Andddddd we are back for part 2 of Earth & Heart. Last time we talked about zeta potential, which is tied to blood pressure. One of the biggest ailments plaguing modern society is high blood pressure.

Hypertension: A Silent Global Crisis

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions worldwide and a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. It is often called the “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms while quietly damaging blood vessels and organs over years. Globally, an estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 suffer from hypertension, yet only about 1 in 5 have the condition under control. Uncontrolled high blood pressure greatly increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and other serious issues. In fact, hypertension is the number one preventable risk factor for premature death worldwide, contributing to over 10 million deaths each year. These stark statistics really emphasize the urgent need for effective strategies to manage and reduce high blood pressure.

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against artery walls as the heart pumps. It’s recorded as two numbers: systolic pressure (when the heart contracts) over diastolic pressure (when the heart relaxes). A normal adult blood pressure is around 120/80 mmHg, whereas chronic elevations (e.g. sustained readings ≥130/80 mmHg under some guidelines, or ≥140/90 mmHg in others) define hypertension. This condition develops from a complex mix of genetic predisposition, diet (such as high salt intake), lack of exercise, obesity, stress, and other factors. Over time, high pressure strains the heart and arteries, accelerating atherosclerosis (plaque buildup) and leading to heart failure or vessel damage. Managing hypertension usually involves lifestyle changes and medications. However, emerging research is exploring how blood viscosity – essentially the “thickness” of blood – plays a role in hypertension, and whether addressing blood viscosity through means like, you guessed it, grounding could help in controlling blood pressure.

Blood Viscosity and Its Role in Hypertension

Blood viscosity refers to the internal friction within blood – how easily blood flows through vessels. It is determined largely by the concentration of cells (hematocrit), plasma proteins, and the tendency of red blood cells (RBCs) to stick together (aggregate). High blood viscosity means the blood is “thicker” and flows less readily, forcing the heart to work harder to push blood through the circulatory system. This is analogous to trying to pump syrup instead of water through a pipe – higher viscosity causes greater resistance to flow (known as peripheral vascular resistance). Since blood pressure is, in simple terms, a product of cardiac output and vascular resistance, an increase in viscosity can lead to higher blood pressure. Researchers have observed (see E&W) that hypertensive patients often exhibit higher blood viscosity and altered blood rheology. For example, elevated levels of fibrinogen and other plasma proteins in hypertension can promote RBC aggregation (clumping), especially at low shear rates, which increases blood viscosity. In the early stages of genetically linked hypertension, studies have noted increased RBC aggregation and plasma viscosity, which indicates that hyperviscosity is a feature of the condition rather than just a consequence.

Clinical research supports the connection between viscosity and hypertension. I’ve added some research in Further Reading at the end of this article. One study found that blood viscosity correlates with several cardiovascular risk factors in patients with high blood pressure. Older hypertensive individuals, or those with high cholesterol and other metabolic issues, often have more viscous blood. This can create a vicious cycle: hypertension may increase certain blood components that raise viscosity, and in turn the higher viscosity exacerbates the workload on the heart and pressure in the arteries. If blood viscosity is not taken into account, it may even confound diagnosis or treatment; as one analysis noted, peripheral resistance is directly proportional to viscosity, so ignoring blood viscosity could lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate therapy in hypertension management. Conversely, reducing blood viscosity can help lower vascular resistance. This principle is seen clinically in conditions like polycythemia (where blood has too many red cells and is very thick) – treating it by reducing hematocrit often lowers blood pressure. Thus, targeting blood viscosity is a promising avenue for improving hypertension control.

Grounding

One of the key discoveries highlighted in Earth & Water is that grounding can change the electrical properties of blood. When you are grounded, even for a short period, the surface charge on red blood cells increases. Technically, researchers measure an increase in the zeta potential of RBCs – the electric potential at the cell’s surface that causes cells to repel one another. A higher zeta potential means red blood cells have a stronger negative charge and thus repel each other more, which reduces clumping. In a 2013 study, scientists examined the effect of just 2 hours of grounding on blood samples from healthy adults. They found that grounding increased the zeta potential of red blood cells in all subjects by an average of 2.7 millivolts, resulting in significantly less RBC aggregation (cells were less inclined to stick together). In practical terms, grounding made the blood less viscous – closer to a thinner, free-flowing state. The authors noted that this reduction in blood viscosity could be one of the simplest yet most profound ways to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Aside from laboratory measures of blood viscosity, other studies have shown that grounding rapidly improves circulation. A 2015 randomized double-blind pilot study used thermal imaging to visualize changes in blood flow from just one hour of grounding. Participants either rested with their bare feet on the Earth or on an insulated surface (placebo). Thermal images revealed clearly improved circulation of fluids (including blood) throughout the torso in the grounded individuals. Warmer color patterns on the images indicated enhanced blood flow and delivery of blood to tissues. This aligns with subjective reports that some people feel their hands or feet warm up when grounded, due to improved blood perfusion. Improved circulation means that oxygen and nutrients are being delivered more efficiently, and blood pressure can be modulated with less effort by the heart. We’ll focus more on this in Part 3 of this series.

By reducing blood viscosity and improving microcirculation, grounding addresses one piece of the hypertension puzzle. If blood is less prone to sludging and offers less resistance in the vessels, the cardiovascular system doesn’t have to generate as much pressure to maintain flow. The question then arises: can the practice of grounding actually lower blood pressure in people with hypertension? Recent research indicates the answer may be yes.

Grounding and Blood Pressure: What Research Shows

Direct evidence that grounding can reduce blood pressure in hypertensive individuals came from a pilot study published in 2018. In this case series, cardiologist Dr. Howard K. Elkin and co-author Angela Winter followed 10 patients with moderate hypertension over several months. These patients had a history of high blood pressure and in some cases were on standard antihypertensive medications. The intervention was remarkably simple: patients were instructed to ground themselves at home for at least 10 hours per day – typically by sleeping on a grounding mat or bed sheet connected to the Earth – over a period of about 3 months. Blood pressure was measured at baseline (before grounding) and then tracked during the grounding period both at home and during clinic visits.

The results were striking. All 10 patients experienced a reduction in blood pressure during the grounding period. Systolic blood pressure (the top number) decreased in every case, with individual reductions ranging from about 8.6% up to 22.7%, and an average drop of 14.3% in systolic readings. For example, one patient’s systolic BP fell from the high 130s into the 106–115 mmHg range by the third week of grounding, and stayed in that normal range thereafter. Diastolic pressure (the lower number) also decreased and stabilized at healthier levels in the grounded patients. These improvements brought many of the participants from hypertensive ranges down to near-normal blood pressure readings. Such a degree of improvement over a relatively short time is rarely seen with lifestyle changes alone, which indicates that the grounding intervention had a meaningful effect.

Notably, the blood pressure benefits occurred in addition to any standard treatments the patients were already following. In some cases, the individuals were able to work with their doctors to reduce their medication dosage because their blood pressure was improving. For instance, one hypertensive patient was able to cut their dose of amlodipine (a calcium-channel blocker) in half, from 10 mg daily to 5 mg, while maintaining better pressure control than before. This suggests that grounding can augment traditional medical therapy – potentially allowing for lower drug doses (which means fewer side effects) while still keeping blood pressure in check. By the end of the observation period, multiple readings over the months showed significantly improved blood pressure in all participants and better overall BP stability (less day-to-day fluctuation) while they were grounded. Equally important, there were no adverse effects reported. Grounding was well tolerated by everyone, which is not surprising since it essentially involves a passive, relaxing activity (like sleeping while connected to the Earth).

The investigators concluded that grounding appears to be a safe and potentially effective adjunct therapy for hypertension. Being a case series without a blinded control group, this study had limitations – for example, a placebo effect or other lifestyle changes could have contributed to the improvements. However, the consistency and magnitude of blood pressure reduction across all participants strongly indicate a genuine physiological effect related to grounding. A 2022 scientific review in the Biomedical Journal highlighted this study, noting that daily grounding for 10–12 hours produced remarkable blood pressure lowering in these patients (Grounding – The universal anti-inflammatory remedy - PMC).

To summarize the key findings from research on grounding and hypertension so far:

Reduced blood viscosity: Grounding increases the electric charge on red blood cells, which reduces their clumping and lowers blood viscosity. This can alleviate one of the factors contributing to high blood pressure.
Improved circulation: Even short-term grounding (1–2 hours) has been shown to enhance blood flow in the torso and extremities. Better microcirculation means the heart can pump blood more easily, potentially reducing blood pressure.
Lower blood pressure readings: In a pilot study of hypertensive patients, grounding for at least 10 hours daily over 3+ months led to significant reductions in blood pressure for all participants. Systolic BP dropped by ~14% on average, with some patients achieving normal levels of blood pressure during grounding ([PDF] Grounding Patients With Hypertension Improves Blood Pressure).
Medication support: Grounding’s BP-lowering effect was strong enough that some individuals could decrease their blood pressure medications (under medical supervision) and still maintain improved blood pressure control. This hints at grounding’s potential to complement standard hypertension treatments.
Safety and tolerability: No adverse effects have been reported in grounding studies for hypertension or related conditions. The practice is generally considered safe, non-invasive, and easy to do. The 2018 study specifically noted that grounding was a safe blood-pressure-reducing therapy and called for further research to confirm the findings.

This is further evidence to build on Teli’s 2015 study, where they investigated the immediate effects of direct barefoot contact with the earth on individuals with prehypertension. After screening 150 participants, 53 prehypertensive individuals were selected and randomly divided into a study group (n=28) and a control group (n=25). The study group remained barefoot, maintaining direct contact with the ground for one hour, while the control group did not have any ground contact. Blood pressure measurements taken before and after the intervention revealed a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean blood pressure in the study group. In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes. The findings suggest that direct barefoot contact with the earth can effectively reduce blood pressure in prehypertensive individuals..

How Grounding Can Help Manage Hypertension

The evidence, while preliminary, paints a compelling picture of grounding as a novel tool in the fight against hypertension. By addressing blood viscosity and flow, grounding tackles an often overlooked aspect of cardiovascular health. The mechanism can be visualized stepwise: Grounding increases the negative charge on blood cells, which in turn reduces blood viscosity and improves blood fluidity. Less viscous blood travels through arteries with greater ease, thereby lowering the resistance that the heart has to pump against. Over time, this reduction in systemic vascular resistance can translate to lower blood pressure levels. Additionally, improved circulation from grounding means tissues (including the muscles in artery walls) receive more oxygen and nutrients.

Grounding may also influence hypertension through other pathways. Chronic inflammation is known to contribute to stiffening of arteries and high blood pressure; grounding has demonstrated broad anti-inflammatory effects in multiple studies highlighted in Earth & Water. By helping to calm inflammation, grounding could indirectly aid in normalizing vascular function and blood pressure. There is also evidence that grounding can calm the nervous system – studies have found that it can shift the body from a stressed “fight-or-flight” state toward a more relaxed parasympathetic state, which is associated with lower heart rate and blood pressure. See Earth & Mind for this. While more research is needed to clarify these mechanisms in the context of hypertension, the current findings align with the idea that grounding helps reduce the physiological stress on the cardiovascular system. It essentially helps blood and vessels behave as they would under ideal conditions (free-flowing blood, flexible arteries, balanced nervous system input), all of which favor healthy blood pressure.

It’s important to emphasize that grounding is not a replacement for medical therapy for hypertension. Proven approaches such as dietary restrictions, regular exercise, weight management, and prescribed medications have a strong track record in reducing hypertension-related risks. Grounding should be viewed as a complementary practice – one that could enhance overall cardiovascular wellness alongside these standard measures. The advantage of grounding is that it is simple and accessible. For many people, it’s as easy as spending time barefoot in the backyard or using a conductive mat while sleeping or working. Unlike medications, it costs very little and has no known side effects. This makes it an attractive adjunct for individuals looking to take additional steps in managing their blood pressure naturally. However, since the research is still emerging, anyone with hypertension should consult their healthcare provider before making changes to their treatment plan. If incorporating grounding, it should be one part of a comprehensive strategy that includes monitoring of blood pressure and not abandoning any prescribed treatments without a doctor’s guidance.

In summary, hypertension’s link with blood viscosity provides a fresh perspective on why blood pressure can run high, and grounding has emerged as a promising method to favorably influence that aspect of our biology. The research so far – from improved hemorheology (blood flow properties) to actual reductions in blood pressure readings – indicates that grounding can have real, measurable effects on the cardiovascular system. More large-scale studies are certainly needed to fully establish efficacy, optimal grounding durations, and long-term outcomes. But the consistency of positive results in early investigations is encouraging. Grounding, with its capacity to safely reduce blood pressure, could well be a natural ally in the fight against hypertension. By literally staying connected to the Earth, we may harness a bit of Mother Nature’s healing power to help protect our hearts and vascular health. For individuals struggling with high blood pressure, that means that relief might be as simple as kicking off their shoes and embracing the ground beneath their feet – a small step that, in light of emerging science, could make a meaningful difference in their health and quality of life.

Ultimately, integrating grounding into hypertension care holds the promise of a more comprehensive approach to cardiovascular wellness – one that bridges modern medical understanding with the elemental connection between the Earth and the human body. As research continues, the hope is that this synergy of Earth and heart will translate into better blood pressure control, improved health outcomes, and a new appreciation for the therapeutic value of staying grounded.

If you’re intersted in learning more about grounding, and the Earth & Heart story, check out Earth & Water.

Further Reading:

Letcher RL, Chien S, Pickering TG, Sealey JE, Laragh JH. Direct relationship between blood pressure and blood viscosity in normal and hypertensive subjects. Role of fibrinogen and concentration. Am J Med. 1981 Jun;70(6):1195-1202. doi: 10.1016/0002-9343(81)90827-5. PMID: 7234890.

World Health Organization. (2021, September 1). Hypertension. Fact Sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, January 25). High blood pressure facts. https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm

S Teli, S., Velou M, S., L, P., & D, D. (2015). An experimental Study on immediate effect of direct barefoot contact with earth on prehypertension. International Journal of Medical Research and Review, 3(8), 836-840. https://doi.org/10.17511/ijmrr.2015.i8.157

Elkin HK, Winter A. Grounding Patients With Hypertension Improves Blood Pressure: A Case History Series Study. Altern Ther Health Med. 2018 Nov;24(6):46-50. PMID: 30982019.

Earth & Heart Series, Part 2, Hypertension