I’ve long been a proponent of going barefoot, as you know. Anatomically speaking, it’s the best thing you can do for your feet.
There’s perhaps another reason to go barefoot—grounding, also known as earthing. The theory goes something like this: Since the advent of shoes, houses, flooring, and elevated beds, we’ve lost contact with the Earth’s inherent electrical field. As a result, we’re forgoing natural healing benefits that previously played a significant role in our physiological functioning.
Supposedly, we can improve our health and well-being just by establishing a physical connection to the Earth itself. That’s a bold claim, and fantastic if true… but is it?
Earthing: How Does It (Supposedly) Work?
The surface of the Earth has an inherent negative charge. (True.) Humans are electrical beings. (Also true.)
According to the theory, when we’re “grounded,” our bodies, as natural circuits, absorb the earth’s plentiful free electrons. Then, and here’s the important part, those electrons act like antioxidants to neutralize the positively charged free radicals at the heart of chronic inflammation and "stabilize the electrical environment of all organs, tissues, and cells."*
I can see how the scientific reasoning behind earthing could make sense. When it comes to the details, though, it all gets a bit hazy. Granted, I’m not a physicist, but the folks promoting the theory also do a fair bit of hand-waving regarding the specifics. Of course, we needn't dismiss something just because we don’t know exactly it works—not if it seems to help people.
What Are the Benefits?
Much of the supportive evidence comes from personal anecdotes which must always be taken with grains of salt. However, there is also clinical evidence that something is happening here.
Studies suggest that earthing can reduce stress and fatigue, alleviate pain, improve mood, and lead to better sleep. These are subjective reports, but there are also plenty of objective outcomes: higher HRV, lower blood viscosity, immune system activation, and changes in electrolyte concentration in the bloodstream, to name a few.* Can’t fake those.
The studies are mostly small, and the evidence certainly isn’t as compelling as it is for PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) therapy—another therapeutic modality that relies on electricity to somehow supercharge (pun intended) the body’s natural ability to function optimally—but it’s enough to pique my interest. Suffice it to say, I’m intrigued, but I still need more evidence.
Earthing Techniques
The good thing about earthing is that there is almost no downside to trying it. All you have to do is sit, stand, or lie down on grass, sand, dirt, or any other natural surface. Swimming in a lake or ocean will do it, too. These are all things I want to be doing anyway.
You can also buy “earthing mats” that plug into the ground terminal of a wall outlet or connect via a wire to a metal rod you stick in the ground. I can’t vouch for any of these, although many earthing studies use some such device.
Bottom Line: Fact or Fiction?
The research and scholarly discussion on earthing isn’t overwhelming, so I’m cautious but still hopeful. The concept admittedly appeals to my evolutionary bent, but I’m always on the lookout for thesnags of naturalistic fallacy. I certainly wouldn’t recommend standing barefoot in your yard in lieu of seeking medical help for any serious issue, and I’m not sure I’d spend money on a metal rod to wire to my ankle, but I’m happy for another excuse to walk barefoot on the beach.
In any case, it’s not hard to sell me on the idea that spending less time in front of a computer and more time outside is good for everyone.
