How Grounding Can Enhance Your Life

Learn what grounding is, ways to do it and the benefits it may bring to your life!

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and do not diagnose or treat illnesses. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding symptoms/concerns and before trying anything new regarding your health. Read my full disclosure here.

What is Grounding

Grounding, also called earthing, is the act of physically connecting the body to the Earth to absorb the Earth’s natural electric charge (electrons). This is typically done with bare feet or hands.^1,2 Other grounding systems are discussed later in this article.

Think of Earth as a gigantic battery that is constantly being recharged by solar radiation, lightning and heat from its deep molten core. Earth’s natural pulsating energy keeps all life running in rhythm and balance, including humanity! ³

What Are the Benefits of Grounding

Have you ever wondered why it feels good to walk barefoot in the grass? Or why you feel so happy playing in the sand at the beach with your kids? Sure, it could be the mental state of vacation mode, but there is actual science behind grounding! Though more study is needed in this area, initial research suggests it offers several benefits to our health and wellbeing, including:

1. Reduced inflammation (the root cause of almost all disease!)
2. Reduced pain
3. Reduced stress
4. Improved mood
5. Improved quality of sleep
6. Lowered blood pressure*
7. Improved heart rate variability (HRV)**
8. Faster wound healing following trauma
9. Less delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)***
10. Improved blood flow by lowering blood viscosity (less risk of clotting)^{1, 2, 3}

* Shown in a study with a minimum of 10-12 hours of grounding per day²

** Seen with just 20 minutes of grounding. Individuals with low HRV are often less able to accommodate external stresses and are more prone to stress-related disorders such as cardiovascular events.²

*** DOMS is the muscular pain and stiffness that takes place hours to days after strenuous and unfamiliar exercise.¹ 

Older research has even suggested a rise in blood sugars when rats and humans were disconnected from the Earth.² It seems like our bodies literally become stressed when we’re not connected to nature!

What Surfaces are Best for Grounding

In order for Earth’s natural energy to be transferred, a conductive surface is required. This includes natural surfaces like sand, dirt, gravel, stone and grass. Some man made surfaces such as unpainted brick or concrete will allow energy transfer as well.

Most man made surfaces like asphalt, vinyl, wood, turf and rubber will block the flow of the Earth’s energy to the body.⁴

Types of Grounding Systems

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Today there are several ways to ground yourself. The most basic method is direct skin contact with Earth (bare feet, hands). Some really smart people have created other systems through grounding:

1. Mats
2. Bands
3. Blankets
4. Adhesive patches
5. Footwear

Talk to Me About Footwear

While walking barefoot all the time sounds appealing, it just isn’t ideal. If any of the other grounding methods listed above seem a little far fetched, you may be interested in simply changing your footwear. Most shoes today are made with synthetic soles (think rubber) and do not allow the passing of ground electrons into your feet. Grounding shoes contain conductive elements that deliver the Earth’s naturally charged energy from the ground straight into your feet. Leather, copper plugs, silver or stainless steel threading, and conductive carbon are all elements that will transmit Earth’s energy through your feet and into your body to keep you grounded while wearing shoes. Sweating in leather soles actually makes them more conductive! ⁴

Precautions to Grounding

If you are taking medication it is extremely important to discuss grounding with your doctor before taking any action upon yourself. While grounding is overall considered harmless, it has been shown to thin the blood. The combination of certain medications and grounding could make the blood too thin, which is a dangerous outcome and should be avoided.²

Something else to keep in mind is the quality of Earth you are grounding upon. Walking barefoot in any unsanitary conditions should be avoided, as it is possible for parasites and bacteria to be absorbed through the bottom of the feet. Careful inspection for sharp debris (such as glass or nails) should be done to avoid injury. Take notice of the surroundings and consider grounding footwear if anything looks suspicious.

Conclusion

Grounding is a natural, simple way to improve quality of life. By transferring the Earth’s energy into our bodies, research suggests it may reduce the risk of several health concerns as we age, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Athletes may see quicker recovery times and wound healing with grounding therapy. Combined with mindfulness or meditation, grounding can significantly improve mood and reduce stress. The best part is it is completely free! Individuals taking medication should consult their healthcare provider before beginning any grounding exercises.

References

1. Oschman JL, Chevalier G, Brown R. The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. J Inflamm Res. 2015 Mar 24;8:83-96. doi: 10.2147/JIR.S69656. PMID: 25848315; PMCID: PMC4378297. LINK
2. Sinatra ST, Sinatra DS, Sinatra SW, Chevalier G. Grounding – The universal anti-inflammatory remedy. Biomed J. 2023 Feb;46(1):11-16. doi: 10.1016/j.bj.2022.12.002. Epub 2022 Dec 15. PMID: 36528336; PMCID: PMC10105021. LINK
3. “What is Grounding or Earthing”. https://grounded.com, 22 February 2024.
4. “Footwear That Keeps You Connected”. https://grounded.com, 19 March 2024.