Earthing Basics
What is Earthing or Grounding?
Science has shown that the Earth carries a natural electric charge, which many people experience as a lovely tingling feeling when they walk on moist grass or sandy beaches.
Research suggests that when we have direct contact with the Earth’s electrons, it can help stabilize and rejuvenate our bodies. This connection enhances blood flow, boosts our immune system, and helps reduce inflammation, pain, and stress—all of which are vital for healing.
Unfortunately, our modern way of life often keeps us disconnected from this revitalizing energy. Wearing shoes with synthetic materials and living above the ground can block us from the Earth’s healing effects, which can lead to ongoing health problems.
But there’s good news! Earthing, or grounding, is an easy way to reconnect. You can do this by simply walking barefoot outside or using grounding products inside your home.
Making Earthing a part of your daily routine is simple, and you might notice some amazing benefits in just a few minutes.
What are proven benefits to grounding?
• Reduced inflammation
• Reduced muscle soreness
• More restful sleep
• Alleviation of arthritic symptoms
• Reduction in chronic pain
• Improved posture
• Improved blood flow
• Stabilized blood pressure
• Less wakefulness during sleep
• Reduced headaches
• Less wakefulness during sleep
• Reduced time to fall asleep
• Reduced Electromagnetic (EMF)
• Speeds up wound healing
• Normalized Cortisol Rhythms
• Reduction of facial puffiness
• Increased energy
• Enhanced nutrient absorption
• Improved mood
• Balanced hormonal rhythms
• Decreased muscle tension
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Reduction in PMS symptoms
• Balances bone calcium metabolism
• Improvement in HRV (Heart Rate Variability)
• Reduced stress/anxiety, increased calmness
• Slows free radical damage associated with skin aging
• Enhanced digestion and metabolic interference function
• Enhances detoxification processes, speeds wound healing
How can I enjoy the many benefits of Grounding?
Incorporating Earthing into your daily routine is really important, and there are a couple of easy ways to do it.
1) Try to spend at least 30 minutes each day going barefoot on natural surfaces like soil, grass, sand, gravel, or even rocks. If you can, swimming or wading in the ocean, a lake, or a river works great too. These conductive surfaces help you connect with the Earth, and concrete is another good choice. Just a little tip: moist surfaces are better for grounding than dry ones, and remember that materials like asphalt, vinyl, and wood won’t work for this.
2) We know that sometimes it can be tough to find time to go outside without shoes. That’s why a lot of people choose to ground themselves indoors while sitting or sleeping, and it’s super easy to do! You just need to grab some grounding products that you can find online, with plenty of options available on websites like touchgrassdaily.com.
Research on Earthing kicked off in 2000 and led to the development of indoor grounding tools like mats, body bands, and patches. Think of these as your indoor alternatives to going barefoot, allowing you to stay connected to the Earth even when you’re inside.
Is Earthing safe for people who are taking different medications?
It's a great idea to chat with your doctor before giving earthing a try. This practice can really enhance how your body functions, and those improvements might affect the dosages of your medications. For instance, earthing may help thin the blood and could also have a positive effect on thyroid health, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. Because of this, it's important to monitor your medication closely and make any necessary adjustments. Just keep in mind that these interactions haven't been studied in depth yet. So, it's always wise to keep your doctor in the loop and follow their advice.
Should I worry about being struck by lightning during a thunderstorm if I am grounded at home?
Lightning is a strong and unpredictable force of nature that's tough to guard against. Although it's uncommon for homes to be struck, when it does happen, lightning often travels through things like plumbing, wiring, or cable lines to find its way to the ground.
The odds of getting seriously hurt by a lightning strike are pretty low—about 1 in 180,746—which is much less likely than facing dangers like heart disease or car accidents. Still, it’s really important to stick to lightning safety tips from the U.S. National Weather Service or your local weather experts, especially if you live in an area where storms are frequent. Be sure to unplug grounding devices and steer clear of using them during thunderstorms.
Earthing Products
Why would someone choose to use a grounding product like a mat or bedsheet instead of just going barefoot outside?
Going barefoot really is the most natural way to go, and sleeping right on the ground or using conductive shoes and bedding made from animal skins adds to that experience. These practices used to be part of everyday life, but they’ve become pretty rare over the years. These days, we mostly keep our shoes on when we go outside, except for those fun summer days as kids or when we hit the beach. Instead, we often wear insulated shoes and sleep in raised beds in our cozy wooden houses.
To help us feel more comfortable and practical, Earthing products were created. Think of them like little extension cords that bring the Earth’s energy into our homes and offices, giving us that barefoot vibe even when we’re indoors. They were designed to fit with ongoing research and to cater to the growing number of people who want to stay grounded while they sleep, work, or relax, as discussed in the Earthing book.
Do Earthing products use electricity?
When people talk about electricity, they usually mean the power that comes from power plants to our homes. But here’s the thing—Earthing products don’t use that kind of electricity at all. When you ground yourself, whether it’s by touching the Earth, using a grounded outlet, or a ground rod, electrons from the Earth flow right into you. The little grounding holes you find in outlets were actually added back in the 1960s to help prevent shocks. These holes connect to long ground rods that go deep into your building’s foundation, which helps keep everything grounded safely. So, when the Earth’s electrons travel through the outlet, along the cord, and into your Earthing product, they’re giving your body a nice energy boost. It’s a bit like getting to walk around barefoot, but you can enjoy that feeling indoors, too!
Is it possible to get electrocuted while using an Earthing product?
No, Earthing products and their cords are meant just for transmitting the Earth’s energy to you. They don’t carry the electrical power that you need for your lights and appliances. You can connect your Earthing product to the ground terminal of a wall outlet or even to an outside grounding rod. Each Earthing cord has a built-in 100 Kilo-Ohm resistor, which helps keep the current flow safe in case electrical current accidentally makes its way into the grounding wire. This might happen if you touch a metal item or appliance that has picked up electrical charge from a short circuit.
Should I unplug my mat or other earthing products when I'm not using them?
You don’t need to unplug your earthing products at all. Feel free to keep them plugged in unless you’re moving them to another room. They don’t use electricity, so leaving them connected won’t add anything to your energy bill. Plus, keeping them plugged in won't wear them out like some devices do, such as computers or TVs, which can still draw power even when they’re off.
Is it okay for my dog or cat to use an Earthing mat or something like that?
Absolutely Animals have this natural urge to connect with the Earth Just like us many indoor pets don’t get much chance to feel the ground outside It’s fascinating to see that they really seem to be attracted to grounding products
Earthing and Health
How can grounding help me feel better and recover faster?
Chronic inflammation is often the main culprit behind pain, sickness, and a wide range of health issues. This type of inflammation is connected to positively charged particles called free radicals. When you connect with the Earth—like when you walk barefoot outside or use an Earthing device indoors—electrons from the Earth can enter your body, helping to neutralize those free radicals and reduce inflammation. While scientists are still uncovering all the details, there’s a lot of support from research and many user experiences with Earthing products. The importance of Earthing is significant, especially since studies have shown that chronic inflammation is a common root cause of many long-lasting and serious health conditions today. It turns out that pain often shows up in parts of our bodies where inflammation sticks around even after we’ve initially healed. This low-grade chronic inflammation can stick around for years, damaging healthy tissues and draining your energy. Our immune systems evolved over countless years when we had nearly constant skin contact with the Earth. But nowadays, many of us wear shoes that keep us separated from the Earth's energy, and much of the time, we don’t go barefoot at all. Unfortunately, in the past few decades, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in chronic illnesses, allergies, autoimmune disorders, and sleep issues. One possible reason for this troubling trend could be that our immune systems are not as effective because so many people today are disconnected from the ground.
How soon can you feel the effects of Earthing in your body and how well does it work for easing symptoms?
We’ve found that Earthing can quickly improve well-being. Our bodies conduct free electrons well, and when people ground themselves, like using conductive patches on their feet, they often feel a tingling sensation. This likely comes from electrons flowing from the Earth into the body, similar to the feeling of walking barefoot on wet sand.
Our research shows that it takes about 20 to 30 minutes for these electrons to reach painful or inflamed areas. Knee pain usually responds faster due to proximity to the feet. A decrease in pain suggests that the electrons are effectively reaching those areas.
The influx of electrons helps the body combat free radicals causing chronic inflammation, acting as support to protect healthy tissues and reduce discomfort. Medical thermal imaging has confirmed that inflammation can decline within minutes of grounding, with several studies highlighting these impressive results.
Grounding prompts a natural change in the body. Lab tests indicate improved bodily functions, and many people report varying degrees of pain relief from standing barefoot for about 30 to 40 minutes. Sleeping grounded can also enhance sleep quality, increase daytime energy, and decrease pain.
Every individual’s experience with grounding is unique. Those with chronic illnesses often find grounding beneficial, and serious health issues seem to respond more noticeably. Reports of improved sleep and reduced stress have emerged after just a few nights of grounding. However, long-term insomnia connected to underlying health issues may take longer to improve. A study documented immediate changes in brain wave patterns and muscle tension from grounding.
Overall, regular grounding can lead to significant improvements in stress, sleep quality, pain levels, and the body’s natural rhythms.
Earthing is not a cure but helps restore the body’s electrical balance while reducing stress and inflammation, leading to both immediate and lasting benefits.
Is it possible to soak up too much Earth energy by grounding myself while I sleep at night
The body is especially receptive to healing while we sleep, which makes this a wonderful time for grounding
Just like you can’t choose where healthy food, air, or water go in your body, grounding lets you soak up the Earth's natural energy and use it in the way your body needs. You might find that some issues improve in surprising ways, while other areas might stay the same. In general, the longer you keep up with grounding, the more benefits and energy you could enjoy. However, if you have health challenges, you might feel some strange sensations like itching, tingling, or rashes when you sleep grounded for a full night. These can be signals that your body is detoxifying, so it’s a good idea to start slow with shorter grounding sessions, about 30 minutes or so. Then, you can gradually increase the time until you get comfortable with grounding all night long.
Can I use grounding products if I have a pacemaker or defibrillator? What should I keep in mind about stents?
There’s no evidence to suggest that grounding interferes with the functioning of medical devices like pacemakers or defibrillators. However, if you’re considering grounding, it’s really important to chat with your doctor to figure out what’s best for you. Grounding indoors is a lot like walking outside without shoes. Many people use grounding products and find that they still enjoy the benefits of their medical devices. So far, we haven’t heard of anyone with pacemakers, defibrillators, or stents being told they shouldn’t go barefoot outdoors.
Pacemakers and defibrillators are devices placed in your chest or abdomen to help manage irregular heartbeats, known as arrhythmias. Defibrillators are especially important for treating life-threatening arrhythmias. Nowadays, many of these devices do both jobs. Since these devices are quite advanced, it’s really essential to talk to your doctor before you start grounding. Many doctors also prescribe blood thinners for patients with arrhythmias. Grounding can also thin your blood, which is something that not all doctors may be aware of. That’s why it’s so crucial to have a conversation with your doctor about this.
If you have a pacemaker or defibrillator and you enjoy grounding by going barefoot outdoors for a few hours, it’s still a good idea to consult your doctor. However, this kind of exposure may not have as strong an effect as doing longer grounding sessions indoors, like while you sleep.
Can grounding really affect blood pressure?
Many people have noticed that their blood pressure gets better and easier to manage after they start practicing Earthing. Some have even been able to lower their medication with help from their doctors. A study by a cardiologist in 2018 showed that grounding can really help people with high blood pressure.
If you’re taking medication and thinking about trying Earthing or grounding, it’s really important to talk to your doctor first
Is it okay for me to use earthing products after having knee or hip replacement surgery?
Of course! Using Earthing products is just like being barefoot outdoors, and it won't interfere with the healing of your new hip or knee. If you start grounding yourself soon after your surgery, you could actually help speed up your recovery.
Getting Started
Do grounding products actually work like our everyday lights or appliances that use electricity?
The simple answer is no, they don't. Grounding products connect us to the natural energy of the earth instead of using power in the usual way. To get a better picture, think of grounding products as pathways that help the earth’s energy flow into your body.
These products usually come with a cord that plugs into a grounded electrical outlet, or they might have a rod that goes straight into the ground. This outlet or rod acts as the link to the earth’s electric field. The product itself, often a mat, is made from a conductive material like carbon. This material is really important because it helps energy move efficiently.
When you use a grounding product, the energy flows through the cord into the mat, and then it can reach you when you touch or come into contact with it. It’s good to know that even though these products use a grounded outlet, they don’t use electricity like regular appliances. Instead, they passively connect to the earth’s natural electrical field. So, grounding products work as a passive system rather than an active one that needs a constant power source to run.
If you begin grounding and find yourself feeling a bit off, what could that be telling you?
Most individuals feel relief or increased energy quickly, but some may initially have mild discomfort similar to flu symptoms, including cramps or soreness. This is usually due to the body’s detoxification systems working more effectively, provided your grounding setup is correct. Discomfort can last days or weeks, especially in those with health issues, but it typically fades as you start feeling better. If it's too uncomfortable, reduce your grounding time or take breaks, gradually increasing the duration to help your body adjust.
If you experience tingling while grounding, it likely means you’re feeling the Earth’s energy entering your body, which can help with natural healing. This tingling usually decreases after 15 to 30 minutes and may recur after breaks. Everyone's experience varies, and it's not harmful.
Persistent tingling could indicate sensitivity to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in your environment, so limiting EMF exposure is advised. Initial sensations might signal an adjustment or detox process as your body stabilizes. If the experience is uncomfortable, try shorter grounding sessions and gradually increase your time. Many find even minimal grounding beneficial. Proceed slowly and at a comfortable pace for the best results.
I’ve been using a grounding product in my bed, and I’m getting some little shocks from it. What might be causing this?
Some people feel a mild "spark" or "shock" when using Earthing sheets or mats, which can be unexpected since grounding is meant to prevent such sensations.
These sparks are harmless static electricity that can occur when you move blankets or touch different materials, especially in dry air or after using synthetic carpets and cars.
This is completely harmless! If your grounded system has been checked by an electrician, any sensations from Earthing products are likely just static electricity. While surprising, there's no danger.
However, if someone experiences a shock while grounded, it might suggest electro-hypersensitivity (EHS), where they can sense low levels of high-frequency electricity. Those with EHS should minimize exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and consider using a grounding rod outside.
What happens if I stop grounding after I start?
Over the years, countless people have opened up about how grounding has helped them feel better, but they noticed that the good feelings faded when they stopped practicing it. It’s like their progress just slipped away.
That's why we encourage everyone to make Earthing a part of their daily routine. We’ve all evolved with a natural bond to the Earth, and from what we’ve seen, staying grounded often makes the difference between feeling great and feeling off. So, Earthing is not just about getting back to a good place; it's also about keeping that sense of well-being going strong.
Is it possible to do too much Earthing?
The question is a bit like asking if someone can have too much time spent with the ground. Our bodies are actually pretty well-suited for being in touch with the earth beneath us. Not long ago, just about a hundred years back, most people were much more connected to the ground. Nowadays, with plastic shoes, wooden floors, synthetic carpets, and cars with rubber tires, many of us hardly ever get to feel the earth directly. This detachment can lead to problems like chronic inflammation, which in turn can contribute to issues like type 2 diabetes, arthritis, heart problems, and even Alzheimer’s disease. If someone has stayed away from the earth for a long time and is now facing serious health challenges, easing back into grounding practices can really help reduce discomfort. It’s important to take it slow because as the body starts to reconnect, its energy systems—including the immune, hormonal, and detoxification systems—may kick into gear, which can sometimes cause what’s called a healing crisis. To avoid this, those with health concerns should start with little steps, perhaps trying 15-minute grounding sessions and gradually extending them, all while checking in with how they feel. Healthy individuals don’t have to worry about overdoing it; for them, grounding is limitless, but it’s still great to aim for some daily Earthing, with at least an hour recommended to keep feeling good.
Grounding can benefit everyone, though the effects can differ from person to person. Some folks might experience quick and noticeable improvements like less pain and better sleep, while others may see changes more gradually. People who are quite unwell often feel a big difference, whereas someone who is in fantastic health and sleeps well might not notice anything major right away, but their connection to the Earth still plays a vital role in supporting and boosting their overall health. We see Earthing as a wonderful natural way to help with aging, no matter whether you feel its effects right away or not.
Are there people who don’t feel any effects from grounding or who think it doesn’t work for them?
For most of our history, people have walked barefoot and slept right on the ground, keeping a strong connection to the Earth. Our bodies naturally know how to tap into what the Earth provides. When we ground ourselves, we soak up electrons in just the right amount to balance our electrical charge. These electrons are super important for many body functions, especially for producing energy, which means we're always using them. Grounding regularly is like giving your energy reserves a good refill. If you spend several hours a day grounding, you’re likely to find it tough to develop chronic inflammation, which can lead to many common health issues.
Some folks say that grounding doesn’t help them much, especially if they’re already feeling healthy. But grounding is important for everyone if you want to stay well, no exceptions. If you’re not feeling your best, you might notice some unusual sensations at first—this is usually just part of the healing process as your body adjusts and releases inflammation. If it starts to feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to take a break. You can begin with short sessions of about 30 to 40 minutes twice a day, either barefoot outside or using an Earthing mat or band indoors. Then, you can gradually build up your time from there. This way, you can ease into a regular grounding practice, and you might even get to a point where you can sleep grounded. Just remember to take it slow and find what feels right for you. Even some people who are sensitive to electrical fields find they can benefit from just a little bit of grounding.