Ground contact, also called grounding or earthing, involves direct electrical contact between the body and the earth's natural electrical potential. Throughout its evolution, man has been in continuous contact with the ground, either by walking barefoot or through natural materials that conduct electricity. This only changed a relatively few thousand years ago, and particularly in the last 100–150 years, when insulating shoes, floors and building materials became the norm. Today, many people are in practice only in contact with the ground a few summer months a year. Grounding is therefore often described as one of the simplest and most natural methods for restoring this contact.
Research and experiences with earthing
Research and clinical experiences indicate that contact with the ground can have an impact on sleep, recovery, pain experience and general well-being. In a study where a group of people slept grounded for 30-40 days, the following self-reported changes were observed: 85 percent fell asleep faster, 93 percent slept better through the night, 82 percent experienced reduced muscle stiffness, 74 percent reported reduction or elimination of pain, and 78 percent experienced better general health. These are self-reported findings and must be interpreted soberly, but illustrate why interest in grounding has increased significantly in recent years.
Uno Vita recommends the grounding sheet to many clients at the Clinic for Integrative Medicine, precisely because sleep provides many hours of stable contact with the ground. Among other things, grounding has been shown to be able to counteract the aggregation of red blood cells, which can occur with oxidative stress and low antioxidant status. Since grounding adds electrons, this is described by some researchers as an effect that can be compared to antioxidants. Better flow in the blood can contribute to better oxygen distribution in the body, which in turn can be beneficial for several physiological processes.
Thermography and clinical observations
A frequently used illustration in the grounding literature is thermography, i.e. infrared heat photography. In a well-known example, thermography images were taken of a 44-year-old woman with chronic back pain before and after grounding. The image before showed clear areas of heat associated with pain and inflammation, while the image after four nights of grounding showed a marked reduction. The woman reported after four days a 30 percent reduction in pain, a 70 percent reduction in pain that disturbed sleep and a 30 percent reduction in morning stiffness. After four weeks, she reported an 80 percent reduction in pain, no sleep disturbances and a 70 percent reduction in morning stiffness. This is a single case and cannot be generalized, but illustrates how individuals respond quickly to ground contact.
How to get ground contact outside
The most direct way to achieve ground contact is to walk barefoot in nature. Earth, grass, mountains and sand provide direct contact, and the beach and salt water also provide a favorable combination of natural electromagnetism and sunlight. This should be done as often as conditions permit.
Ground contact indoors and why products are used
When we are indoors, we are normally shielded from the ground because floors, beds, furniture and shoes do not conduct electricity and are not connected to earth. In order to achieve ground contact inside, there are therefore products that connect the body to earth either via an earthed contact or via earth spikes outside the house. It is important to specify that you then only pick up the ground potential, not current.
Earthing solutions you can use inside
One of the simplest and most effective solutions for indoor ground contact is to sleep on the grounding sheet. Uno Vita supplies both classic grounding sheets in cotton with silver thread and newer Evolution sheets with a high proportion of silver.
Classic grounding sheets consist of approximately 3 percent silver wire and 97 percent cotton. These work well, but require direct skin contact or very thin natural materials between the body and the sheet. It is these sheets that have been used in most of the studies referred to in the grounding literature. You can find them here, among other things: https://unovita.no/products/softsilvertm-earthing-sheet-50x-200-universal
Evolution grounding material consists of around 50 percent pure silver wire combined with Tencel and Lyocell from sustainable eucalyptus. When the silver content exceeds approximately 35 per cent, direct skin contact is not necessary. The body's natural moisture is sufficient to ensure good conduction, and you can use a normal cotton sheet over it. This provides better hygiene, a longer lifespan and, in addition, a certain shielding effect against low- and high-frequency radiation from below.
Grounding mats are often used for sedentary work. These are available in both textile and steel variants, as well as classic rubber and carbon mats that are primarily used underfoot, for example when working on a computer. You can find an example here: https://unovita.no/products/jordingsmatte-earthing-mat
Security and Norwegian conditions
All grounding products from Uno Vita are supplied with specially developed plugs suitable for grounded EU sockets. The plugs have built-in resistance that prevents strong current from passing through the wire, and they are designed so that they only have contact with earth, not live parts. This makes use safe when the product is used correctly. If you are in doubt as to whether the electrical system in the home is in order, it makes sense to have it checked by an authorized electrician.
Final assessment
Grounding is not medical treatment and does not replace health care. It is a biophysical principle that can be included as part of a holistic lifestyle together with good water, daylight, movement and reduced electrical noise. Studies and experiences indicate that many people experience better sleep, less pain and increased well-being, while the research field is still being developed.
About Uno Vita's editorial staff
This article has been prepared by Uno Vita's specialist editorial team and is based on scientific literature, clinical experience and more than 15 years of work with biophysics, grounding, electromedicine and integrative health technology. The content is intended as general professional information and should not be understood as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. In the event of health complaints, it is always recommended to contact a qualified healthcare professional. Uno Vita AS is based in Moss, Norway. Freedom of expression and professional dissemination are central to Uno Vita's work.
