In the quest for wellness and a return to nature, a practice known as ‘grounding’ or ‘earthing’ has been steadily gaining traction among health enthusiasts. With the promise of reconnecting us to the Earth’s electric charge, grounding has become a topic of interest for those seeking alternative health solutions. But is there any truth to the claims that this practice can offer tangible health benefits, or is it simply another wellness fad that doesn’t stand up to scientific scrutiny?
What is grounding?
Grounding involves direct contact with the Earth’s surface—walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil, or lying on the ground. Proponents suggest that this contact allows the Earth’s electrons to flow into the body, counteracting the insulating effect of modern footwear and lifestyles. The purported benefits are wide-ranging, from improved sleep and metabolism to reduced inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk.
The concept of grounding is borrowed from electrical engineering, where it refers to equalising the electric charge of an object by connecting it to the Earth. Karen Livesey, an associate professor of theoretical physics, explains that while we do accumulate electrical charges on our bodies, the idea that these charges significantly impact our health is not supported by current scientific literature.
Despite the lack of evidence, the wellness industry has capitalised on grounding, offering a variety of products designed to simulate the effects of earthing for those unable to make regular contact with the ground. These include grounding mats, sheets, and even socks—though the latter, which won a Choice Shonkys award, may not be the pinnacle of practicality.
Examining the evidence
When it comes to the science behind grounding, the currents involved are minuscule. For instance, a sleeping person using grounding sheets might produce a current of up to 10 nanoamps, which is billions of times smaller than the current drawn by household appliances. These tiny currents are almost undetectable and unlikely to have any significant effect on the body.
One of the claims made by grounding enthusiasts is that the electrons neutralise free radicals, which are known to cause cellular damage. However, Prof Judy de Haan from the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute points out that this concept is vague and not all free radicals are charged particles. Moreover, the body has its own natural mechanisms for dealing with oxidative stress, such as antioxidant enzymes.
The scientific studies on grounding suffer from a lack of rigour, with small sample sizes and poor study design. Without the robustness of double-blind trials, the evidence for grounding’s health benefits remains weak and inconclusive.
The verdict from experts
While the grounding movement may be overstating its case, experts agree that spending time in nature has well-documented health benefits. Research conducted over a long period led by Prof Thomas Astell-Burt and Prof Xiaoqi Feng at the University of New South Wales revealed that individuals residing in greener city neighbourhoods have a reduced risk of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Additionally, they face a lower likelihood of experiencing psychological distress, loneliness, sleep deprivation, and dementia.
The simple act of being in nature, regardless of whether one is barefoot, can reduce stress and improve focus. Green spaces encourage physical activity and provide opportunities for relaxation and reflection.
Have you tried grounding yourself? How do you connect with nature for your health? Drop a comment and let’s chat—your thoughts matter!
Also read: Three reasons time in nature is good for your heart
