What Is Grounding? TikTok Wellness Craze Is All About Connection With Nature

Grounding recently gained popularity as a TikTok trend, but has long been credited with improving sleep and reducing stress. Here's how you can practice it.

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Khushi Dwivedi
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They say nature is the best medicine. Among all natural remedies practiced by people, grounding is a technique that has been used for centuries across the world. Also known as earthing, it involves engaging in activities that “ground” or electrically reconnect the body to the Earth.

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This practice is believed to facilitate the flow of electric charges through the body via the Earth. It may aid in the absorption of electrons, which are thought to help combat free radicals.

Although it recently gained popularity as a TikTok trend, grounding has long been credited with improving sleep and reducing stress. Several reports suggest that ground therapy has helped individuals accelerate recovery and reduce pain and inflammation.

Here's how you can follow this trend:

Types Of Grounding Methods

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Walking Barefoot

Walking barefoot on natural surfaces like grass, soil, sand, or even unsealed concrete. This method is useful as these surfaces conduct the Earth's electrons and help establish a connection.

Lying on the Ground

Sitting or lying directly on the ground during outdoor activities like picnics or meditation. This method maximizes skin-to-Earth contact, which enhances grounding benefits.

Gardening with Bare Hands

Digging, planting, or working with soil directly with your hands is a therapeutic method that combines grounding with the calming, meditative effect of gardening. Pottery is also a relaxing method of connecting with the Earth. 

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Using Grounding Equipment (Indoor Grounding)

Grounding mats, sheets, patches, socks, and wristbands. These tools are connected to the grounding port of electrical outlets to simulate the Earth’s energy indoors.

Touching Trees or Rocks

Touching or leaning against a living tree or natural rock formation is a natural method to connect with the Earth. Trees have roots that are grounded in the Earth, making them a conduit for grounding. The most popularised Chipko movement against deforestation also symbolised the importance of forests and trees in our lives.

Benefits of the Grounding Trend

Reduces Inflammation

Some studies suggest grounding can reduce inflammation by neutralizing free radicals in the body.

Improves Sleep

Grounding may help regulate circadian rhythms and promote deeper, more restful sleep.

Lowers Stress and Anxiety

Physical connection to nature helps calm the nervous system, reducing cortisol (stress hormone) levels.

Boosts Mood and Energy

Many people report feeling more energetic and emotionally balanced after grounding sessions.

Enhances Recovery

Sportspersons have used grounding techniques to speed up muscle recovery and reduce soreness.

Improves Blood Circulation

Grounding is believed to positively affect blood viscosity, which may benefit heart health.

Views expressed by the author are their own.

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