It checks out that physically touching the earth would have this effect. Humans and nature co-evolved together, after all, so getting outside can feel like a coming home. But does it come with any more scientific health benefits? Clint Ober, one of the leaders of the grounding movement, will tell you absolutely. His company, Ultimate Longevity, is behind most of the research on how connecting with the Earth’s energy (we’re talking literal energy—as in its electromagnetic field) could help balance us out. “The Earth’s surface is negatively charged with free electrons—meaning that the Earth has an abundance of free (negatively charged) electrons that travel and rapidly reduce positive charge,” Ober tells mbg. “Example: When standing barefoot on the earth, the body absorbs these free electrons and equalizes to the earth’s negative charge.” In support of this idea, Ober points to over 20 peer-reviewed studies that found that earthing can ease pain and inflammation1, boost mood2, lower blood pressure3, and increase the surface charge on red blood cells, thereby reducing blood viscosity and clumping, which is associated with cardiovascular risk. And funnily enough, none of these studies were actually conducted outside. Instead, participants and placebo groups both stood on mats or slept on mattress pads, some of which were electrically charged to simulate the conditions that one would find outdoors. Full disclosure: Ober’s company sells these products, too, so while these results are compelling, more research needs to be done to verify them. “The consensus is that it’s not curative,” board-certified neurologist Ilene Ruhoy, M.D., Ph.D., says of the medical world’s view of earthing, “but can be recommended within an integrative plan for mostly preventive but also therapeutic, health management. Most research is done within the alternative medical world and is not regularly discussed among traditional doctors.” She adds that electrical medicine in general is intriguing, though, and human cell structures have been likened to battery packs due to their ability to conduct electrical currents. As for how long you need to stand outside to reap any restorative benefits, Ober says 30 minutes at a time should be enough to start to ease pain, tension, and stress. The stress-reducing benefits of getting outside (sans shoes or not) are enough to make anyone want to back away from their screens and head into nature. So whether it’s hiking boots or bare feet you’re donning, you’re sure to enjoy the journey. Editor’s Note (June 23, 2022): This article was originally published on May 01, 2020. A previous version of this article indicated that research suggests that grounding lessens cardiovascular risk. We have since clarified this to indicate that research suggests that grounding ‘increases the surface charge on red blood cells and thereby reduces blood viscosity and clumping. Emma received her B.A. in Environmental Science & Policy with a specialty in environmental communications from Duke University. In addition to penning over 1,000 mbg articles on topics from the water crisis in California to the rise of urban beekeeping, her work has appeared on Grist, Bloomberg News, Bustle, and Forbes. She’s spoken about the intersection of self-care and sustainability on podcasts and live events alongside environmental thought leaders like Marci Zaroff, Gay Browne, and Summer Rayne Oakes.
