Extensive feedback from around the world and some 25 years of research published in peer-reviewed scientific journals have documented that the simple and virtually effortless act of making skin contact with the surface of the Earth (grounding or earthing) can prevent and relieve hundreds of different wellness issues. This includes reducing and even eliminating symptoms of countless costly and pesky health problems, as well as hundreds of major life-threatening inflammatory diseases. Hence there is much interest in finding logical scientific explanations of how such an unusually broad range of benefits are produced simply by earthing or grounding the human body.

Earthing or grounding research has established effects on virtually every kind of inflammation, which has been recognized as being responsible for literally hundreds of different chronic disorders. Now Giulivi and Kotz have demonstrated that grounding or earthing isolated and purified mitochondria from mouse liver increases their ATP production and reduces their production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby balancing oxidative metabolism. There are dozens of mitochondrial disorders, providing another group of conditions that can help explain the array of benefits of earthing or grounding. This report considers mitochondrial effects in view of previous work on earthing or grounding. It has been suggested that mobile electrons from the earth, and/or from the recognized electron stores within the body can neutralize the free radicals that perpetuate chronic inflammation. Consequently, an inflammation hypothesis can account for earthing effects on hundreds of different inflammatory conditions and the chronic diseases linked to them. We can now consider adding to this list the various non-genetic mitochondrial disorders that also appear to benefit from earthing or grounding. There is evidence that the connective tissues and fascia of individuals who rarely make skin contact with the electronrich surface of the earth can become electron deficient. Connecting with the earth is virtually effortless and can be accomplished simply by either removing one’s shoes and socks and walking barefoot on grass or on a wet beach, or by using conductive devices that bring the benefits of earth contact into home, office, or vehicle. Sleeping grounded supports better rest and waking up with electron stores fully charged. One crucial biochemical process requiring electrons is the electron transport chain in mitochondria that produces adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule that powers all cellular and physiological processes. Now Giulivi & Kotz have demonstrated that grounding or earthing isolated and purified mitochondria from mouse liver increases their ATP production and reduces their production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby balancing oxidative metabolism. Included here is a discussion of effects of earthing on inflammation, ATP production, and ROS production and how they may interact to bring relief for hundreds of health issues and energize the bodies of athletes and other performers who must push themselves to the limits in terms of strength, flexibility and endurance.