Misinformation about grounding and grounding products
Grounding occurs when technical equipment or the human body (or other material) that conducts electricity is connected directly to earth (the ground) via a conductor. The same happens when you walk barefoot on the beach, touch a tree, bathe in a lake or in the sea, or are in direct contact with the ground in another way. We usually associate grounding with electrical and technical equipment exposed to static electricity and electromagnetic noise. Grounding first gained technical significance in the mid-1800s when the predecessor to telephony (the telegraph) was introduced with a cable across the Atlantic. Electrical noise arose on the line, but it was completely eliminated when the system was grounded. Since then, all sensitive electrical equipment has been grounded, which means that the equipment and the ground (earth) have the same electrical potential and that static electricity is discharged to earth. Simply put, the same happens with the body when it is directly connected to earth through the use of grounding sheets, a grounding mat, or when we walk barefoot outdoors. There is a great deal of information about grounding in Norwegian from several sources, including Uno Vita AS (shop.unovita.com) and Helsemagasinet vitenskap og fornuft (vof.no). Unfortunately, Norwegian articles have also been published based on a German article from 2005, but they provide technically incorrect information about grounding. Our ancestors benefited greatly from the health advantages of being grounded because they had dirt floors in their homes and wore leather shoes that conduct electricity. However, they became “disconnected” from earth when they began laying wooden floors in earthen huts and later introduced rubber soles, linoleum floor coverings, etc. Research has clearly shown that such advances had costs, which more recent research has documented clearly.
Incorrect claims and some explanations
Claims that grounding is harmful to health have, among others, been put forward by EMF Consult on their website. We would add that this company also provides a great deal of correct information about radiation and related topics, but when this contributes to people who would benefit from sleeping on grounding sheets not doing so, the errors should be pointed out.
Claim 1: Grounding worsens electric fields and is harmful to the body
When the body (or any conductor in which electrons move) is grounded, a protective field arises around the body (the umbrella effect). Electrical appliances in Norway are normally connected to the power grid (alternating current, 50 Hz, 220/230 volts). All appliances or conductors through which current flows generate electric fields. When one is near these electric fields, some of the electrons in the body begin to “wobble” or oscillate in step with the 50 Hz frequencies from the power grid and electrical appliances. If one is in direct contact with the earth (is grounded), this effect is significantly reduced, and the body becomes calmer. It is correct that the electric field around the grounding sheet and/or the body on top of the sheet increases. Wherever electrons move in a conductor (current), an electric field is created around the conductor. The field in the body is reduced, and the noise is reduced (the umbrella effect), in addition to health-promoting microcurrents flowing from the earth to the body. The same thing happens when you are on the beach in summer. The claim of “worsening” is therefore incorrect, regardless of whether the claim is based on a misunderstanding or a lack of knowledge of basic physics. The body experiences a reduced effect from electric fields when it is grounded, not the other way around. This is also why electrical equipment has been grounded since the mid-1800s.
Claim 2: Using grounding sheets increases the burden on the body in most cases
It is documented that the opposite is the case (see links below) and that the effect of alternating current fields (AC) is reduced when sleeping on grounding sheets.
Claim 3: The thunderstorm and lightning theory
It is suggested that the grounding sheet “attracts” radiation in the same way that lightning takes the shortest path to ground. This is also incorrect. First, all grounding sheets and mats (produced by Uno Vita and others we are familiar with) are equipped with a 100 kilo-ohm resistor. This means that regardless of the cause, it is technically impossible for high voltage to pass through the sheet or the person lying on it. The risk that lightning would come in through the window rather than striking the highest conductor (tree, telephone pole, roof, chimney, antenna, etc.) and take the shortest path to ground via the sheet does not exist because the sheet has too much resistance. Those who use grounding sheets are 100% protected against such a possibility. Second, it is physically incorrect that a grounding sheet “attracts” radiation. Electric fields arise as a result of current flowing through a conductor. A grounding sheet is a conductor, and as previously mentioned, a field arises around the sheet and/or the person lying on it. The sheet cannot “attract” fields; that would violate the laws of physics.
Claim 4: There is no point in measuring body voltage
It is claimed that there is no point in measuring body voltage relative to earth (the earth’s electrical potential). Of course, it is useful to measure that one is grounded (then the voltage relative to earth will be reduced toward 0) in order to know that the sheet, mat, or whatever other equipment one uses to ground oneself is actually working and will provide the health effects we know grounding offers.
Claim 5: The electric field determines how much current flows through the body
It is important to understand that electric fields do not contain moving electrons in themselves (otherwise we would call it current), only energy. Electric fields can help move electrons where electrons are present, such as in a conductor like the body. Therefore, fields with 50 Hz alternating current (AC) will cause the body's electrons to "oscillate" back and forth until one is connected to ground. Then you become an extension of the earth's electrical potential (the largest electromagnet we have), and the umbrella effect occurs (a protective effect). Induced voltage is discharged to ground at the speed of light (immediately). If one were to be connected directly to an electrical source that can actually deliver a dangerous flow of electrons (current from a damaged household appliance, for example), the sheet is equipped with a resistor that makes it technically impossible for a dangerous current to pass through the body. Claim 5 is therefore irrelevant to the use of grounding sheets.
Conclusion: risks of grounding, electric fields, and the health benefits of grounding
Grounding (walking barefoot, sleeping on the ground, on grounding sheets, using a grounding mat) is health-promoting. Before 2017, 20 controlled studies had been published documenting that grounding promotes health in several areas and is recommended for everyone, in the same way that it is recommended to be outdoors and in contact with the ground, get fresh air, and daylight. It is true that electromagnetic radiation (abbreviated EMF) from wireless networks, mobile phones, live cables, high-voltage lines, chargers, and other electrical equipment creates fields that can be a burden on the body. Grounding does not solve all radiation-related problems, but it reduces the effect of several of them and provides a beneficial therapeutic effect. Uno Vita and partners generally recommend that everyone reduce the burden of man-made radiation (EMF). Reduction of exposure can be achieved through various shielding measures (fabric, curtains, coatings, paint, mats, etc.) that block/reflect high-frequency radiation and divert low-frequency electrical radiation to ground. One can also reduce noise on the electrical grid by using dirty electricity filters, and one can use technology that reduces the harmful effects of radiation (Spinor). Many aspects of man-made electromagnetic radiation may be harmful. We therefore recommend that everyone with older houses and wiring, or in cases of suspected faults, have their electrical installation inspected. Upgrade to grounded wiring where possible and have the electrician check that there is a proper ground without stray current, as it should be. Properly grounded wiring in the house reduces noise and allows you to be grounded in every room you spend time in. Please feel free to contact us for assistance.
Health effects of grounding summarized
All living beings have always been in contact with the ground, and humans only lost such contact a few hundred years ago. Since the 1950s, the industrialized part of the world has almost completely lost contact with the ground. Walking barefoot, bathing in the sea, and being in direct contact with the earth is good medicine. When you sleep and are indoors, you are cut off from the natural electrical stimulation from the ground. Studies of a group that slept grounded showed the following:
· 85% fell asleep faster
· 93% slept better throughout the night
· 82% experienced a reduction in muscle stiffness
· 74% experienced a reduction or disappearance of pain
· 78% experienced better health
Published studies show that grounding improves the blood’s ability to transport oxygen, which among other things counteracts cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, they show that grounding has a positive effect on the hormonal system, mineral balance, and generally reduces inflammation and pain.
Research showing that electric fields in homes do not pose any health risk when grounding
Effects of Grounding on Body Voltage and Current in the Presence of Electromagnetic Fields Richard Brown, PhD
Studies documenting beneficial health effects of grounding
Pub Med on grounding
The Earthing Institute
Google Scholar
Basics of grounding (English)
Understanding grounding from The Earthing Institute
Grounding products, grounding sheets, grounding mat, and grounding rods can be ordered in the online store: unovita.no
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Uno Vita AS - Sjøgata 15, 1516 Moss - Norway
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