Grounding involves direct contact with the Earth, which allows the body to absorb electrons from its surface. This can be achieved through activities such as walking barefoot on grass, soil, or sand, or using specially designed grounding equipment that mimics the Earth’s electrical field. Emerging research highlights the potential physiological and psychological benefits of this practice.

Grounding is known to have a wide range of potential health benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved sleep quality, stress reduction, and increased energy levels. Through this page we will explore the benefits and how they be applied to your every day life.

Reduction in Inflammation

Inflammation is a key factor in many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions. Grounding has been shown to reduce markers of inflammation. A study published in the Journal of Inflammation Research demonstrated that grounding improves the body’s response to inflammation by neutralising free radicals and reducing oxidative stress ¹

Improved Sleep Quality

Grounding can help regulate circadian rhythms, which play a crucial role in sleep quality. Research has found that grounding normalises cortisol levels, which are critical for the sleep-wake cycle. Participants in one study reported better sleep and reduced stress levels after being grounded for several weeks².

Enhanced Cardiovascular Health

Connecting to the Earth’s surface has been shown to benefit cardiovascular health. By improving blood viscosity, grounding reduces the risk of conditions such as hypertension and heart attacks. The conductivity of the Earth’s electrons can help stabilise electrical activity in the heart, reducing arrhythmias³.

Pain Management

Grounding has been associated with decreased pain and stiffness in individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions. A review in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine highlighted the pain-relieving effects of grounding in patients with arthritis and fibromyalgia⁴.

Immune System Support

Regular grounding may enhance immune system function by reducing systemic inflammation and promoting better circulation. The reduction in inflammation supports the body’s natural healing processes, thereby strengthening immunity⁵.

Stress Reduction and Mood Enhancement

Grounding has a calming effect on the nervous system, which can reduce stress and improve mood. Research indicates that grounding helps lower anxiety levels by influencing the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation, and reducing feelings of tension⁶.

Electron Transfer
The Earth’s surface is abundant in free electrons. When the body connects to the ground, these electrons act as antioxidants, neutralising harmful free radicals that contribute to inflammation and disease⁷.

Cortisol Regulation
Grounding influences the hypothalamus, which regulates cortisol production. Balanced cortisol levels can reduce stress and improve overall well-being⁸.

Improved Blood Flow
Grounding has been linked to enhanced blood flow, which supports tissue oxygenation and nutrient delivery. Improved circulation also helps in the detoxification process and accelerates recovery from injuries⁹.

Practical Ways to Practice Grounding

Walking Barefoot: Spend at least 20 minutes daily walking on natural surfaces like grass, sand, or soil.

Grounding Mats, Sheets & Wristbands: Use grounding products designed to replicate the Earth’s electrical charge indoors.

Gardening: Engage in activities like planting or weeding, which involve direct contact with the Earth.

Thermal imaging cameras record tiny changes in skin temperature to create a color-coded map of hot areas indicative of inflammation. Panel A shows reduction in inflammation from sleeping grounded.

Medical infrared imaging shows warm and painful areas (arrows in upper part of panel A). Sleeping grounded for 4 nights resolved the pain, and the hot areas cooled. Note the significant reduction in inflammation and a return toward normal thermal symmetry.

Panel B shows infrared images of a 33-year-old woman who had a gymnastics injury at age 15. The patient had a long history of chronic right knee pain, swelling, and instability, and was unable to stand for long periods. Simple actions, such as driving, increased the symptoms. She had to sleep with a pillow between her knees to decrease the pain. On-and-off medical treatment and physical therapy over the years provided minimal relief. She presented on November 17, 2004 with considerable right medial knee tenderness and a mild limp. Top images in Panel B were taken in walking position to show the inside of both knees. Arrow points to exact location of patient’s pain and shows significant inflammation.

Lower images in Panel B taken 30 minutes after being grounded with an electrode patch. The patient reported a mild reduction in pain. Note significant reduction of inflammation in knee area. After 6 days of grounding, she reported a 50% reduction pain and said that she could now stand for longer periods without pain, and no longer needed to sleep with pillow between her legs. After 4 weeks of treatment, she felt good enough to play soccer, and for the first time in 15 years felt no instability and little pain. By 12 weeks, she said her pain had diminished by nearly 90% and she had no swelling. For the first time in many years, she was able waterski.

The patient contacted the office after 6 months of treatment to report that she had finished a half-marathon, something she never dreamt she would ever be able to do prior to treatment.

Credit: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4378297/

Photographic images documenting accelerated improvement of an 8-month-old, non-healing open wound suffered by an 84-year-old diabetic woman.

(A) Shows the open wound and a pale-gray hue to the skin.
(B) Taken after one week of grounding or earthing treatments, shows a marked level of healing and improvement in circulation, as indicated by the skin color.
(C) Taken after 2 weeks of earthing treatment, shows the wound healed over and the skin color looking dramatically healthier.

Treatment consisted of a daily 30-minute grounding session with an electrode patch while patient was seated comfortably.

The cause of the wound adjacent to the left ankle was a poorly fitted boot.A few hours after wearing the boot, a blister formed, and then developed into a resistant open wound.

The patient had undergone various treatments at a specialized wound center with no improvement. Vascular imaging of her lower extremities revealed poor circulation. When first seen, she had a mild limp and was in pain. After an initial 30 minutes of exposure to grounding, the patient reported a noticeable decrease in pain. After 1 week of daily grounding, she said her pain level was about 80% less. At that time, she showed no evidence of a limp.

At the end of 2 weeks, she said she was completely pain-free.

Credit: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4378297/