Can walking barefoot on the earth really boost your health? Grounding, or earthing, is said to reduce stress, improve sleep, and ease inflammation by reconnecting the body with the earth\u2019s natural energy. But is there real science behind it, or is it just another wellness trend? Let\u2019s explore whether grounding lives up to the hype.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grounding, also called earthing, is the wellness practice<\/a> of walking barefoot on the earth. It specifically involves making direct contact with the ground and using the earth\u2019s electrical charge to stabilize the body<\/a>, which purportedly has a positive impact on health. The key is to create a connection between your skin and the earth\u2019s surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The earth has a slightly negative charge while the body has a slightly positive charge. The earth can thus absorb your body\u2019s charge<\/a> and may donate its own electrons to balance things out. Without contact with the ground, the body can build up a positive charge which contributes to free-radicals and oxidative stress. Grounding can reverse this. Or, at least that\u2019s the theory. (More on that below.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The concept of grounding has been promoted by certain cultures and practices of medicine for centuries, including traditional Chinese and ayurvedic medicine. Many ancient cultures<\/a> believed living creatures were connected to the energies of the earth and the foundations of health included keeping these energies in balance. For example, Chinese medicine promotes the belief that grounding stimulates good energy\u2013known as \u2018qi\u2019\u2013through the body. Ayurvedic medicine teaches that grounding balances one of the humors (vata) that regulates a person\u2019s emotional and mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some different ways<\/a> to practice grounding include walking barefoot in the grass, sitting or laying <\/p>\n\n\n\n on the ground, or getting in water. And if you can\u2019t get outside or don\u2019t have access to these spaces, grounding can also mean just having an electrode device connected to you and plugged into a grounded wall outlet. You can even buy grounding mats or sheets\u2013made with conductive materials that connect to the Earth’s electrical charge via a grounded outlet plug\u2013to sit, lay, or sleep on that run from a handful to hundreds of dollars. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the theory behind grounding stems from the fact that our ancestors were much more in touch with the physical ground than we are. In modern societies, we no longer sleep on the ground, and many of us rarely walk barefoot outdoors. Consider also that when our forebears did <\/em>wear shoes, they were historically made with traditional, conductive materials like leather\u2013not the synthetic\/man made soles worn today. Now, we live, work, and spend most of our time indoors, disconnected, far above the ground in multi-level buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reported benefits of grounding are vast. Proponents claim<\/a> grounding stabilizes the body\u2019s physiology, reduces inflammation, pain, and stress, improves sleep, blood flow, and lymphatic\/venous return to the heart, and produces greater well-being [1]. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many people on social media claim grounding techniques or products have been the \u2018magic bullet\u2019 for their health and well-being. There\u2019s even an entire subReddit thread on Earthing with over 9,000 members. One user<\/a> sleeps \u201con a grounding mat and the difference is very noticeable.\u201d Another said \u201cgrounding didn’t magically cure me of any of it, but it certainly has helped my body recover and head in the right direction for long term health.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n All of this sounds really great, but is there any evidence to back up these claims? Let\u2019s take a look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One review article<\/a> published in the Journal of Inflammation Research<\/em> reported studies showing that grounding\u2013including walking on the earth and sleeping on a grounding mat\u2013can reduce signs of inflammation following injury\u2014 like redness, heat, swelling, and pain [2]. The researchers observed resolution of painful chronic inflammation, but only looked at a handful of case studies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another study<\/a> in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences<\/em> found that grounding (defined as lying on a grounding mat) helped reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety in rats [3]. Researchers observed that the grounding mat led to lower levels of a stress-related brain chemical (corticotropin-releasing factor, or CRF). But, needless to say, rats aren\u2019t people and it\u2019s unclear whether this finding can be applied to grounding mat use by humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, other existing studies aren\u2019t controlled<\/a> for a specific grounding or earthing practice [4]. Some participants might walk barefoot, others might lay outside in the sun, while others might wade in the water. If some people felt better after grounding, it\u2019s impossible to tell what exactly made them feel better\u2013perhaps it was simply getting exercise, resting, or getting outside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps one of the most compelling studies examining the concept of grounding comes from observing babies in a NICU. Remember how one method of grounding can simply involve having an electrode connected to you that\u2019s plugged into a grounded wall outlet? A fascinating study from Pennsylvania State University<\/a> observed whether they could reduce the electromagnetic charge of preterm babies in the NICU. Researchers electrically grounded 26 babies by connecting an electrode wire from the infants\u2019 incubators or open cribs to the ground, and then measured the babies\u2019 skin voltage and\/or heart rate variability (an indicator of your autonomic nervous system, controlling involuntary functions). The researchers found that the babies were \u201cmore relaxed when grounded.\u201d Again, however, more research is needed to generalize these observations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite scant and\/pr low-quality evidence to support the practice of grounding, many individuals\u2013particularly those in the holistic or naturopathic fields\u2013claim<\/a> grounding is an overlooked factor in health and wellness and should be recommended to everyone [1]. But, again, is it possible that the purported benefits of \u2018grounding\u2019 are actually just the benefits of going outside? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Spending time outdoors has many health benefits<\/a>, both physically and mentally<\/a>. Exposure to natural sunlight enables the body to produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, immune function, and reducing inflammation. Engaging in outdoor activities like walking, hiking, or playing sports promotes cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and enhances overall fitness. Being in nature has been linked<\/a> to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In one study<\/a>, people who spent just two hours weekly in nature had more positive reports of health and well-being [5]. The researchers noted that these data should encourage additional research into what specifically about being outdoors leads to positive effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Time outside also significantly benefits mental wellbeing<\/a>. You can lower stress, anxiety, and depression while improving mood and cognitive function by simply being outdoors. Time spent in green spaces has been associated with increased focus, creativity, and improved memory. Nature exposure also helps regulate sleep patterns by reinforcing the body’s natural circadian rhythms, leading to better sleep quality. Whether it’s a short walk in the park or a weekend hiking trip, regular outdoor activities can have profound benefits for both body and mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are also benefits to walking barefoot, whether in contact with the earth or on any surface. Walking barefoot<\/a> can strengthen the feet and improve balance. One small study<\/a> found that adolescents who walked barefoot for 30 minutes for twelve weeks had improved cognitive function (including concentration and reduced brain stress) compared to those wearing sneakers during the exercise [6].<\/p>\n\n\n\n While there is certainly a lot of buzz around grounding, there are few quality studies investigating its benefits. The studies that do exist lack scientific rigor<\/a>, either because of very small sample size, lack of a control group, or poor overall design (such as not distinguishing what type of grounding or earthing practices participants engaged in).<\/p>\n\n\n\n While there is certainly a lot of buzz around grounding, there are few quality studies investigating its benefits. The studies that do exist lack scientific rigor<\/a>, either because of very small sample size, lack of a control group, or poor overall design.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, the fact there are proven benefits to spending time outside begs the question: is it grounding or earthing that makes a difference, or is it just fresh air and sunshine that pack the biggest punch? Alternatively, could walking barefoot itself be beneficial, and it really doesn\u2019t matter if it\u2019s barefoot on the earth or in your house? As with many popular wellness claims, there seems to be more hype to grounding than actual evidence-based benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Still, while there\u2019s limited evidence behind the theory of electrical energy balancing from grounding or earthing, getting outside is definitely a good idea! Stepping outside into the sunshine is free and requires little effort, there are numerous mental and physical health benefits to it. And, if you want to do so barefoot, perhaps it\u2019s all the better.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRoots in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to practice grounding<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Does grounding have specific benefits?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is there any actual science to back it up?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Grounding babies in the NICU<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The benefits of going outside<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The benefits of bare feet<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The bottom line on grounding<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
References: <\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n[1] Menigoz W, Latz TT, Ely RA, Kamei C, Melvin G, Sinatra D. Integrative and lifestyle medicine strategies should include Earthing (grounding): Review of research evidence and clinical observations. Explore (NY). 2020 May-Jun;16(3):152-160. doi: 10.1016\/j.explore.2019.10.005. Epub 2019 Nov 14. PMID: 31831261.<\/p>\n\n\n\n[2] 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n[3]Park HJ, Jeong W, Yu HJ, Ye M, Hong Y, Kim M, Kim JY, Shim I. The Effect of Earthing Mat on Stress-Induced Anxiety-like Behavior and Neuroendocrine Changes in the Rat. Biomedicines. 2022 Dec 26;11(1):57. doi: 10.3390\/biomedicines11010057. PMID: 36672565; PMCID: PMC9855809.<\/p>\n\n\n\n[4]Mousa HA. Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection by earthing. Biomed J. 2023 Feb;46(1):60-69. doi: 10.1016\/j.bj.2022.08.002. Epub 2022 Aug 17. PMID: 35987499; PMCID: PMC9381424.<\/p>\n\n\n\n[5]White, M.P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J. et al.<\/em> Spending at least 120\u2009minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Sci Rep<\/em> 9, 7730 (2019). https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41598-019-44097-3<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n[6]Kim T, Seo DY, Bae JH, Han J. Barefoot walking improves cognitive ability in adolescents. Korean J Physiol Pharmacol. 2024 Jul 1;28(4):295-302. doi: 10.4196\/kjpp.2024.28.4.295. PMID: 38926837; PMCID: PMC11211751.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\u00bfCaminar descalzo sobre la tierra puede ser realmente beneficioso para la salud? Se dice que la conexi\u00f3n a tierra reduce el estr\u00e9s,...","protected":false},"author":120,"featured_media":22579,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","csco_page_load_nextpost":"","csco_post_video_location":[],"csco_post_video_url":"","csco_post_video_bg_start_time":0,"csco_post_video_bg_end_time":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5392],"tags":[6472,6471],"class_list":{"0":"post-22578","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-fitness-and-nutrition","8":"tag-earthing","9":"tag-grounding","10":"cs-entry","11":"cs-video-wrap"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n