Grounding: Reconnecting with the Earth to Help the Body Heal

Suzan D. Walker LMT 104331
Oct 28
6 min read

A person in a flowing black dress walks barefoot on a beach at sunset, with gentle waves and a pier in the background. — Grounding can also take place at the ocean. Seawater contains natural minerals and ions that conduct energy, allowing the body to connect easily with the Earth’s charge.

What Is Grounding

Grounding, also known as earthing, is the practice of reconnecting physically and energetically with the Earth. It involves direct contact with natural surfaces such as grass, soil, sand, or seawater, or using conductive tools indoors that replicate this connection. This simple act helps restore balance within the body, calm the nervous system, and promote both physical and emotional healing.

The Earth carries a natural negative charge. When we make direct contact, our bodies absorb electrons that neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress. These grounding effects can help reduce chronic pain, improve circulation, lower stress hormones, and promote deeper sleep.

Our Disconnection from the Earth

In the 20th and 21st centuries, our relationship with the Earth has changed dramatically. Most of us spend the majority of our time indoors, surrounded by artificial materials and insulated from the ground by synthetic soles on our shoes. As a result, we have lost one of our most natural ways of regulating the body’s systems: direct connection with the Earth itself.

This separation has been linked to increased stress, inflammation, and chronic illness. By removing ourselves from the Earth’s natural energy, we’ve also distanced ourselves from one of the body’s simplest forms of healing. Grounding helps restore that connection, encouraging the body to rebalance and self-regulate naturally.

The Rise of Rubber Shoes and Health Implications

With the widespread adoption of rubber and plastic-soled shoes since the 1960s, many people have become increasingly disconnected from the Earth's natural energy. This disconnection might lead to chronic inflammation and associated health problems like heart disease, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and cancer. Research suggests that the loss of direct contact with the Earth's surface, due to insulated footwear, could be a factor in the rise of these conditions

Japanese Research and Cancer Healing

Japanese researchers have explored the benefits of grounding and nature-based therapies for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. A study led by Nakau and colleagues in 2013 found that patients who participated in spiritual and nature-based activities, including grounding, showed reduced fatigue, improved mood, and enhanced immune activity.

Other studies from Japan have demonstrated that time spent in nature, especially through Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing, can boost natural killer cell function, an essential part of the immune system that helps defend against illness. This body of research highlights how reconnecting with nature can complement traditional medical care, improve quality of life, and support the body’s natural healing processes.

Person hugging a tree in a forest, wearing a dark sleeve and a smartwatch. The mood is serene, with dappled sunlight on bark. — Connecting with a tree helps stabilize the mind and body, creating a sense of calm and balance.

Forest Grounding and Tree Hugging

Tree hugging, which involves placing your hands or body against a tree, is a grounding activity that offers both emotional and physical advantages. Trees emit subtle electrical energy and release organic compounds called phytoncides, which support immune health. Connecting with a tree helps stabilize the mind and body, creating a sense of calm and balance.

This is closely related to the Japanese practice of forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, where individuals immerse themselves in a forest setting to engage the senses and reduce stress. Research has shown that this practice lowers blood pressure, reduces cortisol levels, and promotes feelings of peace and clarity.

Ocean and Seawater Grounding

Grounding can also take place at the ocean. Seawater contains natural minerals and ions that conduct energy, allowing the body to connect easily with the Earth’s charge. Walking barefoot on wet sand or standing in seawater allows this natural exchange to occur, helping the body restore balance and calm the mind.

The ocean’s rhythmic waves naturally encourage deeper breathing and mindfulness, releasing built-up physical and emotional tension. This is why spending time near water often leaves us feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. It is grounding in one of its purest forms.

Black leather sandals with tan soles lie on green grass. Sunlight creates a warm, relaxed mood. — Leather grounding shoes.

Grounding Footwear and Tools

For those unable to ground outdoors regularly, grounding can still be practiced indoors using conductive tools. Grounding mats, sheets, and patches are designed to transfer the Earth’s energy through conductive materials.

Grounding shoes are another practical option. Some are made from natural leather or contain copper rivets or coins embedded in the sole, allowing the body to maintain conductivity with the Earth’s surface. These can be helpful for maintaining a connection while moving throughout the day, though natural contact remains the most effective form of grounding.

Using natural fibers such as cotton, linen, or bamboo for sheets and bedding allows the skin to breathe, helps regulate body temperature, and can support relaxation and deeper rest.

Grounding and Natural Sleep Support

Grounding does not only take place while we are awake. The quality of our sleep also depends on how connected our bodies remain to natural elements. Using natural fibers such as cotton, linen, or bamboo for sheets and bedding allows the skin to breathe, helps regulate body temperature, and can support relaxation and deeper rest.

Grounding bed sheets are available that contain conductive silver threads woven into natural fabric. When connected to a grounded outlet or rod, they allow the body to experience the same balancing effects as walking barefoot on the Earth. Even without conductive materials, natural fabrics still provide comfort and help reduce static buildup from synthetic textiles, which can subtly interfere with the body’s ability to rest and recharge.

Choosing breathable, natural bedding materials promotes a calm environment for sleep, helping the body restore itself more effectively through the night.

Health Benefits of Grounding

Grounding offers a wide variety of benefits for the body and mind:

Reduces Inflammation: Neutralizes free radicals and lowers chronic inflammation linked to heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and arthritis.
Improves Sleep: Normalizes cortisol levels and supports a more restful circadian rhythm.
Supports Cardiovascular Health: Enhances circulation, lowers blood pressure, and improves heart rate variability.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Calms the nervous system and lowers cortisol, promoting emotional balance.
Enhances Immune Function: Increases natural killer cell activity and supports immune response.
Relieves Pain and Muscle Tension: Reduces soreness, joint pain, and stiffness while promoting recovery.
Improves Mood and Mental Clarity: Boosts focus, clarity, and overall well-being.
Supports Chronic Illness Management: Helps mitigate inflammation and stress, potentially aiding conditions like diabetes, chronic fatigue, and autoimmune disorders.

Bringing It All Together

Grounding is a return to something we have always known. By reconnecting with the Earth, we reconnect with ourselves. Whether it is standing barefoot on the grass, walking along the shoreline, hugging a tree, or using a grounding mat at home, these simple moments of connection help restore balance to both body, mind, and spirit

In our modern world, where so much of life keeps us disconnected, grounding offers a reminder that healing often begins with simplicity and the feeling of Earth beneath our feet.

With care and support,

Suzan (Susan) Walker LMT

(Some of this article was written by the help of AI)

References

Nakau, M., et al. Spiritual care of cancer patients by integrated medicine in urban green space: a pilot study. PubMed. 2013. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23452710/
Chevalier, G., Sinatra, S. T., Oschman, J. L., Delany, R. M. The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25848315/
Li, Q., et al. A forest bathing trip increases human natural killer activity and expression of anti-cancer proteins in male subjects. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17903349/
Hansen, M. M., Jones, R., Tocchini, K. Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing) and nature therapy: a state-of-the-art review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5580555/
Chevalier, G., et al. Earthing the human body reduces blood viscosity and improves circulation. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22757749/
Sokal, K., Sokal, P. Earthing the human body influences physiologic processes. Journal of Environmental and Public Health. 2011. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3265077/
Landrigan, P. J., et al. Environmental exposures and chronic disease. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7170206/
National Center for Biotechnology Information. Toluene toxicity and health effects. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK592498/

Massage therapy is not a substitution for medical treatment. The massage therapist cannot diagnose, treat or prevent disease. The therapist can only recommend products and services. Please consult a medical physician for further treatment.