The Amazing Science of Grounding

Posted byLisa at Micro of the MacroPosted inHealth & Well-Being, Psychological HealthTags:, , , , , , , , ,

Through the years, I’ve written a lot about the healing powers of Nature.  In Escaping Normal, I shared how my experience of spending many months exploring areas of natural beauty rehabilitated me from burn-out and loss, bringing me back to life.  The Waterfall Effect outlined a number of health benefits of natural crashing natural waters.  Smellscapes told of how the scents of trees and other plants can bless us physically and mentally.  And Healing Made Simple presented the idea that we’re only as healthy as our connection with Nature.  But only recently have I learned of and experienced the power of grounding, and I am so excited to share it with you!

Grounding, or earthing, is a technique that realigns the human body with the electrical charges of the earth.  When our skin makes contact with the ground, or natural elements touching the ground like trees or lakes, we absorb electrons that act as potent antioxidants.  (Manufactured items are also available that allow you to bring this incredible technology into your home.)  Studies show these electrons reduce inflammation, lessen persistent pain, help with sleep, and significantly improve symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic fatigue.  I have read many self-reported benefits related to a variety of other conditions, as well.

Indigenous peoples of long ago received ongoing benefits of grounding by being closer to Nature: sleeping on natural materials on the earth and wearing shoes like leather moccasins.  In modern times, with our indoor beds and plastic or rubber-soled shoes, we’ve lost that daily connection.  (For more on the history and science of it, I encourage you to check out The Earthing Movie: The Remarkable Science of Grounding on YouTube.)

As for personal experience, I have been using a grounding mattress pad for about 4 weeks now, and I’ve really noticed a difference in my sleep: I fall asleep more quickly, awaken fewer times, and fall back to sleep faster than before grounding.  I also sleep more deeply and feel more rested each morning.  (My kitty, Izzy, really likes the mattress pad, too!)  Additionally, the swelling and pain in my knuckles that almost always results from climbing disappears fast.  And an ongoing pain and tightness in the palms of my hands, also from climbing, is completely gone.  In general, I have more energy and stamina, which helps with everything! 

Mother Nature offers amazing healing potential; it’s up to each of us to take advantage of the gifts we’re extended.  Grounding is an old way of being in the world that may be more advantageous now than ever.  Your chances of getting or staying healthy can be greatly enhanced by this natural technology.

Grounded Blessings,

Lisa

The content of this article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented herein. Any statements about the possible health benefits of any subject discussed have not been evaluated by medical professionals or the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.

60 thoughts on “The Amazing Science of Grounding”

  8. So very true Lisa. Grounding in nature is so therapeutic. Every day I’m so grateful for the beautiful natural environment I’m in and walking barefoot really does make me feel more connected to the Earth. Keep enjoying that grounding mattress, it sounds fabulous!

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  10. I so loved this post! I have always liked to walk barefoot! When it is warm enough outside, I will go out and check on the garden in bare feet. Of course, I love to feel the sand beneath my feet at the beach!!! As children, we often played outdoors without our shoes on. It always made me feel so happy. (I also had a pair of moccasins that I wore in high school…not every day, but I loved them!) This whole concept of ‘grounding’ is so very important…especially today when many people are really disconnected with the outside world. Thank you for your awesome posts!!! Wishing you blessings!

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    1. Hi, Linda, thanks for your wonderful comment. I loved running barefoot as a kid, too, in the Southern countryside. And I still love walking barefoot on the beach. My house’s yard is covered with rocks; that’s why I’m using the mattress pad. I’m so pleased you feel my posts are awesome! Many blessings to you, too, my friend! ☀️

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  13. This is good to know. I guess I have been grounding all of my life since I was a kid. I love sitting on the ground, and walking barefoot on the ground . I love being out in nature, but it has been so hot. How have you been? It is so good to read your post. I always learn things that I didn’t know from you. Keep being the inspiration that you are. Izzy takes great pics. It’s like she knows she’s going to get her picture taken. It is so good to hear from you. Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend my friend. God bless you.

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  14. Lisa, I suppose I’ve been grounding for years, just didn’t know it. I am involved in Garden Club, I pull weeds, plant, grow and eat fresh herbs, manicure vines, plant perennials, annuals, and work in the yard daily. Ha, my dogs and I enjoy grounding everyday, guess I will start rolling in the grass with Wally and Matilda. Lots of love Cousin!

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  15. It’s so amazing to realise that nature can truly have such a profound impact on us. I’ve never heard of this before but it certainly does make a lot of sense. Maybe in the future I should get one of those duvets for the pain in my legs I get when I sleep.

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  16. When I heard about grounding, it reminded me of never being sick during my childhood because I ran barefoot outside all summer long. I have attempted to ground with nature but find that difficult living in an apartment. I need to get a grounding pad of some kind. Thanks for the reminder.

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    1. Hi, GB, good to see you. You & I have barefoot childhoods in common, and I never got sick, either. I sent my mom a grounding mat that she keeps her feet on when sitting. I believe it will help her the way my mattress pad is helping me. There are other items available, as well. Wishing you blessings in abundance! ☀️

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  18. I have to admit I’ve “grounded” myself waaaay too many times on the trails thanks to those pesky roots ha. Although I am adamant about keeping cushy materials between my feet and the ground, I must say I do enjoy the water crossings where you get to immerse yourself in a wet form of grounding. Take care.

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  19. Unsealed concrete also works. The grass is good too. I am barefoot most of the time unless I must wear flip-flops to go to the store, the doctor, or other places that require shoes. I have missed being outside for most of the summer due to allergies, but I am starting to spend time outside again as the weather is cooler and drier. I think earthing is helpful, and it is free! I liked your article, Lisa! ❤ ❤ ❤

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  21. Getting out in nature really does provide more benefit to us than we can put into words. Encouragement like this to get out and walk in among the trees and sleep under the stars is always welcome in my book!

    Thank you for the encouragement and the positivity in which you share it!

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