Earthing (Grounding)

Earthing (also called grounding) is the practice of bringing the body into direct conductive contact with the earth's surface electrons — either by walking barefoot on grass or wet sand, or via grounding mats, sheets, and shoes that connect via wire to earth ground.

The hypothesized mechanism is that the earth's surface free electrons reduce free-radical oxidation in the body, and that modern lifestyles have disconnected us from this electrical environment. A small body of pilot studies has reported changes in cortisol, sleep, and inflammation markers, but no large RCTs.

We rate earthing at 4 on the Woo-Woo Meter: real but limited literature, devoted user community, much larger marketing claims than the data supports. Honest grounding products are worth listing — and worth listing honestly.