Grounding – Connect with Nature

Article updated 12th June 2024

Grounding, also known as earthing, involves making direct contact with the Earth’s surface, whether it’s your feet, hands, or any part of your body with the ground or the earth’s natural charge. Grounding on grass, or sand, walking barefoot through a stream, or river, or splashing in the sea have a considerably positive impact on your overall physical and mental health. Here’s a look at why grounding is beneficial, how to practice it, and the science behind it.

Benefits of Grounding

1. Physical Wellbeing:

Reduction of Inflammation: Studies suggest that grounding can help reduce inflammation, a common underlying factor in many chronic diseases.
Pain Relief: Some research has indicated that grounding can help alleviate chronic pain, possibly by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow.
Improved Sleep: Grounding may help regulate sleep patterns and improve sleep quality by normalizing the secretion of cortisol, a stress hormone.
Enhanced Immune Function: There is evidence to suggest that grounding can boost the immune system by reducing stress and inflammation.

2. Mental Wellbeing:

Stress Reduction: Grounding has been associated with reduced stress levels. The physical contact with the Earth can help calm the nervous system and reduce feelings of anxiety.
Improved Mood: Some studies indicate that grounding can lead to improved mood and decreased symptoms of depression.

How and Where to Ground

Practice grounding for 20-30 minutes a day if possible, however, there is no time limit to being barefooted and enjoying foot freedom. Grounding can be practiced by all ages, from the very young loving nature’s sensory extravaganza to the older person sitting, relaxing, and gently sweeping blades of grass with their toes.

1. Outdoors:

Barefoot Walking: The simplest way to ground is to walk barefoot on natural surfaces like grass, sand, or dirt. This allows direct contact with the Earth’s electrons.
Lying on the Ground: Lying on the grass, beach, or any natural surface also allows for effective grounding.
Gardening: Working with your hands in the soil is another way to connect with the Earth.

2. Indoors:

Earthing Mats and Sheets: These are products designed to mimic the effects of outdoor grounding. They can be used while sitting, standing, or sleeping.
Conductive Footwear: Shoes with conductive soles can allow for grounding when you’re outside on natural surfaces.
Grounding Rods: These can be installed in the ground outside and connected to indoor grounding devices.

The Science Behind Grounding

Grounding is based on the theory that direct physical contact with the Earth allows for the transfer of electrons from the ground into the body. This electron transfer is thought to neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Here are some key scientific points:

Electron Transfer: The Earth has a negative electrical potential. By connecting to the Earth, the body can absorb these electrons, which act as antioxidants.
Redox Potential: Grounding may improve the body’s redox potential, which is the balance between antioxidants and free radicals.
Cortisol Levels: Grounding has been shown to affect cortisol levels, helping to regulate the body’s stress response.

How You Should Feel After Grounding

There are so many positives to grounding. Your mental health will be improved, anxiety levels will decrease. Less stress in your life leads to improved sleep patterns and your immune system will also get a boost… fewer colds. Grounding can also aid in weight loss (lower stressors) and improve digestive issues such as indigestion. Obesity and digestive issues have been directly linked to high cortisol levels (high stress), and with the decrease in cortisol levels weight loss could be a side effect of grounding.

Whilst practicing grounding you are free to ‘live in the moment’, enjoy the scenery, feel the warm sun against your face, the sweet scent of flowers, and take time to ‘love life’.

In a fast-paced world driven by money, it is essential to step away and release tension and stressors to maintain both physical and mental well-being in an entirely free (monetary) environment.

How to Ground Indoors

Use Earthing Products: Invest in grounding mats, sheets, or patches designed to be used indoors.
Create a Grounding Space: Set up an area in your home where you can practice grounding, such as near an open window where sunlight and fresh air can enhance the experience.
Footwear and Socks: Use conductive footwear or socks designed to help you ground even when you’re inside.

Conclusion

Grounding is a simple, natural practice with potential benefits for physical and mental health. By making direct contact with the Earth’s surface, you can experience a reduction in inflammation, pain, stress, and improved sleep and mood. Whether you choose to ground outdoors or use indoor grounding products, the key is to regularly connect with the Earth’s energy.

References

Chevalier, G., Sinatra, S. T., Oschman, J. L., Delany, R. M. “Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth’s Surface Electrons”. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012.
Brown, R., Chevalier, G., Hill, M. “Pilot Study on the Effect of Grounding on Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness”. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2010.
Ghaly, M., Teplitz, D. “The Biologic 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, 2004.
Oschman, J. L., 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”. Journal of Inflammation Research, 2015.
Sokal, K., Sokal, P. “Earthing the Human Body Influences Physiologic Processes”. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2011.
Chevalier, G. “The Effect of Earthing (Grounding) on Human Physiology”. European Biology and Bioelectromagnetics, 2006.
Ghaly, M., Teplitz, D. “The Biologic Effects of Grounding the Human Body During Sleep”. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2004.