Does Grounding or Earthing Actually Work?

Key Takeaways

Grounding involves direct physical contact with the earth, which may support overall health.
Walking barefoot or using grounding mats can balance the body’s electrical energy.
Grounding may reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and lower stress levels.
It helps stabilize the body’s natural energy by connecting to the earth’s surface.
Several studies suggest grounding can boost mood and energy levels.

Introduction

Grounding, also known as earthing, is a practice that involves connecting physically with the earth’s surface.

Whether it’s walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil, grounding allows the body to absorb the earth’s electrical charge.

What is Grounding?

Does Grounding or Earthing Actually Work?

Grounding is simply the act of making direct contact between the body and the earth. The earth carries a natural, negative electrical charge.

When you connect with it, free electrons are absorbed, helping to balance the body’s electrical charge.

Health Benefits of Grounding

Blood Pressure:

Grounding may also have positive effects on blood pressure by supporting the body’s natural ability to regulate cardiovascular function.

The practice of grounding helps reduce blood viscosity and red blood cell aggregation, which lowers the resistance to blood flow, potentially easing strain on the heart.

This improvement in blood flow can result in a reduction in blood pressure levels.

Reduced Inflammation:

Research suggests that grounding may help reduce inflammation by neutralizing free radicals, which can decrease oxidative stress in the body.

Improved Sleep:

Grounding has been shown to regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycles, helping people experience more restful and consistent sleep.

Enhanced Mood:

Connecting with the earth may help lower stress by regulating cortisol, a hormone that affects mood and anxiety levels.

Increased Energy:

Grounding can potentially help balance the body’s energy, leaving people feeling more refreshed and alert after spending time connected to the earth.

Methods of Grounding

Grounding can be done in several simple ways:

Walking Barefoot: Walking barefoot on grass, soil, sand, or even concrete is one of the most effective ways to ground. It allows for direct contact with the earth’s surface.
Using Grounding Mats or Sheets: If you are unable to go outside, grounding mats and sheets offer a way to experience grounding indoors. These devices mimic the electrical connection you would get by walking on natural surfaces.
Water-Based Grounding: Standing in natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, or oceans allows for grounding through water, as it is a conductor of electricity and facilitates electron absorption from the earth.

Science Behind Grounding

The earth’s surface carries a negative electrical charge, and human bodies are conductive.

When direct contact with the earth is made, electrons are absorbed, which helps reduce the buildup of positive charges that may contribute to inflammation and stress.

Some research suggests that grounding can lower blood viscosity, which supports heart health.

There is also evidence that grounding can help normalize cortisol levels, which helps the body manage stress more effectively.

Common Misconceptions About Grounding

Not a Replacement for Medical Care: Grounding is seen by some as a complementary wellness practice, not a substitute for medical treatment. It can be one part of an overall wellness approach, but not a cure for medical conditions.
Grounding vs. Other Wellness Practices: Grounding involves direct physical contact with the earth’s surface, which makes it distinct from practices like meditation or yoga, which focus more on mental and physical balance without requiring contact with nature.

Grounding In Daily Life

Grounding is simple and can be done daily:

Morning Walks: Take short walks barefoot on grass, sand, or other natural surfaces to connect with the earth early in the day.
Grounding at Home: Use grounding mats or sheets while working or relaxing indoors if going outside isn’t possible.
Post-Workout Grounding: After exercise, spend time grounding to help your body recover and balance its energy levels.

Conclusion

Grounding is a simple and natural practice that may offer physical and mental health benefits. From improving sleep to reducing inflammation, connecting with the earth’s surface through methods like walking barefoot or using grounding mats can support overall wellness. Grounding offers an easy way to feel more balanced and energized.

FAQs

What is grounding, and how does it work?

Grounding is the process of making direct contact with the earth, allowing the body to absorb electrons that help stabilize its electrical charge.

Can grounding improve sleep?

Yes, grounding has been linked to improved sleep by regulating the body’s natural sleep-wake cycles and lowering stress.

What are some indoor grounding options?

Grounding mats and sheets are good options for grounding indoors, offering a similar connection to the earth’s energy.

How long should I ground each day for benefits?

Grounding for 20-30 minutes a day may help reduce inflammation and improve energy levels.

Are there any risks with grounding?

Grounding is generally safe. When done outdoors, there is little risk, and indoor grounding equipment is typically safe when used properly.

Courtesy: Menigoz, W., Latz, T.T., Ely, R.A., Kamei, C., Melvin, G. and Sinatra, D., 2020. Integrative and lifestyle medicine strategies should include Earthing (grounding): Review of research evidence and clinical observations. EXPLORE, [online] 16(3), pp.152–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2019.10.005.

Research

Ayoub, J.-C. (2002). A comparison of three measures of the stress response: Endocrinological, psychological, and electrodermal (Ph.D. Dissertation, California Institute for Human Science).

Chevalier, G., Patel, S., Weiss, L., Chopra, D., & Mills, P. J. (2019). The Effects of Grounding (Earthing) on Bodyworkers’ Pain and Overall Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial. EXPLORE, 15(3), 181-190. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2018.10.001

Chevalier, G., Sinatra, S.T., Oschman, J.L. and Delany, R.M., 2013. Earthing (Grounding) the Human Body Reduces Blood Viscosity—a Major Factor in Cardiovascular Disease. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, [online] 19(2), pp.102–110. 
https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2011.0820.

Chevalier, G. , Melvin, G. and Barsotti, T. (2015) One-Hour Contact with the Earth’s Surface (Grounding) Improves Inflammation and Blood Flow—A Randomized, Double-Blind, Pilot Study. Health, 7, 1022-1059. 
https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=58836

Chevalier, G. (2014). Grounding the Human Body Improves Facial Blood Flow Regulation: Results of a Randomized, Placebo Controlled Pilot Study. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, 4, 293-308. doi: 10.4236/jcdsa.2014.45039.

Chevalier, G. (2015). The Effect of Grounding the Human Body on Mood. Psychological Reports. https://doi.org/10.2466/06.PR0.116k21w5

Chevalier, G., Mori, K. and Oschman, J.L. (2006). The effect of earthing (grounding) on human physiology. European Biology and Bioelectromagnetics, 2(1), 600-621.

Chevalier, G., Sinatra, S.T., Oschman, J.L., Sokal, K. and Sokal, P. (2012). Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth’s Surface Electrons. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/291541.

Ghaly, M., & Teplitz, D. (2004). The biological effects of grounding the human body during sleep, as measured by cortisol levels and subjective reporting of sleep, pain, and stress. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 10, 767-776.

Koniver, L. (2023). Practical applications of grounding to support health. Biomedical Journal, 46(1), 41-47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bj.2022.12.001

Menigoz, W., Latz, T.T., Ely, R.A., Kamei, C., Melvin, G. and Sinatra, D. (2020). Integrative and lifestyle medicine strategies should include Earthing (grounding): Review of research evidence and clinical observations. EXPLORE, 16(3), 152-160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2019.10.005.

Oschman, J. L. (2007). Can electrons act as antioxidants? A review and commentary. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13, 955-967.

Oschman, J.L. (2023). Illnesses in technologically advanced societies due to lack of grounding (earthing). Biomedical Journal, 46(1), 17-29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bj.2022.10.004.

Oschman, J., Chevalier, G. and Brown, R. (2015). The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Journal of Inflammation Research, 83. https://doi.org/10.2147/jir.s69656.

Sinatra, S. T., Sinatra, D. S., & Chevalier, G. (2023). Grounding – The universal anti-inflammatory remedy. Biomedical Journal, 46(1), 11-16. 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10105021/

Sokal, K. and Sokal, P. (2011). Earthing the Human Body Influences Physiologic Processes. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(4), 301-308. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2010.0687.

Sokal, K. and Sokal, P. (2012). Earthing the Human Organism Influences Bioelectrical Processes. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 18(3), 229-234. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2010.0683.