A couple of years ago I watched a documentary called The Earthing Movie, mainly out of curiosity but also in part because I’m a self-proclaimed documentary junkie. The subject and practice of earthing is something I think we innately connect with deep down in our core but it is the scientific studies and evidence that is the cherry on top for me. As I write this, I’m taking a few days to decompress and spend a lot of time with my bare feet in the grass, careful to avoid ant hills.

Earthing, also known as grounding, is the practice of making direct physical contact with the Earth's surface—such as walking barefoot on grass or soil and even swimming in natural bodies of water—to reconnect with the planet's natural electric charge.

Many of us as kids probably were barefoot more than we had shoes on. So, walking barefoot in the grass is not an absurd thing to do! Proponents claim that this simple act can have profound effects on human health, including reducing inflammation, improving sleep, and enhancing overall well-being. While the concept is rooted in ancient traditions, modern scientific research has begun to investigate its potential physiological and psychological benefits. This is where it gets fun!

The Earth carries a negative charge and we carry a positive charge so by connecting to the Earth it helps to balance the buildup of our positive charge which can be caused by over exposure to electronic devices and stress. Positive voltage is associated with acidity, where negative voltage is associated with alkalinity, so regular direct connection to the Earth’s surface can help to introduce a more alkaline environment in our bodies.

Every cell in our body communicates via electrical signals, and the heart and brain generate measurable electromagnetic fields. Grounding stabilizes our fields, harmonizing our internal electrical network with the Earth's charge. This balance can lead to improved physiological and psychological functioning.

OXIDATIVE STRESS AND INFLAMMATION

We’ve all heard about the benefits of antioxidants and the role they play in reducing oxidative stress and the associated inflammation. Free radicals are unstable molecules and are byproducts of normal metabolic processes. But an excess of free radicals can contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation. Studies have shown that chronic inflammation is the root cause of many diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, autoimmune disorders, and diabetes. A 2020 review study found that grounding significantly reduces markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count. The review highlighted that grounding could prevent or reduce the cardinal signs of inflammation following injury: redness, heat, swelling, and pain. A direct connection to the Earth provides an abundance of negatively charged electrons, which can neutralize the positively charged free radicals, thereby preventing them from damaging cells. By neutralizing free radicals, you can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, promoting antioxidant effects similar to those provided by traditional antioxidants.

SLEEP

Another benefit of Earthing is improved sleep. Sleep disturbances are often linked to elevated cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone, and Earthing has been shown to influence cortisol secretion. In a study conducted in 2024, it was found that grounding during sleep utilizing grounding mats reduced nighttime cortisol levels and resynchronized cortisol hormone secretion, aligning it more closely with the natural 24-hour circadian rhythm. Participants in this grounding study reported better sleep quality, falling asleep faster, and experiencing fewer nighttime awakenings, which may be attributed to the normalization of cortisol levels and a reduction in stress.

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

Earthing may have a positive impact on cardiovascular health by improving blood flow and reducing blood viscosity. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that grounding increased the surface charge on red blood cells, reducing their aggregation and lowering blood viscosity. This effect can decrease the risk of clotting and improve overall circulation. Another study observed that grounding led to enhanced blood flow regulation and improved circulation to various parts of the body, including the face, head, torso, and extremities, within just one hour of grounding.

STRESS

Stress is something we all deal with on a daily basis, whether it’s self-imposed or a product of our environment. The autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions, can be influenced by grounding, also known as Earthing. It has been shown to shift the autonomic nervous system from a sympathetic (fight-or-flight) state to a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state, leading to reduced muscle tension and increased heart rate variability—a marker of reduced stress and improved emotional well-being. Participants in grounding studies have reported improved mood, reduced anxiety, and a greater sense of calm and relaxation.

HOW YOU CAN GROUND

Here are the ways you can take advantage of the Earth’s profound, innate healing energies:

Walking barefoot on natural surfaces like grass, soil, or sand allows for direct contact with the Earth's surface. Even sitting on the beach or the ground with bare feet!
Using grounding devices, such as mats, sheets, or patches, can replicate the effects of earthing indoors, making it especially beneficial for individuals living in urban environments or during colder months. If I lived in Alaska, you’d better believe I would NOT be outside in January barefoot!
Gardening is another way we practice Earthing. Digging in the dirt and planting flowers, vegetables or plants is taking full advantage of the Earth’s magnificent energy.
Swimming–whether you’re body surfing on Waikiki or floating down a river, immersing in natural bodies of water will do you wonders.

While earthing appears to offer various health benefits, it's important to approach it with realistic expectations. Scientific studies are ongoing and new evidence is still emerging. Although preliminary studies are promising, more extensive and rigorous research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and long-term effects of grounding. Individual experiences may vary. Not everyone may experience the same benefits from grounding, and some individuals may require more time to notice changes.

Grounding should complement, not replace, medical treatment. I am not a doctor, and this information is not medical advice, but merely something that I feel is a tool that you can use to potentially improve your overall wellbeing. Part of your journey as a spiritual rookie is exploring different tools and subjects and following things that evoke a positive feeling inside you.

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~ Noel (Spiritual Rookies)