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Earthing (also called grounding) can be a controversial topic. Many people report amazing benefits, while critics point out the lack of solid scientific studies supporting this practice.
Let’s delve into the evidence:
What is Earthing or Grounding?
In short, earthing or grounding is putting the body in direct and uninterrupted contact with the earth. This means that skin needs to touch soil, sand, water, or a conductive surface that is in contact with the earth.
From a scientific perspective, the idea is that the earth has a mild negative charge to it. Over time, especially in modern life, our bodies build up a positive charge. Direct contact with the earth can even out this positive charge and return the body to a neutral state.
Many people don’t have this contact with the earth anymore, and some experts wonder if this is a contributor to the (many) rising health problems we face today. As a population, we wear rubber shoes and live indoors. In theory, many of us could go years without directly touching the earth at all, even if we’re outside.
Over time, the theory is that this positive charge builds and can lead to health problems.
Earthing Science 101
If you’re interested in the deeper science, Dr. Briffa gives a more detailed explanation:
During the normal processes of metabolism the body generates what are called ‘reactive oxygen species’ which are commonly referred to as ‘free radicals’. These compounds appear to be important, at least in part because they have the ability to attack and destroy unwanted things within the body including bacteria and viruses. However, too many free radicals are a bad thing, and have been implicated in chronic disease and well as the very process of aging.
Free radicals are involved in the process known as inflammation, which is part of the healing process. However, low-grade inflammation throughout the body may lead to pain and other problems in the muscles and joints, and is also believed to be a key driving factor in many chronic diseases including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. In short, we want free radicals, but not too many.
Free radicals lack sparks of energy known as ‘electrons’. One way to quell them is to give them electrons, and these can be supplied by nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E, and plant substances known as ‘polyphenols’ (found in, among other things, tea, coffee, cocoa and apples). However, substances we eat and drink are not the only way to get electrons into the body: earthing does this too. If the body has a positive charge on it, earthing allows electrons to flow into the body where, in theory, they can neutralize overblown free radical and inflammatory damage.
Carrying a positive charge may well affect the body in lots of different ways, which means that earthing may offer a range of wellbeing benefits.
Benefits of Earthing & Grounding
According to emerging research, earthing may be beneficial in:
- Reducing inflammation
- Reducing chronic pain
- Improving Sleep (I can vouch strongly for this!)
- Increasing Energy (I noticed this also)
- Lowering stress and promoting calmness by reducing stress hormones.
- Normalizing biological rhythms including circadian rhythm
- Normalizing blood pressure and blood flow
- Relieving muscle tension and headache (I noticed this)
- Improving menstrual and female hormone symptoms
- Speeds healing- used in some places to prevent bed sores
- Reducing jet lag
- Protecting the body from effects of EMFs
- Shortening recovery time from injury or athletic activity
- Reducing snoring
- Helping support adrenal health
Scientific Evidence for Earthing
This is where the controversy begins. Critics claim that there isn’t any evidence to back up this practice and that it could even be dangerous. Proponents cite anecdotal evidence and a few small studies.
So who is right?
There actually are a couple of small scale studies that looked at the affects of earthing or grounding. One study examined 60 people with chronic pain and sleep troubles. Half of the participants slept on a grounded sheet to simulate earthing. The other half slept on a placebo sheet.
The participants who slept grounded reported reduction in chronic pain, respiratory problems, arthritis, apnea and hypertension while the control group did not.
Another much smaller study found (PDF) that earthing reduced blood viscosity, which is a risk factor in heart disease.
There have also been some preliminary studies on the effects of grounding on cortisol levels and inflammation (PDF) and I’m confident that research will continue in this area.
Grounding and Inflammation
What fascinates me most is the testing done in thermographic imaging, which basically shows a heat map of the body. Heat patterns can signal inflammation in the body.
This thermographic image was taken of a woman who complained of stiffness and chronic pain. The first picture was taken before earthing, and the second, after just 30 minutes of earthing.
Unfortunately, all of the studies on earthing are relatively small and poorly run. Hopefully future research will shed some light on the effectiveness (or not) of earthing, but for now, the strongest evidence seems to be anecdotal.
The possibility of grounding or earthing resolving inflammation is exciting, as many chronic diseases cause and stem from inflammation in the body.
My Experience with Earthing
I first encountered the idea of “Grounding” or “Earthing” when I read the book Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever.
The idea that we are meant to connect with the earth regularly made sense. At the same time, I was skeptical that something so simple would be effective. I ran the idea by some electrical engineer friends and a friend who has done research in the biomedical field and they confirmed that there could be a beneficial effect to the body.
Have you ever noticed that you sleep better on a beach vacation after walking in the sand or being in the ocean? One theory for that: the sand and ocean water are both naturally conductive materials and both help ground the body and remove excess positive electrons.
To test the theory personally, I decided to make an effort to ground myself outside often and even use an earthing sheet while sleeping.
I was certainly skeptical at first but figured I had nothing to lose by trying to electrically ground myself. I made a point to walk barefoot outside each day and purchased an earthing sheet to use while I was sleeping, as this is the body’s peak repair time.
My Grounding Results
To my surprise, I noticed the first night I used the earthing mat that I fell asleep much easier and had no trouble falling back asleep after waking up to nurse the baby. Of course, one night of results could have easily been placebo.
After sleeping great for about a month, one night I was tossing and turning and couldn’t fall asleep for a couple of hours. The next morning, I realized that the earthing sheet had disconnected!
Blood tests confirmed that my cortisol levels also improved over a period of six months while using an earthing sheet and making an effort to spend time outside barefoot.
From what I’ve read, reactions to earthing/grounding can vary drastically. Some people will notice a difference immediately while others take a few days or weeks. Others won’t feel any changes but measures of cortisol levels will show improvement. In general, it seems that the more inflammation one has, the more of a difference may be noticed from grounding.
I’m not the only one…
Many on the Tour de France, supposedly including Lance Armstrong used an earthing recovery bag to speed recovery and increase sleep quality while on this endurance race. Various Olympic swimmers, runners, and triathletes have reported using Earthing and various professional athletes have used Earthing methods as well.
Well known doctor and natural health proponent Dr. Mercola has reportedly been using an earthing mat for years and even Dr. Oz has gotten on board recently!
How to Try Grounding/Earthing
Obviously, walking outside barefoot is the easiest and cheapest way to ground yourself or practice earthing. If you are close to an ocean or swimmable natural body of water, this is another great way.
To work, the skin must be in direct contact with rock, dirt or water. The beach/ocean is possibly the best place as not only are sand and salt water extremely conductive, but salt water is also very high in magnesium. Perhaps this is why many people seem to sleep better on vacation at the beach!
Earthing Indoors
Those who can’t or don’t want to spend time outdoors can accomplish some of the same results indoors. There are various products to make indoor grounding easy:
- An earthing mat can be used under your arms or feet while on a computer to reduce the amount of EMFs you are exposed to. It is also easy to bring when traveling.
- A half size earthing sheet can be used on any bed size.
Personally, I try to use an earthing mat while on my computer (it is under my desk) and an earthing sheet on our bed. I’ve definitely noticed positive changes since beginning this routine.
The Basic Concept of Earthing Is This:
The grounding mat (or sheet) is an amazing invention that allows you to do earthing while you’re inside a building. It just plugs in to the grounding wire port of a normal 3-prong outlet or a grounding rod (US and Canada only). The earth’s natural electrons flow right up through the ground wire and onto the mat, even if you’re in a high rise. The mat comes with an outlet tester you plug in to see if the outlet is configured correctly.
When NOT To try Earthing/Grounding
I recently talked to EMF expert Dr. Libby Darnell of. Revived Living about EMFs and grounding. You can listen to her interview on the podcast here, but she explained one serious caution about earthing that many people don’t consider: ground current.
Basically she explained that if there is a strong ground current it is actually possible that attempting to ground or earth oneself could be problematic and create more problems. In theory, this is most problematic in really large cities and over wires run in the ground. Her podcast episode will talk about how to test for this in your area.
Earthing: Bottom Line
Like I said, this is a controversial topic with a lot of additional research still needed. That said, in most cases (when there isn’t a strong ground current), it is free to go outside and spend some time barefoot. Spending time barefoot has many benefits, so there isn’t really a downside.
It is also relatively simple to try earthing and track results to see if it helps:
- Spend a lot of time in contact with the earth or using something like an grounding sheet
- Use a sleep app to track sleep patterns and see if sleep improves with earthing
- Also keep track of things like joint pain, headaches, etc and see if those improve over time with earthing
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Ann Shippy, who is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and a certified Functional Medicine physician with a thriving practice in Austin, Texas. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
Ever tried earthing or grounding? Think it’s crazy? Weigh in below!
First I will say that I have been reading articles on your website for the past few hours. I’ve been working to become more healthier and this is definitely something that I’m going to try and implement tomorrow during my workout!
I had heard of earthling a few months ago, but it has taken some time and research to realize just how valuable earthling really is. After reading about it on Dr. Marcola’s site, I didn’t have time to spend much time on my lush, green lawn.
However, last week I gained access to a wonderful video by a National Geographic videographer from Alaska. After watching it three times, I ordered my first rather expensive floor mat the other day. I have spent more time on my lawn, and I am beginning to feel a sense of minor joy and delight in my intestine.
Today, I ran across some sandals made of a special material that transmits negative ions by Get Grounded Footwear. They only have the womans right now, but I’m waiting for their men’s version. Here in Sedona, AZ I can wear the sandals nearly year around.
What do you know about negative ions in the home? For example salt lamps? Supposedly they are good for mental/emotional well being in the home. Thanks!
I just started researching this. It definitely is a good thing to do especially while sleeping or at the computer. But as far as being barefoot, there is danger. Dr. Oz says that the south lost the civil war since they were barefoot and got parasites.
People get ringworm by being barefoot on infected soil. The feces of infected animals and humans carries the worms and eggs. Rock climbing feels good. The grounding is done through the hands and the resistance exercise feels good and tones muscles. If you climb vertically, the higher you get, the more dangerous it is. But you can climb horizontally and stay close to the ground.
No need to go barefoot. Just use a DIY earthing device and stay grounded all night long. It’s especially crucial when you’re working at the computer, bombarded by EMF radiation. These instructions make it easy and cheap to ground yourself with just a few parts from a hardware store: http://www.naturesplatform.com/earthing.html
I am using a DIY grounding aluminum rod instead of a mat. My question is when I move my arm or leg lightly on the rod, I could feel tingling sensation – although when I press harder on the rod, I feel nothing. The trouble is if I use this while sleeping, this slight shocks might wake me up if skin contact is intermittent.
Does standing on cement work to I live in apartment complex and there’s really no dirt close to me
..science says… Placebo can have a powerful effect..
Concrete that is untreated or non-painted works fine. So does grass, rock, sand, and dirt. Tarmac does not work at all.
Hi Wellness Mama, Thanks for all the wonderful articles you have been posting.
But I have a complaint about this article. You have ONLY pointed out all the good things about this, I wonder why you didn’t mention all the skepticism going around “earthing mats”. Nevertheless, I bought the item and will now try this out. But a little heads up would have been nice!
Before purchasing this, I googled a bit on “Earthing mats” but forgot to search for “Earthing mats scam”. I am NOT saying that this IS a scam but there are lots of negative discussion around the concept of “Earthing mats”.
I would agree with the reviews stating the mats can only be used so long. I work in telecommunications where we repair electronic equipment. We use grounding mats to keep from transferring electrostatic charge to equipment so as not to damage the units we work on. You have to change these out every now and then because the mat will only take so much abuse from the charge hitting it. How often you will need to change it will depend on how much charge your body is carrying and transferring to the mat. I got no clue how much the human body carries and there are so many varying factors. You can test the efficiency of your mats, but the equipment is not cheap–couple hundred dollars and on up!! Maybe it is worth it to you to know if it still works. If you want some links, I can send them to you 🙂
My dad is actually an electrical engineer and has the equipment… hadn’t thought of testing it but great idea!
I am confused. the mat on amazon says it’s rubber. Dr. Mercola & Oz say to do earthing you must avoid rubber…?
The Ground Therapy mat resembles rubber, however it is actually a highly conductive carbon leatherette.
Hi Wellness Mama! I just recently found your blog, and I can’t quit reading it. Thanks so much for all of your info. I just came across this post on Earthing, and I had a few questions. I have an 18 month old baby that is not the best sleeper (wakes up at 5:15 most days), and I was wondering what you would do for a baby in a crib? My little guy sleeps in pajamas and a sleep sack to keep him covered up right now, but since summer is coming I could put him in short sleeves. Would you also buy the small mat that you use under your desk for his bed? And, if I decided to buy something for myself and my husband to use on our bed what would you recommend that would last the longest? Thanks!
Hi Wellness Mama! I just recently found your blog, and I can’t quit reading it. Thanks so much for all of your info. I just came across this post on Earthing, and I had a few questions. I have an 18 month old baby that is not the best sleeper (wakes up at 5:15 most days), and I was wondering what you would do for a baby in a crib? My little guy sleeps in pajamas and a sleep sack to keep him covered up right now, but since summer is coming I could put him in short sleeves. Would you also buy the small mat that you use under your desk for his bed? And, if I decided to buy something for myself and my husband to use on our bed what would you recommend that would last the longest? Thanks!
The mat might work, I’d just make sure that he couldn’t get the cord around his neck in any way. Personally, I’d probably use the half sheet and just wrap around the crib sheet…
I got excited when I saw you were covering earthing! I only have mild health issues, but I found earthing makes a difference.
My dad got me an earthing fitted sheet, he loves it and says it helps with his mild arthritis and sleep cycle. I only noticed a small difference in my sleep (waking feeling rested, waking up for shorter periods at night) and some lessening of my chronic tendonitis. It wasn’t until I let my roommate borrow my earthing sheets that I noticed I woke up drowsy each morning and feel like I slept at least a little less. Also, my tendonitis crept back up on me, but it was a full week before I started to notice that. Needless to say, I recommend! For those who are skeptical, I’d say go for a cheaper earthing mat if you’re wary of the cost of the sheets; you can even sleep on the mat instead of buying the full sheet. I love my sheets though!
Cheers! Katelyn
I just read your article on “grounding” and am anxious to try it. Unfortunately I live in a state that experiences all 4 seasons so I will be looking into purchasing something. I alway have a hard tim getting to sleep, especially when I when I have to make my nightly trips to the restroom, I have a very hard time getting back to sleep. I am also a heavy snorer. I do have a question though. Your article mentioned salt water. Could I make my own solution to soak my feet in for those times I can’t get outside due to the weather?
Is it safe to use while pregnant?
Yes… I actually found it really helpful during pregnancy… no insomnia this time
The salt water will help with trace minerals and is great for detoxing, but unless the water is on dirt in a metal container you won’t get the grounding benefits.
I recently read an article (sorry, can’t cite it, could have been Wellness Mama!)
On the importance of Magnesium, and how soaking your feet in magnesium foot soak does actually absorb into your system. Katie’s comments about the magnesium in sea water brought it to mind. Could the earthing by barefootin’ in your garden actually work because we are somehow absorbing magnesium that way? Of course the contact is longer while sleeping, so I would think that method is better, but what if it was just a matter of low magnesium…
Keep in mind taking magnesium in an oral form can cause digestive issues –sometimes welcome kind– so the idea of a foot soak is appealing as it doesn’t go thru the digestive tract. I think the magnesium info was possibly from Ancient Minerals (a commercial company which sells a line of care products; I have not used them); or I may have gotten to that product page when I clicked an ad in an article about the Skin being your biggest organ. Google it!
This comment contradicts everything you say about these products! If you can have silver thread in a sheet attached to the ground plug of an outlet (which then through a series of wires attaches to a ground plate buried out side the home); there is no reason why the water in the tub being in contact with the copper piping that runs through the walls and eventually into the ground wouldn’t work. In fact you can ground an electrical outlet by connecting it to a copper plumbing line! This actually makes me wonder, if it does in fact work, the possibilities of having a mat in a car, it could be grounded to the chassis
, which then has a ground strip hanging below the vehicle that drags on the ground, up here I see them on a lot of cars to improve the static noise in radio/stereo systems.
This seems to work along the same lines as a salt crystal lamp, or at least, the EMF part. Mama Natural pointed me to salt lamps, but I haven’t tried it out yet. What do you know about salt lamps, Katie?
I’ve seen some of that info too and am testing that now too, but a lamp with artificial light isn’t the best while sleeping…
I agree, especially since I personally have to have it completely dark and quiet to fall asleep… But I’m considering the salt lamp for use with my computer and television.
I have done lots of research on various things, and to add to your comment…a major health benefit is sleeping in complete and total darkness. This raises your melatonin levels which in turn is healthy. It is also a benefit to fighting off free radical cells as well. Just a thought for you.
I started using the mat about 6 weeks ago and then bought the half sheet for my bed too. It took a few weeks, but gradually the aches & pains I always felt in my feet, legs & hands when I got up in the morning have gone away! I also had some residual shoulder pain from a frozen shoulder that I’d spent 2 years treating and that’s gone. I sleep very well & seem to be having more memorable, vivid dreams. I’m hoping my hot flashes will disappear soon also! That in itself would be worth every penny spent!
I am about to place an order for a mat/kit and am so curious to see how it effects our sleep! Question: we have a king size bed, so should I order 2 mats (one for both my husband and I)? Thanks so much…..LOVE everything you post! 🙂
Probably so… they aren’t huge, so it makes things easier 🙂
Probably too late but maybe helpful to passers-by or in the future: they also sell fitted sheets. Not sure if that’s a new thing, but fitted sheets of many sizes are available on Amazon when I checked last week.
While I find the idea of Earthing very positive and interesting, I cannot fathom purchasing something when you can go OUTSIDE and do it yourself. And something that is plugged in? I don’t get that. Well I guess I better do some investigating. Thanks for the info! I’m learning a lot on the website.
I agree in principle, but many of us live where it is too damn cold for many months of the year to go walking barefoot outside! Also, living in a city is not conducive to being barefoot.
The earthing sheets are great for that!
Thanks for this article! I’m going to look into this and hope to get a mat soon! I can walk on the beach daily too but want to try the mat also. Love your site too!
I just bought one and will definitely post to this blog with my results.
I am an enthusiast of getting back to healthy basics. I have been eating pescatarian for five years (for moral reasons) and have recently become a strict paleo eater on top of that and have noticed nothing but good things about how my body has changed. I’ve lost weight, I don’t get stomach aches like I used to and my eliminations are easy and regular (I know, tmi). I’ve been using your recipe for laundry detergent and tooth paste and am loving it but the best best best thing I’ve gotten from your blog so far is the deodorant.
For anyone with odor problems, wellness mama’s deodorant is close to miraculous! (It’s just coconut oil, baking soda and arrowroot powder). I work long hours in a restaurant so thank you so much for helping me to stay fresh alllll the time!
The purpose of my statement here is that so far all of the information I’ve gotten from your blog has been helpful if not great so I just purchased a squatty potty and the grounding mat that comes with the free book. I don’t need convincing about the potty, I’m sure squatting is the way we’re meant to go, but as I said, I’ll post with my thoughts on the mat.
I wonder if doing yoga during the day on the mat would be a good decision? Maybe it would make one feel peaceful and energized?
Thank you for sharing your blog, it’s super helpful and inspiring!
I too have found the deodorant to be a miracle!!
Lana, Please share your experience with us. Did you find it useful?
The baking soda in the deodorant males me break out. I can’t find anything natural that works and doesn’t make me severely break out. ????