The Healing Power of Earthing (or Grounding): How Connecting with the Earth Boosts Your Health

I have to be honest, I do love to hug a tree! I also love to walk barefoot on the grass or, even better, on the beach. There is something profoundly healing about reconnecting with the Earth - literally. Grounding, also known as earthing, is the practice of physically connecting to the Earth’s surface electrons by walking barefoot on grass, soil, sand, or even concrete. While it might sound like a wellness trend, science is beginning to back up what many ancient cultures have known for centuries: the Earth has a natural energy that can support our physical and mental well-being.

What Is Earthing?

Earthing involves direct skin contact with the surface of the Earth. This could mean walking barefoot, lying on the ground, hugging a tree, or using grounding systems indoors that connect you electrically to the Earth (like mats or sheets for your bed). This connects your body to the natural electric charge of the earth, transferring electrons into your body, which can help neutralise free radicals in our bodies.

1. Reduces Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is at the root of many common diseases, from heart disease to arthritis. Grounding has been shown in some studies to reduce markers of inflammation in the body. The Earth’s electrons may act as antioxidants, helping to stabilise the free radicals that contribute to inflammation.

2. Improves Sleep Quality

Many people who practice grounding report deeper, more restful sleep. Research suggests that grounding helps regulate cortisol levels and synchronise circadian rhythms, two critical factors in maintaining healthy sleep patterns. One of the first published grounding studies examined the effects of grounding on sleep and circadian cortisol profiles The study involved 12 subjects who were in pain and had problems sleeping. Following sleeping grounded for 8 weeks using a grounding sleep system, their cortisol normalised, and most reported that their sleep improved and their pain and stress levels declined.

3. Decreases Stress and Anxiety

Grounding has been linked to reduced levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, as well as lower overall stress and anxiety levels. This could because it also affects the autonomic nervous system, shifting the body into a more relaxed parasympathetic state. Further, we know that spending time in nature is calming, so if you are also barefoot, you are boosting this healing effect.

4. Boosts Energy Levels

Our energy levels are effected by the availability of electrons: A lack of electrons can desaturate the electron transport chains in mitochondria, leading to chronic fatigue and slowing other essential activities of the immune system. Conversely, many people report feeling more energised and mentally clear after grounding, especially if done regularly.

5. Supports Heart Health

A small but growing body of research suggests that grounding can improve heart rate variability (HRV), a key indicator of cardiovascular health and stress resilience. Better HRV is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and a more balanced nervous system.

6. Speeds Up Recovery and Reduces Pain

Athletes and active individuals may benefit from grounding’s potential to reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and promote quicker recovery after intense exercise. One study found that grounded individuals experienced less pain and faster healing of injuries. There are also indications that grounding reduces the pain in patients with lupus and other autoimmune disorders.

Disconnection to nature

Sadly, most of us live lives disconnected from the world that gave us life and continues to nourish us. We were created to walk barefoot on the earth, like other animals, but we are now usually disconnected through our footwear. The disconnection from the Earth may be an important, insidious, and overlooked contribution to physiological dysfunction and to the alarming global rise in inflammatory-related chronic diseases (eg autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, lung diseases, mental illnesses, metabolic diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases).

How to Get Started

To ground yourself, generally your bare skin needs to be in contact with the earthed object, However, it is possible to ground through light, natural fabric. Grounding can be simple, free, and accessible. Here are some easy ways to integrate it into your daily routine:

• Walk barefoot on grass, soil or the beach or wear special grounding shoes and socks.

• Trees are grounded, so hug or touch a tree with bare hands/arms.

• Sit or lie on the ground.

• Swimming in the ocean/lakes/streams.

• Use grounding tools like mats or bedsheets if outdoor access is limited. This is my preferred method, as you then ground for around 8 hours while you sleep. You can also plug in grounding mats for while sitting.

• Practice mindfulness while grounding to amplify the calming effects.

Final Thoughts

Personally, I have an earthing sheet on my bed and also sit outside barefoot as much as I can when the weather allows (I am currently writing this outside on my laptop!) When I arrive on holiday, I feel I have properly "arrived" at my destination once I kick my shoes off and walk along the beach or paddle in the sea (I am drawn to places next to an ocean). This grounds me mentally and physically after the stress of travelling.

Grounding isn’t going to cure you overnight of major health problems, but it is a natural practice that can assist with your well-being. I feel that taking time to reconnect with the Earth is one of the simplest and most profound things you can do for your health.

Interested in reading further? The Effects of Grounding

Disclaimer: Grounding is generally safe and natural, but it should not replace medical treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical concerns.