By Dr. Melanie Brown Chiropractic Physician, Mountain Life Clinic
Grounding, or earthing, is connecting directly with the Earth’s surface through activities like walking barefoot, gardening, or lying on natural surfaces such as grass, soil, or sand. It’s a simple yet powerful way to tap into nature’s therapeutic effects. Research shows that grounding can reduce inflammation, improve sleep, alleviate stress, and boost mood—all vital for physical and mental health.
Our son Clifton unknowingly reminded me of this practice recently. Over dinner, he told us about a recess game he and his friends play: making “soup” in the mud with water, stones, and leaves. While he thought it was just fun, I realized he was grounding!
Scientific studies suggest that grounding offers a wide range of health benefits:
Reduces Inflammation: By absorbing electrons from the Earth’s surface, your body neutralizes free radicals, which reduces inflammation—a key factor in many chronic diseases. A study in The Journal of Inflammation Research found that grounding improves circulation and lowers cardiovascular risks.
Improves Sleep Quality: Grounding promotes restorative sleep by reducing cortisol, the stress hormone. A study in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that participants who slept grounded experienced better sleep patterns.
Relieves Stress: By calming your nervous system and shifting it to a “rest-and-digest” state, grounding helps reduce stress and restore balance.
Grounding is easy to embrace in warm weather when walking barefoot on the grass or relaxing on a sandy beach. But its benefits aren’t limited to sunny days—it’s a valuable practice even in rainy or snowy seasons. With some creativity, you can ground yourself no matter the weather!
Creative Ways to Ground in Wet or Cold Weather
Walking Barefoot on Snow or Wet Grass: Limited exposure to wet, cold surfaces, like snow or damp grass, can be refreshing and grounding.
Winter Gardening and Foraging: Digging into the soil with your hands or harvesting winter greens allows direct contact with the Earth while keeping you active.
Soup-Making Fun in the Mud: Children naturally embrace grounding through play—activities like making mud soup allow them to ground and calm their minds.
Covered Outdoor Areas: Use porches or other sheltered spaces to stand barefoot on natural surfaces, even during rain or snow.
Cold Plunging or Water Immersion: Immersing your hands or body in outdoor water can enhance grounding, whether in a cold lake, stream, or rain-filled puddle. Water’s conductive nature boosts the body’s connection to the Earth. Research suggests cold water immersion also has stress-reducing effects, improving mood and resilience by lowering cortisol and increasing neurotransmitters like norepinephrine.
Conductive Footwear and Mats: When direct contact isn’t possible, grounding shoes or mats offer convenient alternatives.
Grounding is nature’s free and simple therapy, akin to the rejuvenating effects of waterfalls or forests. Waterfalls release negative ions that boost mood, while forests provide phytoncides that enhance immune function. Similarly, grounding connects your body to the Earth’s electrons, promoting physical and mental well-being.
Whether cold plunging in a lake, playing in the mud, or using a grounding mat indoors, grounding is a versatile, year-round practice. Embrace this connection to nature and experience its many benefits—no matter the season!