Plugging Into the Planet: The Grounded Power of Earthing for Mind, Body & Soul

Guide to Grounding: Why Earthing Is the Soulful Wellness Practice We All Need Right Now

In a world of constant buzz…Wi-Fi, deadlines, digital everything…there’s an ancient rhythm that still pulses beneath our feet. It doesn’t come from a screen or a supplement. It comes from the Earth itself.

It’s called grounding or earthing…a practice as old as time, and as modern as the biohacker’s toolkit. At its core, grounding is simple: touch the Earth with your bare skin, and let nature work her magic.

In a culture of overstimulation and burnout, grounding offers something radically simple: connection. It’s the act of physically connecting to the Earth’s surface to recharge, balance, and heal the body and mind. Whether you’re walking barefoot on wet grass, laying belly-down in a park, or cozying up with a grounding mat, the practice is gaining traction among wellness lovers, scientists, and spiritual seekers alike.

We spoke with three radiant experts…Jana Stern, renowned psychic, astrologer, and Certified Life Activation Practitioner; Dr. Maria Knobel, Medical Director of Medical Cert UK and Meribel Goldwin, MS CEPC, holistic wellness professional and founder of Blossomed Life, to understand the healing power of this practice and how it can bring us back to balance in body, mind, and spirit.

The Root of It All - WHAT IS GROUNDING, REALLY?

At its core, grounding is a reconnection to what we’ve been standing on all along—Mother Earth.

Grounding isn’t just a metaphor…it’s a literal energetic exchange. The Earth carries a subtle electric charge. When we touch it skin to soil, our bodies absorb negatively charged electrons that can neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation, and support overall cellular health.

“Grounding is the practice of putting your bare feet on the Earth, allowing your own energetic magnetic field to connect with the lifeforce energy of the planet,” explains Jana Stern. It’s less about doing and more about being…slowing down long enough to remember that we belong to the Earth, and she belongs to us.

SCIENCE MEETS SPIRIT

From spiritual reset to scientific remedy, grounding has the research to back up its magic.

Grounding may sound woo-woo to some, but the science is growing. A 2004 study by Ghaly and Teplitz found that grounding improved sleep, reduced pain, and stabilized cortisol levels. More recent research, including a 2015 study in The Journal of Inflammation Research, supports grounding's role in reducing inflammation and blood viscosity…two key contributors to chronic disease.

“Grounding works on a physiological level by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation,” says Meribel Goldwin. “The Earth’s electrons help stabilize our internal systems. It’s subtle, but deeply impactful.”

Stern adds that, “both the Natural Library of Medicine and WebMD have scientific proof that grounding is absolutely an imperative thing for us as human beings.”

MIND, BODY, AND GROUND

Grounding isn’t just a physical reset…it’s emotional medicine.

Physically, grounding can ease chronic pain, improve circulation, and regulate sleep. Mentally, it can stabilize mood, reduce anxiety, and cultivate calm.

“Many people feel an immediate emotional shift…like a sense of mental stillness or an energetic sigh of relief,” says Dr. Maria Knobel. “The more often you do it, the more cumulative the effects become.”

And this isn’t just a theory, Meribel agrees: “Regular grounding brings balance to the nervous system. It can even support people struggling with stress-related disorders, like insomnia or chronic fatigue.”

HOW TO GROUND: YOUR EARTHY TOOLKIT

Barefoot simplicity or tech-assisted? Grounding comes in many forms.

You don’t need a cabin in the woods to ground…just your bare feet and a patch of Earth. Walking on sand, soil, or grass allows the electron exchange to happen naturally. Swimming in the ocean or gardening with your hands in the dirt also work beautifully.

For those in urban or seasonal settings, grounding mats, sheets, and patches simulate the Earth’s electrical field. “They’re a great option for when outdoor access is limited,” notes Meribel. “Just be sure to use high-quality, well-tested products.”

Whichever method you choose, consistency matters. “I recommend grounding for at least 20–30 minutes a day,” she adds. “Even a quick barefoot walk around the block can make a difference.”

GROUNDING & HOLISTIC LIVING

A companion to mindfulness, meditation, and conscious living.

Grounding is a gateway to presence. When paired with meditation, breathwork, or journaling, it amplifies their benefits. “It’s a practice of arriving,” Jana says. “Grounding before meditation brings you into your body so your mind can settle more deeply.”

Meribel sees grounding as part of a bigger picture. “When we build a daily rhythm that includes grounding, we’re weaving connection into every layer of our being…body, mind, soul, and spirit.”

WHO SHOULD GROUND (AND WHEN TO BE CAUTIOUS)

Grounding is safe and accessible for most…but tune into your body and your situation.

The Earth’s medicine is gentle and forgiving, but those with medical devices like pacemakers or insulin pumps should check with a doctor before using grounding mats. People with open wounds should also use caution.

That said, “There’s almost no downside to just stepping outside and touching the Earth,” says Dr. Knobel. “It’s the most natural form of healing we have.”

THE TAKEAWAY: YOUR BODY KNOWS THE WAY HOME

Healing doesn’t always require hustle. Sometimes it just means taking off your shoes.

We’ve been trained to seek health in capsules, regimens, and complex biohacks. Grounding reminds us that the Earth has always been our first and most faithful healer.

“Grounding brings the body, mind, and energy field into a place of stabilization,” Jana says. “It’s like plugging your soul back into Source.”

Meribel offers a final nudge: “We spend so much time disconnected…from nature, from ourselves. Grounding is a way to return. To root. To remember.”

So go ahead. Step outside. Take a barefoot breath. And feel the frequency of the Earth rise up to meet you.

You were never disconnected. You were just waiting to come back.

Love & Light,

Boho Blue