Down to Earth

Dedicated celeb fans can’t get enough of it – but what is earthing and does it really work?

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Gwyneth Paltrow is a fan, and with claims that “earthing” can treat a host of ailments from stress and inflammation to insomnia, it’s also become popular among elite athletes including Aussie surfer Sally Fitzgibbons. But what is it and how does it work?

Also known as grounding, it’s based around the theory that we can all improve our wellbeing by making direct physical contact with the earth’s surface. Like all living things, our bodies are made up of atoms that carry positive, negative and neutral charges. Followers of earthing believe that when we touch conductive surfaces such as sand, soil or concrete, those charges become neutralised.

HOW TO DO IT

The simplest way to become “earthed” is by going for a walk outside – barefoot, as nature intended. However, modern innovations such as buildings, flooring and synthetic-soled shoes mean many of us may have lost this connection.