Grounding (Earthing): Reconnecting with the Earth

In today’s hyper-connected world, we often forget that our bodies are naturally wired to connect with the Earth. Grounding, or earthing, is the practice of physically connecting your body to the Earth’s surface electrons. Though simple in concept, this practice is gaining attention for its potential to reduce inflammation, improve sleep, relieve pain, and restore balance in the body. But what does the science say—and how can you do it effectively?

What is Grounding?

Grounding involves direct skin contact with the Earth—like walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil—or using grounding systems indoors that mimic the Earth’s electrical energy.

The Earth carries a negative electrical charge. Our bodies, which are made up of mostly water and minerals, can absorb these free electrons, which may help neutralise free radicals (positively charged molecules) in the body.

How to Do Grounding

There are several simple ways to practise grounding:

Outdoors

• Walk barefoot on grass, sand, or unpainted concrete.

• Sit or lie down on the ground with bare skin touching natural surfaces.

• Swim in natural bodies of water, such as oceans, lakes, or rivers (saltwater is especially conductive).

Indoors

If outdoor access is limited, grounding can be done using specialised equipment:

• Grounding mats, sheets, or patches connected to grounded outlets.

• Grounding rods that can be placed outside and connected to indoor tools via wires.

How Often Should You Ground?

There’s no strict rule, but daily grounding—even for 20 to 30 minutes—can be beneficial. Some people report noticeable improvements in sleep and stress levels after just one session, while others find cumulative benefits over days or weeks.

Scientific Research: Does Grounding Really Work?

Though grounding is still considered a niche topic, a growing body of peer-reviewed studies suggests promising results:

1. Inflammation and Pain Reduction

• A study published in the Journal of Inflammation Research (2015) found that grounding can reduce blood viscosity and inflammation. Infrared imaging showed decreased inflammation after grounding sessions.

• In another study (Eplasty, 2011), grounding accelerated wound healing and reduced pain in subjects with sports injuries.

2. Improved Sleep and Cortisol Levels

• In a 2004 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, subjects who slept on grounding sheets experienced improved sleep quality and normalisation of cortisol rhythms, leading to reduced stress and better recovery.

3. Heart Health and Blood Flow

• Grounding may influence autonomic nervous system balance and improve heart rate variability (a marker of cardiovascular health), as shown in a 2013 study published in Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal.

4. Immune Function and Mood

• Preliminary research and anecdotal reports suggest grounding may improve immune response and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by modulating electrical activity in the brain and body.

Why Might Grounding Work? The Science Behind It

Grounding is believed to work by:

• Neutralising free radicals: The Earth’s free electrons may stabilise free radicals that cause oxidative stress.

• Regulating electrical activity: Our bodies operate on bioelectrical signals; grounding may help rebalance disordered electrical activity.

• Reducing cortisol and sympathetic overactivity, supporting relaxation and recovery.

Who Can Benefit from Grounding?

Grounding may be especially helpful for people who:

• Experience chronic pain, inflammation, or autoimmune disorders.

• Suffer from insomnia, anxiety, or chronic stress.

• Want to enhance recovery from exercise or injury.

• Feel disconnected from nature or emotionally imbalanced.

Grounding is a low-cost, accessible, and potentially powerful tool to improve your health. While it may seem simplistic, emerging science supports the idea that reconnecting with the Earth can have measurable physiological benefits.

Whether you're standing barefoot on grass or using a grounding mat during sleep, making grounding a regular habit—daily if possible—could support overall wellbeing. Like nutrition and exercise, it’s another way to help your body return to its natural state of balance.

Sources:

• Chevalier G, Sinatra ST, et al. (2015). Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth's Surface Electrons. Journal of Environmental and Public Health.

• Brown D, Chevalier G, Hill M. (2010). Pilot study on the effect of grounding on delayed-onset muscle soreness. J Altern Complement Med.

• Ghaly M, Teplitz D. (2004). The biologic effects of grounding the human body during sleep as measured by cortisol levels and subjective reporting of sleep, pain, and stress. J Altern Complement Med.