Does Connecting To The Ground Really Have Mental Health Benefits?

Earthing is a simple practice that involves direct connection with the ground or a natural water source. Proponents say it may help balance the body and mind because of the inherent electrical charges the Earth carries, but research on the topic shows conflicting results. Learning more about this free, relatively low-risk practice may help you decide whether to incorporate it into your own self-care routine. If you’re looking for professional mental health support, in-person and online therapy can be useful.

What is earthing?

This practice is rooted in the belief that the Earth's surface carries a negative electrical charge, which  may balance the positive charge in the human body, believed to be accumulated from modern lifestyles and technologies. Regardless of any potential benefits, a practice like earthing is generally not recommended as a replacement for treatment from a healthcare professional. If you’re looking for mental health support, help is available.

How earthing is thought to work

Advocates of earthing propose that this practice may help neutralize reactive oxygen species (free radicals), reduce inflammation, and improve overall well-being. The idea is that direct contact with the Earth may transfer the Earth’s surface electrons from the ground into the body, and they may then act as natural antioxidants and promote a healthy immune response, among other proposed benefits. Grounding the human body has roots in ancient traditions but has gained contemporary interest as a simple, natural way to reconnect with the environment, reduce stress, and potentially improve physical health. 

History of earthing

The practice of earthing has historical roots that trace back to ancient civilizations, though the terminology and scientific exploration are relatively recent developments. Indigenous peoples around the world have long recognized the importance of living in harmony with nature and often emphasize the physical connection to the Earth in their practices and beliefs. Walking barefoot, engaging in ceremonies on natural ground, and using natural materials for bedding and footwear are common practices that may inherently facilitate grounding. 

Grounding as a health practice began to gain more mainstream attention in the US in the late 20th century. Clint Ober, a prominent figure in the grounding movement, is credited with pioneering the modern concept of earthing in the late 1990s. His experience in the telecommunications industry led him to question the effects of electrical charges on the human body and the potential grounding effects of the Earth. His subsequent experiments laid the foundation for the contemporary understanding of grounding as a practice with potential health benefits. 

How to practice earthing safely

There are several earthing techniques that aim to help you reconnect your body with the Earth, either directly or indirectly. Experts generally recommend earthing for at least 10–20 minutes a day and longer if possible. 

Traditional outdoor earthing exercises involve your bare feet, body, or hands making contact with the Earth. You might do this by walking, standing, or lying barefoot on the ground, pressing your hands into the grass or dirt, or spending time in natural bodies of water. To practice grounding or earthing safely, it’s usually recommended that you use the same precautions you would when spending time outdoors for any other reason, such as:

• Wearing sun protection
• Not walking barefoot if you have foot problems or serious outdoor allergies
• Ensuring that the area around you is free of hazards if you choose to walk or stand barefoot
• Practicing water safety if swimming

Indoor earthing products: Are they effective?

For those who can’t easily access nature or aren’t able to spend long periods outside, tools for indoor earthing have been developed. Examples of these grounding products may include:

• Mats 
• Sheets 
• Footwear
• Adhesive grounding patches 
• Wrist or ankle bands 

In these setups, these tools are generally connected to the ground by a cord attached to a metal rod pressed directly into the Earth. If the tool doesn't use a ground rod, it is often attached to a grounded electrical wall outlet instead. Having an electrician verify that your chosen outlet is working properly may be important for safety before you try an indoor earthing product. Research on the effectiveness of indoor earthing products is largely inconclusive so far because of the high number of variables.

Seven potential benefits of earthing

Research on the potential positive health effects of earthing is in its preliminary stages and based on a limited number of smaller studies. Some possible benefits that have been suggested include the following, though more research is needed.

1. Reduced inflammation

Some papers and smaller studies have suggested that reduced inflammation may be a key benefit of earthing. One inflammation research review article calls earthing “the universal anti-inflammatory remedy” that may be used to help reduce symptoms of certain chronic diseases, though more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

Chronic inflammation is involved in the disease process of several illnesses, including asthma, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, autoimmune diseases, and many others. Earthing advocates suggest that this practice may be a helpful lifestyle modification in addition to standard treatments for those living with chronic inflammatory diseases like these. 

2. Improved sleep 

Another commonly cited benefit of earthing is that it may help people sleep better. Consider a small, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study which suggests that this technique may improve sleep quality, which can contribute to increased energy levels and improved overall well-being. 

3. Decreased blood pressure

Some proponents of earthing claim that this practice reduces blood viscosity in those with hypertension, improves blood pressure and blood flow, and decreases red blood cell clumping and related cardiovascular disease risk factors. However, research on the topic is mixed. One review of case studies on the topic proposes that earthing may help lower blood pressure in grounding patients, but more research may be needed. 

4. Faster wound healing

Many claims have been made about the potential for earthing to speed wound healing. For example, one study suggests that this "supportive therapy" may help reduce inflammation, which might improve post-surgery healing and recovery when used in conjunction with strategies recommended by one’s doctor.

5. Autonomic nervous system activation

One study indicates that earthing may activate the parasympathetic nervous system. When activated, this body system slows the heart rate and breathing, decreases blood pressure, and improves digestion, turning the stress response into the relaxation response. The study’s authors therefore recommend earthing as a healthy lifestyle practice.

6. Reduced stress 

Some preliminary studies on the effects of earthing on stress levels have been conducted in rats, and findings suggest that the use of earthing mats might help reduce stress-related anxiety behaviors. Some humans may find that earthing decreases their stress levels, especially when practiced in combination with other evidence-based stress reduction methods.

7. Improved muscle recovery 

Some early studies on earthing looked at its potential to decrease muscle soreness and fatigue after exercise and promote faster healing. One study from 2019 suggests that sleeping on an earthing mat may promote “faster recovery and/or less pronounced markers of muscle damage and inflammation,” though research on the topic is ongoing.

The bottom line: Does research really support the practice of earthing?

As mentioned, many of the studies on earthing are small and limited, and more research may be required.

Those who are living with a physical or mental health condition are generally encouraged to seek evidence-based treatment from a qualified medical or mental health professional. 

Other techniques for grounding yourself

When used as a more general term, grounding can mean using your physical senses to calm your nervous system, relax, and reconnect with your body and surroundings. There are many grounding techniques you might explore. Experts often recommend using them in moments of elevated stress or anxiety or as part of your regular routine to promote more balance in everyday life. 

For example, deep breathing exercises are a common type of grounding technique, as they can help you focus on the physical acts of inhaling and exhaling. The 5-4-3-2-1 method may also help a person anchor themselves by shifting focus to their tangible surroundings. It involves taking a moment to name five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. 

Many people also find spending time in nature to be grounding, even if they’re not specifically practicing “earthing.” Taking a nature walk, sitting by a beach, river, or lake, or going birdwatching are examples of nature activities that may help a person feel more connected, balanced, and calm.

Additional healthy habits that may help improve well-being

There are many other lifestyle medicine strategies that may help improve your physical and mental well-being over time. Research indicates that the following, for instance, may be beneficial:

• Spending time with family and friends, since loneliness has been linked to a variety of physical and mental health challenges
• Moving your body daily, since physical activity may improve mood and sleep quality and reduce your risk for certain illnesses
• Eating nutrient-dense foods often, which may help boost mood and overall mental health
• Engaging in a hobby you enjoy, which might reduce stress and some mental health symptoms
• Seeking professional care for medical or mental health symptoms

How to get mental health support

If you’re experiencing mental health symptoms or are looking for expert advice on healthy habits, you might consider meeting with a therapist. Many people have the option to choose between in-person and online care. If you’d prefer to meet with a provider face to face, you might research therapists in your area, ask friends for a recommendation, or use an online directory to filter for your preferences and location.

Or, if you’d prefer to meet with a licensed therapist virtually from the comfort of home, you might consider exploring a platform like BetterHelp. When you sign up, you’ll be asked a few simple questions about your needs and preferences in a provider, and you can then get matched with a therapist accordingly. Once matched, you can meet with your therapist via phone call, video call, or live chat from anywhere you have an internet connection. 

Does research support the effectiveness of online therapy?

There is a robust body of research suggesting that online therapy may often be effective. For example, a 2025 study indicates that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression may often be “at least as effective and efficacious” as traditional, face-to-face CBT.