As Tutankhamun famously said: Don’t believe everything you read on the internet.

The explosion of experimental health advice online has turned the internet into a Wild West for wellness trends, and grounding - also known as earthing or "Electric Nutrition" - is thriving more than most.

The practice involves reconnecting with the earth to absorb negatively charged electrons through direct contact with the ground. Sounding pretty sci-fi? Well, you may or may not be surprised to learn that the practice of grounding is increasingly backed by scientific research and anecdotal evidence. So, what does the science say? How can you try grounding for yourself? And can you actually expect any benefits?

How does grounding work?

Advocates claim grounding taps into the earth’s “heartbeat.” Stay with me...

This refers to the Schumann resonance—a frequency of 7.83 Hz generated by the earth’s atmosphere, maintained by solar winds, thunderstorms, and other natural forces. These processes create a current that supplies negatively charged electrons to the earth’s surface . Theoretically, by connecting to the ground, your body can equalise its electrical potential with that of the earth, providing numerous health benefits.

What are the supposed benefits?

Reduced Recovery Time: Some small studies suggest grounding may reduce muscle damage and speed up recovery from Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) following intense exercise.

Improved Mood & Energy: In one study, massage therapists experienced better mood, physical function, and energy levels, along with decreased fatigue, during a six-week grounding trial.

Better Sleep and Reduced Stress: Another study used conductive mattresses to ground participants with sleep dysfunction. Nearly all reported improvements in sleep, pain and stress.

Improved Blood Flow: An hour of grounding was shown to enhance blood flow, potentially aiding skin health and facial tissue repair. Grounding also appeared to reduce red blood cell clumping and lower blood viscosity.

Improved Heart Health: Grounding has been associated with improved heart rate variability, which supports cardiovascular health.

Are these studies reliable?

The majority of existing studies looking at the benefits of grounding have used a small number of subjects for their research – in some cases as small as 8 participants. A little more digging reveals that almost all of the published research is connected to individuals who are commercially involved in selling grounding products. This does not necessarily mean we should discount these studies entirely, but it is a cause for scepticism at the very least.

How can I try grounding?

It’s pretty simple really. Find some grass, sand or soil, take off your shoes, and walk around or lie down. If your convinced by the results then grounding mats and sheets are available to connect you to the earth whilst you work, exercise or sleep.

What's the verdict?

Unfortunately, grounding goes into the category of pseudoscience, with shaky scientific theory and even shakier empirical evidence. Humans constantly exchange electrons with everything we touch, and any excess charge is quickly neutralised without needing to connect to the earth (think static electric shocks).

Whilst spending time in nature is undoubtedly beneficial, any health improvements experienced from indoor grounding are likely to be nothing more than placebo effects. I wouldn’t be investing in grounding sheets any time soon.