The body forms an ”inflammatory barricade” around sites of injury, where the immune system focuses on elimination of pathogens and damaged tissue. Free radicals involved in this process can spread from these sites and attack nearby healthy tissue, leading to chronic inflammation.
Earthing research gives the impression that free electrons can penetrate the barricade and thereby neutralize free radicals that have accumulated in pockets of inflammation. This ability appears to be a factor in accelerated healing.