The bare truth: is grounding as safe as it’s claimed to be?

Grounding is the latest wellness trend dominating social media. But the appeal of connecting with nature doesn’t always match the realities.

By Annabel Sinclair

Shoes: for Raveena Lata, 48, they are no longer an essential item. Whether it be the dewy, fresh grass brushing against her toes, the coarse concrete lightly grazing her soles, or the warm sand enveloping her feet, Lata now cherishes her connection with the natural world and walks barefoot. This is a lifestyle shared by 45% of people worldwide, per statistics published by the wellness coaching service Sensory Intelligence.

Grounding, or as some call it, earthing, is deemed by the National Library of Medicine as a therapeutic technique aimed at not only restoring our broken bond with the Earth but also aiding our bodies in absorbing its natural electricity. And, according to the Earthing Institute, barefoot strides are affiliated with a myriad of health benefits, ranging from reducing inflammation and chronic pain to alleviating anxiety.

Having accumulated over two million hashtags on Instagram, the wellness phenomenon has emerged as the latest social media trend, with influencers such as Christi Fritz and George Woodville endorsing the vitalities of barefoot living. As the warmer months draw near, there is an even stronger inclination among enthusiasts to ditch their shoes and commune with nature.

But is grounding as beneficial for your feet and overall wellness as it’s claimed to be? Lata, who began grounding two years ago after discovering it online, says: “I had been looking for a form of relaxation alongside my holistic therapy, and now I cannot begin to express my love for barefoot grounding. It’s become an essential part of my daily routine, regardless of the weather conditions or environment type.” She adds, “It’s been fantastic for me in so many ways; it’s uplifted my mood and spirit, and done wonders for my sleep. It’s also relieved my knee pain and stopped the awful migraines I used to get.”

It's only natural to encounter challenges when venturing into new wellness trends, and for Lata, grounding has had its fair share. “I often struggle to maintain a consistent mental connection, especially when outside factors come into play, which can weaken the benefits of grounding for me,” the Nottingham-based employment specialist explains. “I also often worry about how to avoid insects and other outdoor creatures while I’m walking barefoot in mossy or streamside areas.”

Yet, the drawbacks rooted in grounding run much deeper. Findings from a study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science indicate that humans began wearing sandals and moccasins over 40,000 years ago, and there’s a significant rationale behind this practice. Kieran Sheridan, a private physiotherapist and co-founder of Gulf Physio, an online physiotherapy supplier, says: “Shoes are designed to support plantar fascia, muscles, and arches. Overpronation while you are barefoot can cause injuries to the gait, especially for those with pre-existing foot conditions.” He adds, “The emergence of grounding as a trend can bring about a range of issues. For example, walking outdoors exposes feet to various bacteria and fungi, potentially leading to infections. There is also a risk of getting wounds if you accidentally step on glass or another sharp object.”

While “the positives of grounding certainly don’t outweigh the potential dangers,” Sheridan offers three tips to assist grounding enthusiasts in connecting with nature without jeopardising their well-being. First, refrain from initially taking the full step: “Begin your journey wearing minimalist shoes, such as sandals or thin-soled shoes. This will provide some protection while still enabling a sensory connection.” Next, limit the areas in which you walk without footwear: “Grounding should be done in safe, controlled environments, such as in private gardens or well-kept green spaces, to minimise the risks of injury, exposure to hazardous materials, or even stepping in animal dung.” Finally, the medical professional emphasises the importance of putting your health first: “To prevent infection, those who practice grounding should get the required vaccinations, as this can lessen the chance of contracting bacterial infections. Always practice excellent foot hygiene and regularly check your feet for any signs of irritation after walking barefoot.”

But for avid followers of new wellness trends, finding a balance between the dangers of outdoor grounding and the urge to harmonise with nature and reap its associated health benefits can be tricky. According to the National Library of Medicine, many individuals are reluctant to go shoeless amid worries of damaged tissues and contact with unwanted microorganisms. “Though it has never been a concern for me personally, friends to whom I have recommended grounding have definitely been apprehensive,” Lata says.

Grounding mats offer an indoor solution, replicating the physical connection felt when walking barefoot outside. David Gilliland, a holistic wellness coach specialising in grounding techniques, says: “Grounding out in the open definitely presents safety concerns and practical challenges, which is why mats should be gaining more popularity on social media.” He explains: “The electrons running through the mat once it’s plugged in provide a nurturing environment and offer the same health benefits as grounding outside, such as improved circulation and pain relief.”

The key to getting the most out of using grounding mats lies in the consistency and duration of use. “Start with shorter sessions on the mat to prevent potential discomfort from electrosensitivity, which can manifest as flu-like symptoms or soreness. Begin with 10 to 20 minutes, and over time, gradually increase this to 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll feel the benefits of grounding sooner if you consistently maintain this steady build-up,” Gilliland says.

Along with many other grounding enthusiasts who have discovered the natural comfort of grounding mats, Lata is keen to take the next step. “I am intrigued by the idea of having an indoor option as I stick to a daily grounding routine; you never know what may happen. But for me, all the electronic stuff will never beat the uplifting feeling of grounding outside and connecting with the Earth.”