What Is Grounding?
Grounding, also known as earthing, is when you stand on the earth or have contact with a product that’s grounded into the earth. This is thought to connect your body to the natural electric charge of the earth and transfer electrons into your body. Though there's not a lot of solid research into the practice, a few studies have found that soaking up electrons might help lower inflammation, ease stress, and improve sleep, to name a few.
Some think grounding, also known as vitamin G or electronic nutrition, fixes an “electron deficiency syndrome” that they say plays a role in multiple health disorders. In other words, spending time on a grounding mat, walking in your yard, or wading in a lake might help counteract the effects of not having direct contact with the earth. But because grounding's health benefits are unproven, you should never use it in place of medical treatment.
How Does It Work?
The earth is electronically active, with lots of electrons floating on the surface. The human body absorbs electricity from the earth, which produces changes that may help to support our health.
Historically, people spent more time outdoors with their feet and bodies directly on the ground. But today, most people have little direct contact with the earth. As a result, the theory goes, our bodies build up positive static electric charges that can’t be released unless we connect to the ground. Grounding is thought to neutralize those positive charges by absorbing negative electrons to balance you out.
Proponents say that the electrons we absorb through grounding work as natural antioxidants to neutralize harmful free radical molecules in your body. They believe that exposure to the electrons is vital for functioning at your best. It's said to help improve sleep, heal wounds, and reduce inflammation linked to a variety of ailments.
Walking or touching the earth may not be the only way to experience grounding. You can buy a variety of grounding products that plug into outlets or are inserted into the ground.
Earthing Products
From grounding sheets to adhesive patches and earthing shoes, these conductive products claim to help your body absorb electrons. You either plug them into a wall outlet with a ground, or place an attached wire into the soil directly.
If you plug one of these products into an outlet, make sure it’s properly grounded by usingh an outlet checker. Some product manufacturers include these when you buy an earthing item. You can find them online or pick one up at a hardware store.
Grounding mat
Earthing mats go under your feet while you sit or stand, or are placed on your desk so they touch your hands and arms as you work. Many people sit and meditate on grounding mats. You can buy yoga mats with grounding technology in them.
Grounding sheets
You sleep directly on grounding sheets, which have a conductive material (usually carbon or silver) woven into their fibers. This material is connected to a wire that can be grounded through a wall outlet or outside into the ground.
Slver can become oxidized due to washing and sweat, so these sheets may become less effective over time, according to The Earthing Institute.
Grounding mattress pad
An earthing mattress pad works similarly to the grounding sheets. You can sleep on it directly or place it underneath sheets. Some manufacturers say there should only be one layer between your body and the mat to maximize conductivity.
Grounding socks
Like earthing sheets, grounding socks contain conductive materials like silver.Some plug them into an outlet or connect to the earth using a wire. Another kind of grounding sock is made of material that attracts electrons. You can wear them outdoors if you don’t want to go barefoot.
Grounding shoes
Earthing shoes have a conductive plug at the sole, near the ball of your foot.
Grounding patches
Another way to bring electrons into your body is to attach a sticky patch onto your skin. The patch snaps onto a cord that can be plugged into the grounding port of an outlet.
Grounding rod
Earthing cords, also called grounding rods, connect grounding products directly into the ground when an outlet isn’t available. You just clip one onto the earthing product and push it into moist soil. You can run the cord through an open window or door.
Grounding Techniques
Whatever way you choose to connect, proponents of grounding say it’s important to do it regularly.
There’s no set amount of time when a person should practice earthing. In one study, a participant started to feel pain subside in 30 minutes. Another report advises that you should try to get 10 to 20 minutes of grounding a day – more if you can.
Grounding Benefits
Researchers have published a few studies to document the benefits of grounding, though there’s no definitive evidence to show it can actually prevent any ailment. There is some evidence that changes do occur in the body soon after you connect to the ground or to a grounding product.
Authors of a 2020 report said they believe grounding may help to counteract cardiovascular, respiratory, neurodegenerative, and auto-immune conditions, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. The Earthing Institute, a pro-grounding group, says that spending time connected to the ground can improve sleep, lower inflammation, ease stress, improve blood flow, and boost physical healing, among other things.
Inflammation. Inflammation is linked to many diseases as well as pain. One study found that concentrations of known indicators of inflammation decreased more in the blood of people who grounded than ino those who didn’t.
Blood flow. In a study of people who did yoga for an hour, participants who used grounding mats had lower blood viscosity (thickness). Higher blood viscosity is linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and high blood pressure. Better blood flow can also speed wound healing and may have benefits for the skin.
Blood pressure. One small study found grounding helped to lower blood pressure.
Sleep. One study found people who did grounding people had lower nighttime levels of cortisol. Too much of this hormone can have negative effects on your health. In the study, grounding better aligned the hormone with a natural 24-hour circadian rhythm. A disrupted rhythm can raise your risk for diabetes, obesity, blood pressure problems, and more. Another study on grounding in people with Alzheimer’s disease showed it helped them with sleep.
Heart rate variability. Your heart rate varies constantly, but heart rate variability that’s too low is linked to cardiovascular problemss. One small study saw heart rate variability improvements after 20 minutes of grounding. It got even better when people grounded longer.
Anxiety. Some early research in rats indicated that grounding eased stress levels. Two small trials in humans found that grounding improved levels of stress, which can contribute to anxiety.
Thyroid function. One report found that earthing at night affected thyroid hormone levels known to impact health. In another study, some people with thyroid problems had to adjust their medication after grounding. This could suggest that grounding may help to restore thyroid function.
Negative Side Effects of Earthing
You can raise your risk for injury, infection, or allergic reactions by walking barefoot or earthing in open water. Walking barefoot on uneven ground could put you at risk for tripping and falling. Hydrate well if you choose to go outside to practice earthing during warmer months.
If you decide on indoor grounding, don’t use a plug-in product during a thunderstorm as it puts you at risk for electrocution. Earthing enthusiasts recommend checking outlets with a grounding device. Wiring that's not properly functioning could cause an electric shock.
Check with your doctor before you start grounding, especially if you're pregnant or have allergies, immune system problems, existing nerve damage, or issues with your feet.
If you have flu-like symptoms or you don’t feel well, stop earthing and contact a health professional. Some people say they feel a tingling sensation when they spend time connected to the earth or a grounding product.
Takeaways
Ask your doctor if you should try earthing. Some research indicates it can offer health benefits, and the practice is relatively safe. Research studies haven’t shown that grounding can prevent diseases or replace medical care, but some believe it may be a way to improve well-being.
Grounding FAQs
How do grounding techniques work?
Grounding is the practice of connecting to the earth-- either barefoot or via a product that grounds into an outlet or into the earth with a metal rod. Your body is thought to absorb electrons naturally from the earth. Some people claim the practice is essential for good health.
How do you practice grounding techniques?
Stand on the ground without shoes to practice grounding. You can also opt for products like mats and sheets that are connected to a grounding port in a wall outlet or are attached to a grounding wire that you push into the dirt.
Can grounding relieve stress and anxiety?
We need more research into this. But some studies have shown it may make people feel less stressed.
How often should one practice grounding?
You can do as much or as little as you want. Some studies showed that people could experience benefits in 30 minutes or so.
Does grounding cure insomnia?
Clinical trials haven’t shown this, though some proponents believe grounding can improve sleep.
Are there any potential risks of grounding?
Grounding is safe for most people, but it’s a good idea to check with your doctor first. Most risks revolve around walking around barefoot or using a wire during a storm or with a faulty outlet.
