Our bodies are designed to be in sync with our planet and the nature that surrounds us. Throughout history, humans have lived in connection with the Earth, often walking barefoot and spending a lot of time naturally grounded. The Earth provides us with a constant stream of negatively charged electrons, which we absorb through our skin and spread through our tissues to neutralise the positively charged free radicals in our bodies. Without this, we are exposed to free radical damage and oxidative stress, which can lead to chronic inflammation and increased risk of cardiovascular issues, autoimmune disorders and weaker immune system.

Unfortunately, as a result of our insulated modern lifestyles, this electrical balance is often out of sync. We spend most of our time indoors, and when we do go outside our natural electrical connection to the Earth is cut off by the shoes we wear. We've deprived ourselves of nature's most powerful source of free electrons and antioxidants that have protected us throughout history.

In addition, we surround ourselves with a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation from computers, phones, Wi-Fi, and other electrical appliances. This electromagnetic radiation
increases the voltage in our bodies, further contributing to excess free radical damage in our cells and tissues and increasing the need for grounding to protect against this positive charge.

It's no surprise that we're now seeing record rates of chronic inflammation and health issues. The need to reconnect to the Earth is greater than ever.

The best way to do this is straight from the source! If you can, try and spend some time grounded outside - lying in your garden, walking down the beach or swimming in the
ocean.

It's quite simple really! A connection to the Earth can be made by inserting a metal rod to the ground outside, running a wire from the rod and connecting it to our skin. But don't worry, no need to go sticking a metal rod into your garden! Most modern electrical systems already have this system set up, with an 'Earth' pin in every mains electrical outlet. Grounding products, such as mats and sheets, are made of conductive materials and connect to the Earth pin. This allows free electrons to flow through them and into our skin on the other end, replicating the effect of connecting directly with the ground. Grounding products connect only to the Earth pin and not the live pins, so don't worry - they're completely safe!

According to the Journal of Inflammation Research, grounding has been shown to "improve sleep, normalize the day–night cortisol rhythm, reduce pain, reduce stress, shift the autonomic nervous system from sympathetic toward parasympathetic activation, increase heart rate variability, speed wound healing, and reduce blood viscosity."