When I was a little girl, I loved to play outside. But if I came home with dirt on my feet or mud on my clothes, I got in trouble. So as I got older, the idea of pressing my bare feet into the ground felt… almost wrong.
And yet, what I once thought of as “messy” may actually be medicine.
What is Earthing?
Earthing is the practice of physically connecting your body to the Earth’s natural surface — barefoot on grass, sand, or soil. The idea is that the Earth carries a subtle electrical charge, and direct contact allows our bodies to absorb those electrons.
Why does that matter? When we’re injured or under stress, white blood cells release reactive oxygen species to help with healing. But if there aren’t enough electrons available, those molecules can steal electrons from healthy cells instead — leaving us in a constant state of oxidative stress and inflammation. Earthing helps restore the balance by literally giving us back what we’re missing.
And it doesn’t have to be just your feet. You can lie down on the ground, place your hands directly on the soil, or even sit with your back against a tree. Any skin-to-earth contact allows this exchange to happen.
The Science Behind It
This isn’t just a wellness fad. Peer-reviewed medical research shows that earthing has measurable effects on the body:
- Reduces inflammation. Chronic inflammation is at the root of many conditions: heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and fatigue. Grounding transfers free electrons into the body, helping neutralize oxidative stress.
- Relieves pain. Many studies report significant reductions in everyday pain and stiffness.
- Lowers stress. Grounding calms the nervous system, reducing cortisol and shifting the body from fight-or-flight into rest-and-digest.
- Improves sleep. From adults with insomnia to babies with colic, grounding helps regulate rest cycles.
- Helps with PMS symptoms. Some women report less discomfort and more stable mood when grounded regularly.
How It Feels
Science aside, the real magic is how it feels. At a recent retreat I led, someone described it perfectly:
“When I stood barefoot on the earth, it was like the tension I’d been holding in my chest just melted into the ground. I felt lighter — like I was finally exhaling after holding my breath for years.”
That sense of calm, spaciousness, and connection is something many of us are missing in our fast-paced lives.
Commercial Products: Helpful or Hype?
If you Google “earthing,” you’ll see mats, sheets, and sandals marketed as substitutes for stepping outside barefoot.
Pros:
- Convenient for people in cities or colder climates.
- Some studies suggest they can deliver similar benefits.
Cons:
- They can be expensive.
- They may pick up “dirty electricity” from indoor wiring, which can reduce or even reverse the intended benefits.
- They keep us indoors, disconnected from nature.
My recommendation: If you can, choose the real thing. Step outside, barefoot on the grass, even for just 10 minutes. Or simply place your hands on the earth, or lie back on the ground. There’s no substitute for fresh air, natural light, and direct connection with nature. But if you’re in a place where that’s not possible year-round, some products may be worth exploring with caution.
How to Start
- Find a safe patch of ground — grass, sand, or soil (avoid areas with pesticides or sharp debris).
- Remove your shoes and stand, walk, or sit barefoot. Or, simply place your hands on the ground or lie down if that feels more comfortable.
- Breathe deeply while you do it. Here’s a breathing practice I recommend — try it while grounding to amplify the benefits.
- Notice how you feel — calmer, more grounded, or simply refreshed.
Start with 5–10 minutes and see how your body responds.
The Bigger Picture
So much of modern life keeps us insulated — literally, through rubber-soled shoes and high-rise buildings — and emotionally, through constant screen time and stress. Earthing is a simple reminder that healing doesn’t always require more effort, technology, or money. Sometimes, it’s as easy as getting your feet dirty.
Maybe the very thing I was told to avoid as a child is exactly what I needed all along.
✨ Your Turn: When was the last time you walked barefoot, touched the earth with your hands, or lay down on the grass? Try it today — and notice what shifts.
Zee Clarke is the author of the book, Black People Breathe (Penguin Random House). She has been featured in many leading publications including ABC, Fortune, Forbes, CNBC, Ebony, Essence, and Fast Company.
She is a Harvard Business School graduate who applies holistic healing practices to corporate environments. Zee leads transformative workshops on mindfulness, breathwork and stress management tools at organizations such as Google, Visa, AMC Networks and more.
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