The Science of Grounding: A Balanced Review of Current Research & What It Really Says

Introduction: A Barefoot Moment

There’s something undeniably soothing about feeling the Earth beneath your feet — the coolness of grass in the morning, the texture of sand at the beach, or even the grounding sensation of standing on soil in your backyard. For thousands of years, humans have been in direct contact with the Earth, but modern life has largely separated us from that connection.

Grounding, also known as Earthing, is the practice of reconnecting with the Earth's surface electrons, whether by walking barefoot outdoors, using our Universal mat, or sleeping on grounded mattress covers. Beyond anecdotal stories of improved sleep, reduced pain, and better mood, scientists have begun to study what actually happens in the body when we make this simple connection.

How Grounding Might Work

At the heart of grounding research is the idea of electron transfer. Inflammation — a natural immune response — is caused in part by free radicals, molecules with unpaired electrons that can damage cells. Electrons from the Earth may neutralize these free radicals, acting like antioxidants.

A 2013 study by Chevalier and colleagues found that grounding reduced blood viscosity, a key factor in cardiovascular health. Their research suggested that the electrical connection with the Earth improved red blood cell flexibility, potentially supporting circulation and reducing clotting risks (Chevalier et al., 2013).

Grounding and Pain Reduction

Pain is a common reason people explore grounding. Studies consistently show that direct contact with the Earth can reduce both chronic and acute pain. In 2015, a randomized pilot study demonstrated that one hour of grounding improved inflammation markers and blood flow, providing physiological evidence that pain reduction might be linked to reduced inflammation (Chevalier et al., 2015).

Additionally, research examining bodyworkers and massage therapists reported reductions in daily pain and improvements in quality of life when grounding was used regularly (Chevalier, 2018).

Sleep, Mood, and Nervous System Balance

Sleep and mood are two areas where grounding seems particularly influential. A 2004 study measured cortisol levels in participants who slept grounded versus ungrounded. Those sleeping grounded showed improved cortisol rhythms, aligning closer to natural circadian patterns, which correlated with better sleep and reduced stress (Ghaly & Teplitz, 2004).

Mood improvements have also been observed. In 2015, another pilot study found that participants reported significant increases in positive mood after one hour of grounding, compared to those not grounded (Chevalier, 2015). The shift may be linked to increased parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activity, as indicated by changes in skin conductance and heart rate variability.

Grounding and Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a key cardiovascular risk factor, and research suggests grounding may offer benefits here as well. A case history series study in 2018 observed hypertensive patients using grounding techniques, noting improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (Chevalier, 2018). While larger randomized controlled trials are needed, these results hint that grounding might complement traditional approaches to cardiovascular health.

Exercise Recovery and Muscle Health

Athletes and active individuals have also been studied. Grounded sleeping or direct Earth contact after intense eccentric muscle loading helped reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness and supported faster recovery (Chevalier et al., 2015). This aligns with findings that grounding can reduce inflammation and improve circulation, both crucial for recovery.

Special Populations: Infants and Older Adults

Grounding’s effects extend beyond adults. A 2017 study explored vagal tone in preterm infants, showing that electrical grounding improved heart rate variability — a marker of autonomic nervous system balance and stress resilience (Chevalier, 2017).

For older adults, pilot studies suggest potential improvements in sleep quality and mood, including populations with mild Alzheimer’s disease, hinting at broader wellness applications (Chevalier et al., 2022).

What We Know, What We Don’t

Grounding research shows consistent physiological changes:

• Reduced blood viscosity and improved circulation
• Lowered markers of inflammation
• Improved sleep and cortisol rhythm
• Better mood and parasympathetic activation

However, it’s important to keep expectations realistic:

• Sample sizes in many studies remain small.
• Mechanisms, while plausible, are not fully confirmed in large-scale trials.
• Grounding is not a replacement for medical treatment, but a complementary wellness practice.

Practical Ways to Ground Daily

Even without expensive equipment, you can enjoy grounding benefits:

• Walk barefoot on grass, soil, sand, or even concrete.
• Grounded mats or bedding indoors for sleep and work. Or grounding patches when on the go!
• Yoga or stretching on our Universal mat.

Just a few minutes daily can create a connection that may support overall wellness — a simple way to “recharge” yourself naturally.

Gentle, Experiential Call-to-Action

Ready to feel the Earth beneath your feet? Explore the calming, restorative benefits of grounding with our Earthing Canada collection. From mats to bedding, these tools make it easy to reconnect with the Earth’s natural energy — wherever you are.

Conclusion

Walking barefoot, sleeping grounded, or simply placing your hands on the Earth isn’t just nostalgic — the science is catching up. Earthing affects blood, inflammation, the nervous system, and mood, providing a low-risk, accessible wellness practice. While research continues to grow, the evidence so far suggests grounding can be a simple, natural way to support your body’s own self-healing mechanisms.

So the next time you feel the grass, soil, or sand underfoot, take a moment to connect. Your body — and mind — might thank you.