title: Perspective: assume a spherical cow: the role of free or mobile electrons in bodywork, energetic and movement therapies.
abstract: Biomedical research has led to the hypothesis that inflammation is the culprit behind almost every modern chronic illness. Hence there is interest in techniques that can resolve acute and chronic inflammation. A natural method involves connecting the human body to the earth (earthing). When done during sleep, earthing normalizes the daily cortisol rhythm, improves sleep and reduces pain and inflammation. Direct electrical connection with the earth enables diurnal (daily) electrical rhythms and electrons to flow from the earth to the body. Electrons are thought to act as natural anti-oxidants by neutralizing positively charged inflammatory free radicals. This concept requires a revision of an old idea in physiology: the human body and the cells within it are best described as volume conductors, in which charge is only conducted by dissolved electrolytes. The discussion relates to the term, "ungrounded," widely used by practitioners of bodywork, energetic and movement therapies.
authors.affiliation: Nature's Own Research Association, Dover, NH 03821-1935, USA. joschman@aol.com
authors.forename: James L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Oschman
mesh_terms: D001945:Breathing Exercises; D004583:Electrons; D026241:Exercise Movement Techniques; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D007107:Immune System; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D019222:Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical; D009068:Movement; D011187:Posture; D019413:Qi
chemical_list: D006854:Hydrocortisone