
Earthing - science-proved remedy or another fiction?
Fast-paced thinking, urbanization and high ambitions probably are usual companions of people’s daily life. But sometimes we need to stop and take a breath – the breath of fresh air in virgin nature. Exposure to nature not only makes us feel better emotionally, but it also contributes to physical well-being. We are used to looking for remedies like vacation trips etc., but the easiest way to relax in harmony with nature is just underfoot – it’s our planet.
Earthing, also known as grounding, is a therapeutic technique that involves doing activities that “ground” or electrically reconnect you to the earth. This practice relies on earthing science and grounding physics to explain how electrical charges from the earth can have positive effects on the body. While vacation trips and outdoor activities are common remedies, proponents of earthing suggest that the simplest solution is right under our feet: the Earth itself. But is earthing a scientifically validated therapy or simply a wellness trend fueled by anecdotal claims? We’ll try to look at both perspectives to find out.
How grounding began
The practice of grounding has roots in traditional healing practices from various cultures around the world. For example, in traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of qi or life force energy is believed to flow through the body and can be balanced by connecting with the Earth’s energy. Similarly, in Ayurvedic medicine, which originated in India, the earth element is believed to provide grounding and stability to the body and mind.
In the 20th century, there were a few pioneers who explored the concept of grounding in the context of modern science. In the 1960s, researchers discovered the Schumann Resonance, a natural frequency that exists between the Earth’s surface and the ionosphere. It is believed that this frequency may play a role in regulating biological rhythms in the body.
In the 1990s, Clint Ober, a former cable television executive, began experimenting with grounding techniques after noticing that he felt better when he walked barefoot on the grass. He eventually developed the first commercial earthing product and began promoting the practice of grounding as a therapeutic practice.
Since then, there has been growing interest in the scientific study of grounding and its potential health benefits. Research has explored the effects of grounding on various health outcomes, such as inflammation, pain, sleep, and mood. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind the potential benefits of grounding, the practice has gained popularity as a way to promote health and well-being.
So, what does science say?
There have been several scientific articles published on the topic of grounding. Some of them are described below.
1. “The effect of grounding the human body on mood”
This study was conducted to assess if earthing improves mood parameters. Previous research has reported health benefits from earthing, but no study had been conducted specifically on its effect on mood. In this study, 40 adult participants were either grounded or sham-grounded (no grounding) for 1 hour while relaxing in a comfortable recliner chair equipped with a conductive pillow, mat, and patches connecting them to the ground. The study was double-blinded and the Brief Mood Introspection Scale (comprising 4 scales) was used to measure the participants’ moods.
The results of the study showed that pleasant and positive moods statistically significantly improved among grounded participants compared to sham-grounded participants. The authors concluded that the 1-hour contact with the Earth improved mood more than expected by relaxation alone.
This study provides evidence that earthing may have a positive effect on mood. It adds to the growing body of research on the potential health benefits of earthing.
2. “Integrative and lifestyle medicine strategies should include Earthing (grounding): Review of research evidence and clinical observations”
This 2020 paper from Explore journal takes a deep dive into the science and clinical observations behind earthing, or grounding, and its potential health benefits. The authors argue that reconnecting with the Earth’s natural electric charge could be a game-changer for health and should be part of an integrative lifestyle approach. They explain that earthing can be done easily—either by walking barefoot on natural surfaces like grass and sand or by using simple grounding devices indoors.
The article breaks down how earthing works on a physiological level. Essentially, the Earth’s surface has a negative charge, and when we make direct contact, our bodies absorb free electrons. This process helps neutralize harmful free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation—two major drivers of many modern diseases. Research suggests that earthing can improve sleep, lower stress by balancing the nervous system, speed up post-exercise recovery, thin the blood for better circulation, and even help wounds heal faster.
Overall, this paper makes a strong case for earthing as a simple, natural way to support health. The authors suggest that something as easy as walking barefoot could have a real impact on reducing pain, stress, and inflammation—making it a practical and accessible wellness tool for everyone.
3. “Earthing the Human Body Influences Physiologic Processes”
Article mentioned above was published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2011. This study was designed to answer the question: Does the contact of the human organism with the Earth via a copper conductor affect physiological processes? The study consisted of five experiments that investigated the effect of earthing on calcium–phosphate homeostasis, serum concentrations of electrolytes, thyroid function, glucose concentration, and immune response to a vaccine.
The results of the study showed that earthing during night rest causes lowering of serum concentrations of iron, ionized calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and reduction of renal excretion of calcium and phosphorus. Earthing also decreased free triiodothyronine and increased free thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone. The continuous earthing of the human body decreased blood glucose in patients with diabetes.
Overall, this study provides evidence that earthing the human body influences human physiologic processes. The authors suggest that this influence is observed during night relaxation and during physical activity. They also suggest that earthing may be a primary factor regulating endocrine and nervous systems.
4. “Earthing (Grounding) the Human Body Reduces Blood Viscosity—a Major Factor in Cardiovascular Disease”
This study was published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2013 and examined the effects of 2 hours of grounding on the electrical charge (zeta potential) on red blood cells (RBCs) and the effects on the extent of RBC clumping.
In this study, subjects were grounded with conductive patches on the soles of their feet and palms of their hands. Wires connected the patches to a stainless-steel rod inserted in the earth outdoors. Small fingertip pinprick blood samples were placed on microscope slides and an electric field was applied to them. Electrophoretic mobility of the RBCs was determined by measuring terminal velocities of the cells in video recordings taken through a microscope. RBC aggregation was measured by counting the number of clustered cells in each sample.
The results of the study showed that earthing increased zeta potentials in all samples by an average of 2.70 and significantly reduced RBC aggregation. The authors concluded that grounding increases the surface charge on RBCs and thereby reduces blood viscosity and clumping.
Overall, this study provides evidence that grounding may have a positive effect on cardiovascular health by reducing blood viscosity and clumping. The authors suggest that grounding may be one of the simplest and yet most profound interventions for helping reduce cardiovascular risk and cardiovascular events.
5.”Pilot Study on the Effect of Grounding on Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness”
The study investigated the effects of grounding after moderate eccentric contractions on pain, creatine kinase (CK), and complete blood counts.
The study was conducted on 32 healthy young men who were randomly divided into grounded and sham-grounded groups. On day 1, the participants performed eccentric contractions of 200 half-knee bends. They were then grounded or sham-grounded to the earth for 4 hours on days 1 and 2. Both groups experienced pain on all post-test days. On day 2, the sham-grounded group experienced a significant increase in creatine kinase while the CK of the grounded group did not increase significantly; the between-group difference was significant. There was also an increase in the neutrophils of the grounded group on day 3 compared to the sham-grounded group. There was a significant increase in platelets in the grounded group on days 2 through 4 .
These findings suggest that grounding might help with muscle recovery after intense exercise. It seems to prevent a sharp rise in creatine kinase and influence the body’s immune response, which could make a difference in how quickly the body heals.
Grounding stuff
There are several types of earthing or grounding products available on the market that are used by practitioners of grounding and claimed to be effective. While they are popular among grounding enthusiasts, their efficacy is being debatable and needs more research. Here are some examples:
- Earthing mats: These are conductive mats that can be placed on the bed, floor, or under your desk during work. They reportedly allow one to connect with the earth’s energy while sleeping or working indoors.
- Earthing sheets: These are fitted sheets that can be used on the bed to ground the body during sleep. They are typically made of conductive fabric and have a wire that connects to a grounding plug.
- Earthing pads: These are small pads designed to ground specific parts of the body, such as your feet, hands, or back. They are typically made of conductive fabric and can be used while sitting or lying down.
- Earthing shoes: These are shoes with conductive soles that are said to connect the user with the earth’s energy during walking.. They are a convenient option if a person cannot walk barefoot outside.
- Grounding rods: These are copper stakes that are hammered into the ground outside. You can connect a grounding wire to the rod and then connect it to a conductive device to practice grounding.
The skeptical perspective
Although grounding studies hint at potential benefits, several critical concerns temper enthusiasm for this practice. A common critique is the small scale of many studies, which restricts their statistical power and makes it difficult to generalize findings to broader populations. Robust conclusions require larger, more diverse participant groups to validate these preliminary results. Many reported benefits, such as enhanced mood or reduced stress, are inherently subjective and may be influenced by expectations rather than actual physiological changes. Without rigorous placebo-controlled studies, it is challenging to determine whether the observed effects are genuine or merely a result of belief in the practice. The proposed mechanism—that grounding transfers Earth’s electrons to the body and thereby influences health—is intriguing but remains speculative. There are also claims about influencing “energy” of the body or accessing “Earth’s energy” that are pseudoscientific and are not consistent with any specific, peer-reviewed theory. The absence of a well-defined physiological and physical basis makes it difficult for the scientific community to fully embrace grounding as a credible therapeutic intervention.
The growing popularity of grounding has spurred the development of products designed to mimic its effects indoors, including grounding mats, sheets, and footwear. While these items provide convenience, their claims raise skepticism. Most earthing products lack rigorous validation, with limited studies supporting their efficacy. Their marketed benefits often outpace the available scientific proof, leaving consumers with unverified promises. Critics argue that these products capitalize on the wellness industry’s trends, prioritizing profit over substance. Without clear evidence of tangible health benefits, the value of these items may lie more in their appeal than in their actual effectiveness.
While such products may offer a sense of connection or comfort to users, their actual health impacts remain an open question, requiring further investigation.
Final verdict
Grounding offers a low-risk, accessible practice that fosters a connection to nature, which may improve emotional well-being and potentially provide physiological benefits. However, the scientific evidence supporting its claims remains preliminary, with inconsistent results and a lack of robust replication. For now, grounding is best viewed as a complementary approach rather than a definitive remedy. It may provide individual benefits, particularly as a means to enjoy nature and promote mindfulness, but its status as a scientifically validated therapy remains uncertain. Further high-quality research is essential to distinguish genuine therapeutic effects from placebo responses and to separate practical benefits from commercial wellness trends.
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