Healing indoors - How Grounding benefits your physical and mental health.

If you are into Toxins-free living with Nourish Theory, by now, you would have noticed a new addition to our line-up. These are Nourish Theory Grounding Mats. 

With modern lifestyles of living our daily lives inside homes, in offices, in transport, wearing footwear, etc- our body hardly establishes contact with the earth- and grounding experts believe therein lies the cause of many physical and mental issues. 

Grounding, or "earthing," has been studied for a variety of health benefits, and emerging research suggests it can be beneficial in several key areas:

1. Reduced Inflammation and Pain Relief
Studies indicate grounding can reduce inflammation, particularly in conditions like arthritis. When the body absorbs the earth's free electrons, they act as antioxidants, neutralizing inflammatory free radicals. This process may reduce pain levels, especially for those with chronic inflammation or joint pain【source: PubMed】.

2. Improved Sleep Quality
Research shows that grounding can positively impact cortisol levels, helping regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. A study found that participants who grounded during sleep experienced better quality rest and reported feeling more refreshed upon waking, potentially due to reduced cortisol and normalized melatonin levels【source: Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine】.

3. Stress Reduction and Improved Mood
Grounding has been shown to reduce stress markers like cortisol, a hormone linked to stress. The calming effect of grounding may also be linked to lower sympathetic nervous system activity, reducing feelings of anxiety and improving mood【source: Environmental and Public Health Journal】.

4. Enhanced Immune Function
Grounding may help strengthen the immune system by reducing chronic inflammation and promoting better sleep, both of which play a role in immune health. This can help the body respond better to infections, as well as manage autoimmune issues【source: European Biology and Bioelectromagnetics】.

5. Reduced Blood Viscosity and Cardiovascular Health
A groundbreaking study on grounding’s effects on blood showed that it could lower blood viscosity, reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues like hypertension and clot formation. Thinner blood means less strain on the heart, potentially leading to better long-term cardiovascular health【source: Open Access Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine】.

6. Accelerated Recovery from Physical Activity
For athletes or individuals who engage in intense physical activity, grounding has been shown to reduce muscle soreness and speed recovery. By reducing inflammation and improving blood flow, grounding can aid in muscle repair and reduce downtime between workouts【source: Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation】.

7. Reduced Symptoms of Menstrual and Hormonal Imbalance
Although more research is needed, some preliminary findings suggest grounding may positively affect hormone regulation, which could be beneficial for menstrual symptoms like cramps, mood swings, and fatigue. The regulation of cortisol and other stress hormones appears to play a role in this potential benefit【source: Biological Research for Nursing】.

These areas of study highlight the grounding mat's potential as a holistic health tool for wellness-conscious consumers.