the body even back in 400 B.C. when he advised people to prevent and treat diseases first and foremost by eating nutrient-packed foods. That is 2,400 years ago and it seems modern science is only now beginning to catch up.

One of the solutions offered was that the food staples in the diet eaten in the Mediterranean, such as leafy greens like spinach and kale, non starchy veggies like cauliflower, eggplant, tomatoes, plus olive oil and many other items that many of us know about already, especially if we have looked at this food regimen at some stage, can have a very positive result. Most of us like things like hummus, salads, eggs and cheese, even red meat. It even mentioned that a glass of red wine could be beneficial.

Another part of the prevention/delayed onset option is exercise, which is considered a potent Alzheimer's preventer. As that report also mentioned, people who were physically active on a regular basis have a much lower risk of developing the disease. Even people who are physically challenged in some way or other can, with a little help and good advice, become more active.

It doesn't take too much, when you look at all the information available, to realise that you have the ability to prevent such a dreadful disease affecting those around you.

I wonder how many of us has ever been advised by their medical advisors that this healthy diet and regular exercise regime can actually help prevent, or at the very least delay, the onset of such a disease as Alzheimer's, that will cause so much misery, not only for the family dealing with the effects, but to any one of us who contracts the disease.

Just the research I have undertaken myself has cemented my decision to change my own eating routine and make sure I exercise every day, even if it's only a walk.

There are so many health issues surrounding us today, I believe it is up to us to make sure we do everything we can to keep ourselves fit and healthy.

Hilary is a copywriter concentrating on health and travel in the Christian Market. Particularly those who are concerned about their own health and how to ensure they stay healthy.
Any questions, comments, or for further information she can be contacted at email  hilary@hilaryagreen.com

Article Source:  A Healthy Diet and Regular Exercise Is King

What Causes Anal Fissures?

What Causes Anal Fissures?

By William M Mason

Anal fissures are cracks, fissures or disruptions on the skin surface around the anus. These fissures are comparable to small wounds that may cause acute or chronic pain, itching, irritations, and difficulties in defecation. These tears are present inside the anus, particularly in the area where the skin inside the rectum meets the skin of the anus. Of course, there's only one question in your mind right now - what causes anal fissures? It's time for you to find out.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and is composed of different parts. The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin. And this part of the skin is the most exposed to damages.

With regard to the skin on the anus, when it's stretched too much, or when it's irritated too much, that's where the problem occurs.

Sometimes, anal fissures are said to be caused by the dryness of the skin area on the anus, which in turn makes the surface quite rough. This rougher epidermis is likely to disrupt or break out, that's why it forms cracks or fissures.

Apart from the dryness of the skin, there are also other things which might cause the cracking of the anal surface. These are:

1. Frequent Constipation- the hardening of the feces may contribute to the breaking of the skins, as the pressure on the surface becomes too much. That is why it is greatly advised for someone experiencing anal fissures to have high fiber food on a regular basis. It's also recommended for people to avoid food that may cause constipations.

2. Postponing of defecation- when you feel the urge to go to the bathroom and you postpone it a little while, that's when the amount of feces would increase. This makes it difficult to expel the feces and may cause too much pressure on the anal surface. This eventually leads to tears.

3. Too much strain on the anal sphincter- the anal sphincter is the circular muscle found on the anus. This is where feces are being expelled, and if they build up and get harder, this causes too much strain or pressure on the anal sphincter. Because of that, cracks or fissures may appear on the surface.

4. Pregnancy/Giving birth- when the skin on the anus has been stretched too much, chances are high that fissures will appear.

5. Pressure or tension on the surface- sometimes friction from toilet paper or other things might slightly damage the anal skin. If these materials are rubbed over the skin with too much pressure, irritations and cracking might occur.

6. Improper digestion and defecation- the damage on the anal surface is sometimes related to improper digestion. This might cause constipation, stool hardening, and improper defecation. Due to this, the skin might be damaged and cracked.

What causes anal fissures? Well, you finally know the answer and you now understand why it is a must to observe proper hygiene, and to avoid doing things that may cause the damage to the skin.

To download a free report please visit http://www.stopanalfissures.com

Article Source:  What Causes Anal Fissures?

A Time to Heal

A Time to Heal

By Rhonda Kitts

Step 1: Detox

Prior to beginning my journey back to healthy living, I was under the understanding that if I wasn't feeling well, I needed to add something - maybe a medicine or if I preferred the natural route, perhaps a vitamin, herb, or even a new exercise program.

With thousands of products, services, and programs out there for general health, how do you know where to begin?

It might seem overwhelming, but your health journey can become your most exciting journey when done with the right intention and the right knowledge.

If we first and foremost understand that we are three components: the mind, the body, and the spirit. Each of these three components needs to be taken care of with proper health habits in order to feel our best as a whole.

Although sometimes we do need to add something, in a general sense, the first step in a healing journey is to detox. What exactly does that mean when broken down into our three aspects of mind, body, and spirit?

Detoxing the Mind

Our words, thoughts, and feelings contribute greatly to either a sense of well-being, or a stress-filled survival mode. If you find that your mind is not the most pleasant home to reside in, it might be time to think about your thoughts you are allowing in. Do you consistently have worried thoughts? Is your mind constantly analyzing situations? What might be wrong in situations in order to "fix" them?

The mind can be reprogrammed. It is called "neuroplasticity" which literally refers to the neurotransmitters as being malleable, reformable. It is not a quick fix and just like any other addiction, negative thought patterns give us a nice, although temporary, soothing effect. Understanding that the reprogramming process begins with difficulty and gets easier with time is important.

Detoxing the Body

Our bodies need assistance with this process and the most effective methods of detox are also the most ancient. There are great regimes out there for detoxing just about any organ you would like to focus on. All you need is Google and you're well on your way.

My favorite way to detox is with reflexology. For me, all I need to do is take off my shoes and the reflexologist does the rest - and it feels wonderful! Reflexology consists of rubbing the foot and focusing on the reflex points of the foot, which correspond to the specific organs in our bodies. As a busy mom, entrepreneur, and business owner, I have limited down time and this is the most efficient way I have found to keep my body clean on the inside.

It is a very powerful form of detox and care should be taken to schedule your first session at a time when you can rest for a day or two after. I've had sessions where the detox was so strong that I was shaking on the table as the toxins were released from my organs back into my bloodstream. This was after many years on pharmaceutical medications and I have a genetic marker for detox missing, so my results were not typical.

If you want to really turn your health around for the better, I recommend monthly reflexology sessions as well as regular massage for overall body detox.

Detoxing the Spirit

First of all, let's define what this means in a mind, body, spirit approach. What exactly is spirit? The mind, body spirit approach to health and wellness is not a religious view, but rather a holistic view of our whole being, including the body we see and the ethereal body most of us cannot see. Our spirit can also be identified as our aura or energy field and it extends anywhere from a few inches to several feet out from our physical bodies, depending on our spiritual health.

The first step to detox our energy field is to avoid situations and relationships where negative energy might be present. Negativity and arguments are very unhealthy for the energy body.

If you can imagine your energy body as a magnetic force, it becomes easier to understand the concept of picking up energy everywhere you go. You've heard the phrase, "You become who you hang around." This is very true.

There are exercises that can be practiced to protect your energy field and breathing exercises and meditations that can be practiced to clean your aura. Grounding is also very important and there are exercises to help balance your energy as well.

I explain these processes in more detail in articles on my website http://www.rhondakitts.com if you are interested in exploring this further.

Check out my website at http://www.rhondakitts.com. Congratulations on beginning your beautiful journey of healing!

Article Source:  A Time to Heal

Natural Ways to Cure Acne

Natural Ways to Cure Acne

By Maureen Abuor

Acne is caused by the clogging of hair follicles with dead skin cells and oil from the skin. It is considered a major contributor of low self-esteem in both adolescents and adults.

Acne could be a natural way of your body conveying a vital message to you. Consider the following tips on how to live an acne free life.

1. Management of stress

Your body responds to stress by directing blood and oxygen to the key organs that help in fighting stress. In this process, your skin is left dry and hence susceptible to clogged pores that may eventually lead to breakouts.

You can manage stress by exercising, since this triggers sweating of the body hence cleansing the pores.

Quality sleep also enhances metabolism rate hence leading to reduced stress and eventually zero acne skin.

2. Fasting

It sounds weird, doesn't it? Scientific research has shown that when you fast, your body redirects the energy that would have been used in the digestion of food to other activities like healing, cleansing and restoration of your skin. This works literally for all skin types.

3. Observe your Diet

A well balanced diet is very crucial in the development and performance of your body organs and system at large.

Just like in body weight issues, you need to watch your food intake in order to ensure you have a good skin. Incorporate fruits in your diet, instead of junk foods like pizza which has a lot of oil, hence can be a nightmare to your skin.

Rich in nutrients and vitamins, fruits help in the healing, cleansing and even maintenance of the body PH, and hence, a good skin free of acne.

4. Hygiene

When oil from your body mixes with dead skin cells, your skin pores become clogged. This creates a suitable breeding ground for the bacteria, hence may lead to skin outbreaks. You can prevent these skin outbreaks by ensuring that you bathe daily, and also, wash your face at least twice a day.

Curing acne is one of the big questions that almost everyone wants an answer to. We all desire to have beautiful skin free of acne, as this helps in the enhancement of high self-esteem. To ensure acne-free skin, actively manage stress, observe your diet, maintain a high level of hygiene, and ensure that you practice healthy habits like fasting. Enjoy the beauty of a clear skin as you put these into practice.

Maureen Abuor is an excellent writer with a passion-driven writing. I ensure you get the needed information at the right time and place.
Thorough research ensures that I give you the best articles in the market.
Feel free to contact me for more on articles.

Article Source:  Natural Ways to Cure Acne

Navigating the Path to Mental Health and Well-being

Introduction: In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, it's i...