Have you ever noticed a feeling of calm after taking a barefoot walk on the beach, in a park, or right in your own backyard?  It turns out that science may support the idea that skin-to-earth contact may actually have health benefits!  Though it’s not widely discussed in conventional medicine, the concept of “earthing” or “grounding” is gaining popularity in wholistic wellness circles.

What is earthing?

It’s pretty simple and completely free to do.  Earthing literally means making skin contact with the ground.  Simply walking on a natural surface without socks or shoes is all that’s required, and you really can’t do too much of it.  In fact, Dr. Axe suggests that “even short periods of being in contact with the earth directly over the course of the day can help. You can do this by getting in direct contact with dirt, rock or water so you can walk barefoot on a natural surface, or you can swim in a natural body of water.”

The idea is that “the Earth’s surface possesses a limitless and continuously renewed supply of free or mobile electrons. The Earth’s negative charges can create a stable internal bioelectrical environment for the normal functioning of all body systems which may be important for setting the biological clock, regulating circadian rhythms and balancing cortisol levels.” (source)

Because many of our bodily activities rely on electrical signals to work, this is particularly relevant.  How fascinating is it to think that earthing can support our innate electrical currents?  With our bodies acting as natural conductors, this makes a lot of sense to me.  I know it may seem hippie dippie, but getting grounded is such a simple thing to do for so much potential benefit!

If walking barefoot isn’t your thing, there are many earthing products currently available to help people take advantage of the earth’s negative ions also.  I confess I don’t know much about them, but products like mats, shoes, bands, beds, and sheets all promise to help us make a connection with the ground.  It seems to me, however, that simply taking a few minutes out of our busy, modern lifestyles to ditch our shoes and walk outside is far easier and more enjoyable.  Especially now that spring weather is upon us and we are required to shelter in place, it’s a perfect time to spend a few minutes outside, appreciating all the glorious beauty surrounding us.

What are the health benefits of earthing?

Research is still developing about earthing, but the evidence so far is pretty compelling that negative charges can provide significant health benefits.  Dr. Pedram Shojai says:

“Research suggests that exposing your body to negative ions, either through the air, sunlight, or the earth, can reduce the symptoms of depression, influence cognitive performance, increase metabolism, regulate circadian rhythms, increase immune function, and promote antimicrobial activity.”

And regarding earthing specifically, a study done by Gaétan Chevalier in 2012 suggests that:

“Emerging evidence shows that contact with the Earth—whether being outside barefoot or indoors connected to grounded conductive systems—may be a simple, natural, and yet profoundly effective environmental strategy against chronic stress, ANS [autonomic nervous system] dysfunction, inflammation, pain, poor sleep, disturbed HRV, hypercoagulable blood, and many common health disorders, including cardiovascular disease. The research done to date supports the concept that grounding or earthing the human body may be an essential element in the health equation along with sunshine, clean air and water, nutritious food, and physical activity.”

While exploring the research for this blog post, I discovered a fascinating correlation with earthing and my own personal heart rate variability.  Over the past month, I’ve noticed a lower HRV reading on my Oura Ring compared to normal.  I hadn’t thought much of it, assuming it had to do with the stress of all that’s been happening with the Covid-19 pandemic.  But given what I was reading about earthing positively affecting HRV, I decided to make it a priority to go barefoot daily last week, especially because I hadn’t been really walking barefoot through the winter months.  What could it hurt, right?

Guess what?

My HRV shot up the very next day to its normal levels and has stayed that way.  Coincidence, perhaps?  Sure.  But I haven’t intentionally changed any other habits.  I realize it’s only anecdotal success, but that’s good enough for me to continue making the effort.  Plus, being outside and walking barefoot on the ground feels calming and relaxing, which are so desperately needed to fight off the chaos and unknown as we journey through this pandemic.  Be well, my friends.