Recently, a popular trend has emerged in the metaphysical and holistic communities, known as “earthing.” Let’s talk about what earthing is, why people are doing it, and what the benefits are.

Earthing is based upon the idea that for thousands of years, we as human beings have benefited from the contact of our skin on the earth – walking barefoot, lying on the ground, touching dirt with our hands, that sort of thing.

The theory is that as modern society has changed, we’ve lost the ability to connect with the natural energy of the earth, and that the result of this disconnect is that we’re now far more vulnerable to things like disease, stress, and an overall lack of well being.

Anyone who gardens can tell you about the benefits of reconnecting with the land, and the great feeling that comes with digging your hands directly in the dirt as you sow and plant and harvest. Likewise, people who spend a lot of time barefoot often say that they feel more connected and whole when their feet are directly touching the grass or soil. But the earthing movement seems to be much more than that. Advocates claim that it is a holistic approach to spiritual, emotional, and physical wellness. However, it’s also becoming a big business, and has gotten trendy with the spa crowd. Numerous products, such as special shoes and “grounding mats” are available for anyone who’s willing to spend the money.

Dr. Andrew Weil says, “According to earthing proponents, you can ground yourself by walking outside barefoot, sitting on the ground or being connected to the Earth via grounding devices that transfer electrons from the earth to your body.

There are even special shoes that feature copper contacts the soles, linking the body to the earth.”

As with many metaphysical issues, it’s tricky to come up with hard facts and scientific data on the benefits of earthing. Many people who support earthing as something new and amazing tout the advantages of getting back in touch with the earth’s electrons, which sounds very scientific indeed. However, the problem with that is that the earth’s electrons aren’t any different than other kinds of electrons – that’s basic Chemistry 101 right there. For a really comprehensive breakdown of why the pseudoscience of earthing is problematic, read Chad Orzel’s great analysis over at ScienceBlog (and be sure to read the Comments section too, because it’s hilarious).

The problem, as Orzel points out, is not that earthing is bad, but that those who are promoting it are using false data to claim its benefits. Can you feel better walking around barefoot? Absolutely. Does doing it cure disease, eliminate aches and pains, and boost your immune system? No one knows, and that’s where the claims get dodgy. Keep in mind that many of the so-called scientific claims are presented by companies trying to sell earthing products and services. While these may be reassuring to potential customers, the fact is, it’s marketing material, and it’s important to recognize it as such.

Weil adds, “We'll need additional studies of better design and with more participants before we can know whether it is really possible to derive health benefits from earthing. While the studies done so far are intriguing, some of the hype for earthing is over-the-top.”

Of note, there have been a few studies done about the benefits of roaming around barefoot, but these primarily focus on the science of the osteopathic results of going shoeless, versus the energy-absorbing advantages that earthing advocates promote.

Our Walking Expert, Wendy Bumgardner, says, “There aren't a lot of studies, but there are a few significant ones. One studied the feet of 180 modern skeletons and compared them to 2000 year-old skeletons of a barefoot society… wearing shoes and walking on modern floors, streets and sidewalks is associated with more foot problems seen in skeletons. Another study found that going barefoot decreased the stress on knee and hip joints for patients with osteoarthritis.”

So, all of that said, what about earthing? Should you try it? Well, if you’re part of the modern Pagan community, chances are good that someone you know spends a lot of time walking around barefoot outside – maybe even all the time. Many of us have known for a long time that it just feels good to reconnect with the earth.

Perhaps you’re one of the people who only go barefoot on special occasions – like at a ritual, or when you’re walking on the beach or in the park. All of these are perfectly okay, and not harmful to you, unless (obviously) you step on something sharp and pointy, or you end up making contact with animal droppings that some negligent pet owner didn’t bother to scoop up.

The bottom line is a simple one. There is no academically reviewed scientific proof that earthing has real, measurable physical benefits to your health. It could, certainly, but so far, the data just isn’t there yet. However, if you feel better walking around barefoot, sleeping on the ground, or digging your hands in the dirt, do it – and do it as much as you like, because it’s certainly not going to hurt. As anecdotal as the evidence may be, many of us feel more relaxed and stress-free when we connect with the earth, and certainly, feeling better mentally can make us feel better overall. Why not get outside and give it a shot, and see what it does for you?