Glow From the Ground Up: Circulation, Digestion & Skin Health Start at Your Feet

We’re all chasing that inner glow. You know? Healthy skin, smoother digestion, a body that just feels good. But the answer isn’t always in the latest supplement or skincare trend. Sometimes, it starts with your feet on the ground.

Grounding is when you connect directly with the Earth’s surface, usually barefoot in the grass, lying in the sand (Summer, we see you!) or with the help of Earthing official grounding products.

And while it may seem woo-woo, research and personal stories alike suggest it may help support circulation. That matters more than you might think: blood flow powers digestion, impacts skin vitality, and even supports your body’s natural detox systems.

How does something as simple as touching the Earth affect things like bloating, dull skin, or low energy? Let’s break it down, from better blood flow to that unmistakable post-grounding glow.

Better Circulation, Naturally

Circulation is all about flow. It’s how your body stays nourished, balanced, and on its A-game. It’s involved in many key bodily functions, such as your digestion, your skin, and your ability to fight off bugs. And some research [https://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation?PaperID=51326#.VHDemfnF8SA] suggests grounding may help it do its job even better.

In 2014, electrophysiologist Dr. Gaétan Chevalier led a study exploring what happens to facial circulation during grounding. Participants reclined in comfy chairs; some were hooked up to grounding mats and patches, and others were not (they didn’t know which group they were in). After just one hour, the grounded group showed more consistent, rhythmic blood flow to the face. Blood flow is closely tied to your autonomic nervous system, the part of your body that quietly controls heart rate, digestion, and temperature. When it functions optimally, that balance tends to show up in other areas, like clearer, calmer skin.

Earthing Facelift? Say More.

This might help explain something we hear often: grounding makes people look more refreshed.

Anecdotally, folks notice brighter eyes, less puffiness, and that well-rested look after grounding sessions. Some have even dubbed it the “Earthing facelift.” (It’s not a clinical term, but the name definitely stuck.)

So, what’s really going on beneath the surface? The theory is simple: when circulation improves, your skin gets better access to oxygen and nutrients, which is precisely what it needs to repair, restore, and do its thing.

If you’ve ever broken out after a stressful week, you already know how tightly skin and stress are linked. High cortisol (your main stress hormone) has been tied to inflammation, breakouts, and premature aging. So if grounding helps calm your nervous system (and research suggests it does!), your skin might be one of the first places to reflect that shift.

In that same 2014 study, grounded participants didn’t just show better blood flow; they also reported feeling more relaxed and emotionally balanced. Other studies suggest grounding may help regulate cortisol rhythms, encouraging a calmer, more resilient state overall.

And because your nervous system influences everything from digestion to hormone health to sleep, that post-grounding vibe may be more than skin-deep. It could be your whole body, quietly moving back into balance.

A Calm Belly is a Happy Belly

In 2015, Chevalier and his team took things a step further and used thermal imaging to see what grounding might be doing in the abdominal area. What they found was pretty compelling: grounded participants showed more even warmth across the belly, pointing to improved circulation and better autonomic regulation. Simply put, the digestive system might be getting more of what it needs to work efficiently.

Some participants described feeling less bloated or “heavy” after the session. While body warmth isn’t a perfect measure of digestive health, it’s an intriguing signal. It suggests that even short grounding sessions could help bring some much-needed balance to your belly.

And digestion isn’t the only system that seems to benefit from a little extra flow.

Lymphatic Flow and Detox Support

You’ve probably heard of the lymphatic system; it’s your body’s detox assistant. It clears out waste, supports immune function, and helps keep tissues fluid and hydrated. But unlike blood, lymph doesn’t have a pump. It relies on movement, hydration, and gentle support to maintain the rhythm.

That same 2015 study revealed something interesting here, too. Grounded participants showed more balanced temperature patterns in areas rich with lymph nodes—the neck, chest, and underarms. Stagnant zones appeared to shift, hinting at improved flow and circulation.

Some people say they leave a grounding session feeling lighter, less puffy, even clearer-headed. Whether that’s thanks to lymphatic drainage, better blood flow, or just a calmer nervous system is still being studied. But the takeaway? Grounding may support your body’s natural detox process, without requiring any extra energy from you.

It’s Not Magic. It’s the Earth.

Grounding is one of nature’s quietest gifts, gently bringing the body back into balance.

From smoother digestion to refreshed skin, grounding gently supports the systems that help you feel good and show up as your best self.

Want to start grounding? Learn more here.https://earthingcanada.ca/blog/no-really-touch-grass-how-to-start-grounding/

Grounding as a Foundation for Radiant Health

They say beauty comes from within, but maybe it’s underneath us.

Grounding won’t replace a balanced diet or a good night’s sleep (we can’t recommend these habits enough). Still, it can absolutely complement your wellness rituals, so if you’re looking to add an extra oomph, start at your feet. The Earth is always there, working in subtle yet incredible ways to support you.