Grounding: The Physical Practice of Connecting to the Earth for Better Health

Reconnect to Thrive: The Healing Power of Grounding

In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, it's easy to feel disconnected from the earth beneath our feet. We wear rubber-soled shoes that block our connection to the ground, spend our days indoors, surrounded by electronics and artificial environments, rarely making contact with the natural world around us. But what if reconnecting with the earth could hold the key to better health? Well, guess what, it can.

‘Grounding’, also known as ‘earthing’, refers to the practice of connecting with the Earth's surface – typically through walking barefoot, sitting, or lying down on the ground – on grass, soil, sand, or other natural surfaces.

The practice works via electrical currents. The world is essentially a giant battery with a surface that’s electrically charged, and we are bioelectrical beings that run off electrons. The electron transport chain is a critical phase in energy metabolism during which ATP – the energy currency in the body – is generated. Electrons are also needed in many other biological processes including driving our heartbeat and controlling water balance (hence ‘electrolytes’). When we expose our bare skin to the bare earth, electrical energy is transferred from the ground into the body¹.

There is a growing body of quality scientific studies that have reported evidence of significant health improvements when the body is grounded vs. non-grounded^2,3,4. The speed at which grounding charges the body is instantaneous, but the longer you spend doing it, the more effective it will be at improving your health.

So, why should we incorporate grounding into our daily routines? In addition to the compelling scientific evidence, here are some key reasons why grounding deserves a place in our wellness practices:

Improved Immune Function

A robust immune system is essential for defending against illness and maintaining overall health. The research on the effects of grounding on the immune system is pretty incredible. It has been shown to reduce pain and alter the numbers of circulating neutrophils and lymphocytes, as well as having anti-inflammatory effects⁵. By incorporating grounding into our daily routines, we can support our body's natural defences and enhance resilience against illness.

Stress Reduction

Grounding provides a simple yet effective way to counteract the effects of stress by promoting relaxation and reducing cortisol levels and stress-induced behaviour change⁶. Incorporating grounding into our daily routines can help us better manage stress and cultivate a greater sense of calm and balance.

Improved Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for overall health and wellbeing, yet many of us struggle to get adequate rest. Grounding has been shown to improve sleep quality by regulating circadian rhythms and promoting relaxation. A 2022 study in the journal Healthcare showed that grounding was an effective practice for improving sleep quality in patients with mild Alzheimer's⁷. By grounding before bedtime, we can signal to the body that it's time to wind down and prepare for restorative sleep.

Enhanced Mood

Spending time outdoors and connecting with nature has been linked to improvements in mood and mental health, but earthing the body is understood to have clear benefits in this area. One study compared the moods of individuals lying down grounded for 1-hour versus those lying ungrounded, and showed that the grounded group had a statistically significant uplift in positive moods versus the non-grounded participants⁸. Whether it's a leisurely walk barefoot on the grass or a peaceful moment sitting under a tree, grounding can truly uplift your spirits.

What’s more, grounding, just like exposure to sunlight, has also been said to help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm⁹. This is why grounding while exposing ourselves to morning sun is a powerful combination practice.

We love grounding because it’s so simple, feels entirely natural and innate, and is a free and easy antidote to the global epidemic of chronic inflammatory conditions¹⁰.

By spending time outdoors and making direct contact with the earth, we can also cultivate a deeper appreciation for the environment and its role in sustaining our health and wellbeing.

So, take off your shoes, feel the earth beneath your feet, and embrace the silently transformative power of grounding!

References

1. Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth's Surface Electrons
2. The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases
3. Earthing (Grounding) the Human Body Reduces Blood Viscosity
4. Pilot Study on the Effect of Grounding on Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness
5. Grounding reduces pain and alters the numbers of circulating neutrophils and lymphocytes
6. Effect of Grounding on Human Physiology and Health
7. Grounding Improves Sleep Quality in Alzheimer’s Patients
8. Pilot Study on Mood Changes After Grounding
9. Circadian rhythm alignment through grounding
10. Earthing: Health Benefits as a Low-Cost Public Health Intervention