Grounding: Connecting with the Earth and its Health Benefits

The concept of "grounding" has gained popularity not only in alternative communities, but also in the field of scientific research.

Grounding refers to the practice of establishing a direct connection with the Earth's surface, usually by walking barefoot on natural soil. The premise is that this practice can have beneficial health effects, from improving sleep to reducing inflammation. In this blog, we'll explore what grounding is, how it works, and what the science-backed benefits are.

Grounding is based on the idea that the Earth has a natural negative charge and that direct contact with its surface allows for the absorption of free electrons. These electrons can act as natural antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress in the body. Although it sounds like something straight out of science fiction, the practice of grounding has deep roots in human history. For millennia, our ancestors walked barefoot or wore footwear made of natural materials, allowing them to maintain a constant connection with the Earth.

Image 1: The human body connected to the global electrical circuit. Image credit: Dr. Laura Koniver.

Mechanisms of Action

Grounding works through the transfer of free electrons from the Earth to the human body. This transfer occurs when the body has direct contact with the Earth, either through the skin or by using special devices. According to a study published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health , this transfer of electrons can help neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage and contribute to aging and various chronic diseases (Chevalier et al., 2012).

Another proposed mechanism is the influence of grounding on heart rate variability (HRV). HRV is an indicator of the health of the autonomic nervous system and the body’s ability to adapt to stress. One study found that grounding significantly improved HRV in subjects, suggesting that it may have a calming effect on the nervous system and improve the body’s ability to handle stress (Mousa et al., 2016).

Health Benefits Backed by Science

1. Reduction of inflammation and pain
   Chronic inflammation is an underlying condition in many modern diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Grounding has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. A study by Brown et al. (2011) showed that participants who slept connected to grounding devices experienced a significant reduction in markers of inflammation, as well as pain.

2. Improved Sleep
   Insomnia and other sleep disorders are common problems in modern society. A study by Ghaly and Teplitz (2004) investigated the effects of grounding on sleep and found that subjects who slept in contact with the Earth reported significant improvements in sleep quality, shorter time to fall asleep, and a greater sense of well-being upon awakening.

3. Stress and Anxiety Reduction
   Grounding has also been shown to be beneficial for mental health, particularly in reducing stress and anxiety. Research suggests that by balancing the activity of the autonomic nervous system, grounding may help mitigate the effects of chronic stress. For example, a study by Sokal and Sokal (2011) found that grounding significantly reduced levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in participants, suggesting a relaxing effect.

4. Improved Circulation
   Another important benefit of grounding is its effect on blood circulation. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that grounding increased blood fluidity, which may be beneficial in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease (Chevalier et al., 2013). This effect is due to the decrease in blood viscosity, which facilitates blood flow and reduces blood pressure.

5. Acceleration of Muscle Recovery
   For athletes and active individuals, grounding may offer additional benefits in muscle recovery. A 2010 study by Chevalier and Sinatra found that grounding after intense physical activities accelerated muscle recovery and reduced delayed onset muscle soreness. The researchers suggest this may be related to reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in the tissues.

Grounding in Practice

Incorporating grounding into your daily life is relatively easy. Walking barefoot on grass, sand or dirt is one of the most accessible ways to practice grounding.

In conclusion, grounding offers a fascinating connection between nature and human health, backed by a growing body of scientific evidence. From reducing inflammation to improving sleep and mental health, the benefits of grounding are wide and varied. However, while science supports several benefits of grounding, it is important to remember that it is not a substitute for conventional medical treatments.

Written by Ana Saiz

Psychologist and founder of Ganbatte Superfoods

References

Brown, R., Chevalier, G., & Hill, M. (2011). Grounding after moderate eccentric contractions reduces muscle damage. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(3), 191-198.

Chevalier, G., Sinatra, S.T., Oschman, J.L., Sokal, K., & Sokal, P. (2012). Earthing: Health implications of reconnecting the human body to the Earth's surface electrons. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012, 1-8.

Ghaly, M., & Teplitz, D. (2004). The effects of grounding the human biological body during sleep as measured by cortisol levels and subjective reporting of sleep, pain, and stress. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 10(5), 767-776.

Mousa, AR, Park, JS, & Parker, RE (2016). Effect of earthing on human physiology: Improvements in heart rate variability, blood viscosity, and blood pressure. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 22(2), 135-144.

Sokal, K., & Sokal, P. (2011). Earthing the human body influences physiological processes. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(4), 301-308.