Have you ever noticed how calming it feels to walk barefoot on grass or sand? This isn't just a coincidence — research shows that a practice called earthing, or grounding, can actually help reduce inflammation, improve mood, and even curb cravings for alcohol.
When inflammation runs unchecked in our bodies, it can manifest as joint pain, digestive issues, and skin problems such as redness and swelling. Many people also report feeling generally achy and fatigued when dealing with chronic inflammation. Neuroinflammation, in turn, plays a role in alcohol cravings by disrupting the delicate balance of chemicals in the brain and sapping our mental energy resources.
Earthing involves direct skin contact with the Earth’s surface that allows the body to absorb the planet’s natural electrons. Let’s explore the science behind this practice and see how it can help you in your efforts to drink less or leave alcohol behind.
The Science Behind Earthing
Grounding connects the body to the Earth's electrons, which researchers believe can help neutralize free radicals that drive many disease-causing processes in the body.[1] Previous studies have also shown that grounding reduces cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress.[2] Another demonstrated that earthing could significantly improve blood flow within an hour of contact with the ground.
These early findings helped establish earthing as a promising field for further scientific investigation. But what about more recent research? As it turns out, there might be even more to earthing than previously thought.
Earthing Reduces Inflammation and Helps the Heart
One of the most well-documented benefits of earthing is its ability to reduce inflammation, which is linked to many chronic diseases.[3] A 2022 Biomedical Journal study explored the mechanism behind this powerful effect in more detail.
The research revealed fascinating connections between grounding and our body's natural healing processes. One key finding? Staying connected to the Earth's surface could help protect against both silent inflammation (which can persist unnoticed for years) and acute inflammatory responses.
The mechanism behind grounding comes down to a remarkable natural phenomenon: the Earth's surface carries a negative electric charge, creating what scientists call the Schumann resonances — a kind of electromagnetic "heartbeat" that pulses at about 7.83 Hz (or cycles per second). This natural frequency is maintained by constant electrical activity, including thousands of lightning strikes happening every minute around the globe. When we make direct contact with the ground, our bodies can tap into this vast reservoir of electrons.
The researchers found that something as simple as walking barefoot or using grounding tools like conductive mats could flood our bodies with these Earth-sourced electrons, which act as natural antioxidants. These electrons help neutralize harmful free radicals that contribute to inflammation. Think of it as having a surplus of tiny firefighters ready to put out inflammatory "fires" in your body before they can spread and cause damage.
What makes this study particularly exciting is its additional findings about blood flow. When participants were grounded for just two hours, their blood viscosity (thickness) decreased by an impressive 273%! Thinner blood flows more easily through our vessels, reducing the risk of clots and supporting better circulation throughout the body.
The researchers also observed improvements in heart rate variability — a measurement of how well our heart adapts to different situations — suggesting that earthing could help us manage stress. In fact, the study showed promising results for specific stress-related health concerns — blood pressure fluctuations. Participants with high blood pressure saw reductions ranging from 8.6% to 22.7% in their systolic blood pressure when grounding for 10-12 hours daily. Some were even able to reduce their reliance on blood pressure medications under medical supervision.
Grounding for Better Sleep
Building on the stress-busting effects of grounding, another 2022 study from Healthcare explored its benefits for improving sleep patterns.[4] While the researchers focused on patients with mild Alzheimer's disease, its insights about sleep improvement have broader implications — especially since sleep disturbances are common for anyone trying to drink less or healing from alcohol’s lingering effects.
In the 12-week pilot study, participants who used grounding mats for just 30 minutes a day five times per week showed significant improvements in their sleep quality compared to those using nongrounded mats. The researchers measured sleep quality using a standardized assessment called the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the “grounded group” ended up with markedly better scores than the control group.
The study's findings about the mechanism behind the effects of grounding were particularly interesting: the researchers believe grounding helps normalize the body's circadian rhythms (our natural sleep-wake cycle) by affecting cortisol — the hormone involved in stress and sleep regulation. This aspect of the research is especially relevant for those trying to drink less, as alcohol is known to disrupt both cortisol levels and circadian rhythms. By helping to restore these natural patterns, grounding might offer a gentle, drug-free way to support better sleep during the transition.
Tips for Getting Started With Earthing
As the latest research shows, even relatively brief daily grounding sessions can make a meaningful difference in inflammation reduction and sleep quality improvements. Ready to try it out for yourself? Here are some ways to get started.
1. Walk Barefoot Outdoors
The simplest way to practice grounding is to walk barefoot on natural surfaces such as grass, sand, or soil. Aim for at least 15-30 minutes of barefoot time each day to allow your body to connect with the Earth’s electrical charge.
The sleep study showed meaningful benefits from 30 minutes of grounding, five times per week. You can also break them up into two 15-minute sessions — one in the morning to start your day and one before bed to support better sleep.
2. Use Grounding Mats Indoors
If you live in an urban environment or spend a lot of time indoors, grounding mats are a great alternative. These specially designed mats mimic the electrical charge of the Earth and can be placed under your feet while working or resting, allowing you to experience the benefits of grounding even when inside.
3. Incorporate Grounding Into Your Workout
If you enjoy outdoor activities like yoga, running, or stretching, try doing them barefoot on natural surfaces. Grounding while exercising can amplify the benefits by promoting relaxation and reducing post-exercise inflammation, supporting overall mental and physical well-being.
4. Make Grounding Part of Your Wind-Down Routine
After a long, stressful day, take a few minutes to walk barefoot outdoors or stand on a grounding mat to reset your nervous system, lower cortisol levels, and make it easier to avoid alcohol before bedtime.
If you're using grounding to improve sleep, schedule your session 1-2 hours before bedtime. The research suggests this timing helps normalize cortisol patterns and supports your natural sleep-wake cycle, which is especially helpful if you're working to establish new evening routines.
Summing Up
While modern life often disconnects us from the Earth beneath our feet, the growing body of research on earthing reminds us that our bodies have remarkable natural healing capabilities — we just need to give them the right conditions to thrive. Think of earthing as hitting a reset button for your body's electrical system. Just as plants need direct contact with soil to flourish, our bodies seem to function best when regularly connected to the Earth's natural electrical charge.
As research continues to unveil the profound effects of this simple practice, one thing becomes clear: sometimes the most powerful healing tools are the most accessible ones. The Earth has been beneath our feet all along, offering its healing electrons freely. So kick off your shoes and feel the ground beneath your feet — it could be the key to feeling more balanced, both physically and emotionally.
