The human body is born without shoes. And our ancestors spent their lives barefoot. Of course, all animals are “barefoot”. Could shoes and lack of a direct connection impair your health? Can the lack of contact lead to cardiovascular issues? 

Grounding,  also known as earthing, is a practice that involves direct physical contact with the Earth’s surface, typically by walking barefoot on grass, soil, sand, or even swimming in natural bodies of water. Proponents of grounding believe that this practice can have several potential benefits, although it’s important to note that scientific research in this area is still relatively limited, and more studies are needed to fully understand the effects of grounding. 

Some claimed benefits of grounding include:

• Better Blood Pressure: This study of 10 people found significant blood pressure reduction after the introduction of a grounding routine. 
• Better Circulation: Grounding is said to improve blood flow and circulation, potentially benefiting cardiovascular health.This study of 10 men/women found improved red blood cell flow and viscosity after a period of time on grounding pads. 
• Reduced Inflammation: Some research suggests that grounding may help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is associated with various cardiovascular conditions such as atrial fibrillation, heart attack and stroke. Anything that naturally reduces inflammation is good.
• Pain Relief: Grounding has been proposed as a natural way to alleviate pain, particularly chronic pain conditions. Advocates claim that it can help reduce discomfort and improve overall well-being. This study included Dr. Deepak Chopra as an author found reduced pain in those who grounded. 
• Improved Sleep: Grounding has been associated with improved sleep quality. It is thought to help regulate circadian rhythms and reduce insomnia and sleep disturbances.
• Stress Reduction: Contact with the Earth is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system, potentially reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
• Enhanced Mood: Some individuals report improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety after practicing grounding. A small trial confirmed these results. 
• Normalized Biological Rhythms: Grounding is thought to help reset the body’s natural biological rhythms, which may have a positive impact on various physiological processes.

I don’t think there is any downside to a grounding routine. Here are some ways to start grounding today. 

1. First thing in the morning, find some grass, dirt, or beach. Stand barefoot for at least 5 minutes. 
2. Try to find time throughout the day to ground
3. Ground for 5 minutes before bedtime

Admittedly, I do not have a lot of personal experience with grounding pads or sheets that plug into an outlet on the wall, thus accessing the “ground”. If you want to experiment, try them and see how you feel. 

There are also shoes that support grounding by using natural (non rubber) soles to access the energy from the Earth. Do some research and see what works for you. 

Getting grounded, like many other biohacking lifestyle strategies, is not easy in a 21st century world. Let our team at Natural Heart Doctor coach and guide you to health and wellness naturally, while reducing and eliminating pharmaceuticals. 

Start with a free coaching session here.