Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Volume 13, Issue 3 , Pages 215-228, July 2009

Charge transfer in the living matrix

Nature's Own Research Association, P.O. Box 1935, Dover New Hampshire, USA

Received 17 April 2008; received in revised form 26 May 2008; accepted 3 June 2008.

Summary 

The living matrix is defined as the continuous molecular fabric of the organism, consisting of fascia, the other connective tissues, extracellular matrices, integrins, cytoskeletons, nuclear matrices and DNA. The extracellular, cellular and nuclear biopolymers or ground substances constitute a body-wide reservoir of charge that can maintain electrical homeostasis and “inflammatory preparedness” throughout the organism. Recent research has emphasized the significance of charge transfer in relation to the scavenging or neutralization of free radicals delivered to sites of injury during and after the oxidative burst. Evidence comes from studies of the role of electrons in mitigating the consequences of inflammation when living systems are connected to the earth (earthing). The phenomenon helps explain how bodywork and movement therapies can facilitate the resolution of acute or chronic injuries, and how patients with inflammatory conditions may “deplete” a therapist during hands-on treatments. It is suggested that barefoot contact with the earth as well as hands-on and hands-off therapies facilitate healing by stimulating the migration of charges into sites of acute or chronic inflammation. One hypothesis to explain the effects of earthing is that charges from the ground substance reservoir prevent “collateral damage” to healthy tissues in the vicinity of an injury. A second hypothesis is that earthing allows electrons to replenish charge in the ground substance reservoirs, making electrons available throughout the body.

Keywords: Living matrix, Electron, Charge transfer, Connective tissue, Fascia, Extracellular matrix, Cytoskeleton, Nuclear matrix

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PII: S1360-8592(08)00097-1

doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2008.06.005

Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Volume 13, Issue 3 , Pages 215-228, July 2009