AT A GLANCE
- You may try grounding to help decrease inflammation, pain, and stress.
- Walking barefoot outside is the easiest way to practice grounding.
- You can also practice grounding by touching the Earth—sand, dirt, or grass—with your hands.
Grounding (also called earthing) is the practice of physically connecting your body with the Earth. Many people try grounding to help reduce inflammation, pain, and stress. The simplest way is walking barefoot outside. You can also touch soil, sand, or grass with your hands.
Although research is still limited and many studies are small, early findings show promising results. Some studies suggest grounding may reduce pain, stress, and inflammation, while improving sleep, circulation, and overall vitality.
Benefits of Grounding
1. May Improve Mood
Some research shows that grounding for one hour a day can improve mood and promote relaxation.
In one study, participants used a conductive pillow, mat, and patches while resting. Those who were grounded reported significant improvements in mood and pleasant feelings. More research is needed to understand how grounding can be used as a long-term therapy.
2. May Boost Quality of Life
A study on massage therapists found that grounding mats helped increase their energy and reduce fatigue.
Participants who were grounded reported:
- Better physical functioning
- Less tiredness
- Reduced depressed mood
- Lower pain
Researchers suggested that grounding may improve overall health and quality of life.
3. May Reduce Blood Pressure
Some evidence suggests grounding may help lower high blood pressure.
In one study, 10 participants performed grounding therapy on their own. By the end of the trial, their systolic blood pressure (the top number) dropped by an average of 14.3%.
4. May Improve Heart Health
Grounding may benefit the heart by reducing blood viscosity and preventing cells from clumping together.
Thicker blood makes the heart work harder, so lowering viscosity can support healthier circulation. Grounding may be a simple way to help reduce cardiovascular risks.
5. May Promote Muscle Recovery
Grounding may help the body recover after exercise.
In one study, grounding mats and patches were used on participants while researchers measured muscle damage and inflammation markers. Those who were grounded reported less pain, and blood tests showed reduced muscle damage.
How Does Grounding Work?
Grounding is based on the idea that the human body can build up a positive electrical charge, while the Earth carries a negative charge. By touching the Earth directly, you may be able to discharge excess energy and restore balance.
Scientists suggest that modern lifestyles—wearing shoes, living indoors, less contact with nature—disconnect people from the Earth, which may contribute to stress or illness. Reconnecting with the Earth may help support the body’s natural healing processes.
How to Practice Grounding
You can practice grounding outdoors or indoors.
Outdoor Grounding
Direct skin contact with the Earth is the key. Examples include:
- Walking barefoot on grass, soil, or sand
- Lying on the ground
- Running your hands through dirt
- Swimming in natural bodies of water, such as the ocean
Indoor Grounding
If outdoor grounding is difficult, you can use grounding devices such as:
- Grounding mats
- Grounding sheets
- Wrist or ankle bands
- Adhesive patches
These devices connect to the Earth through the grounding port of an electrical outlet (the round third hole), which is common in homes built after the 1950s.
Risks and Safety Precautions
Grounding is generally safe, but some precautions are important:
- Walking barefoot outdoors can expose you to insects, sharp objects, or rough surfaces.
- If you have pollen allergies, are sensitive to insect stings, or react to plants like poison ivy, consider grounding indoors.
- Pregnant individuals should avoid digging in soil to reduce the risk of exposure to Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can harm pregnancy.
Post a Comment