Nature's Harmony: A Dive into Grounding, Forest Bathing, and Orange County's Serene Havens

Forest bathing and grounding are two practices that are gaining attention nowadays. In this article, you will find some key concepts, benefits, how to practice these activities and my recommendations of places to go in Orange County, California.

What is grounding?

Grounding, sometimes called earthing, refers to the practice of walking barefoot on natural surfaces like soil, grass, sand, or even rocks. It also refers to activities that electrically reconnect to Earth, like sleeping, working, or sitting outdoors. Other alternatives include lying on the ground, submerging in water, etc. The concept of grounding is to make direct physical contact with the Earth, allowing the body to connect with the Earth's natural electric charge. By making direct physical contact with the Earth, individuals can connect to conductive systems that transfer the Earth's electrons from the ground into the body. There is little scientific research on this grounding- However, some studies suggest that it has multiple health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving immune response, aiding wound healing, and preventing chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases1.

Where did grounding originate?

Grounding has appeared in many cultures and traditions globally throughout history. Most of them have a spiritual sense of connecting with Earth. Many indigenous cultures share the practice of walking barefoot or performing rituals outdoors. In Australia, for example, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples have the tradition of walking barefoot2. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Earth’s energy (called Earth Qi) can balance the body’s energy with numerous health benefits3. However, the modern concept gained popularity in the late 20th century. Clinton Ober, a cable TV salesman, started researching the benefits of grounding. His first anecdotal study was published in 2000. Since then, he conducted 22 peer-reviewed research studies showing the positive effects grounding has on the human body4. The interest in this topic grew after Ober, with Martin Zucker and Stephen Sinatra, published the book "Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever?" in 2010. In this book, they discussed the potential benefits of direct contact with the Earth’s surface. Today, a growing literature on grounding demonstrates its multiple benefits on health. Moreover, grounding became a movement of people interested in alternative health and connection to the earth5.

Benefits of Grounding

Proponents of grounding affirm it has multiple physical and mental health benefits. Recent scientific studies support some of those benefits.

Improves sleep and reduces stress:

A scientific study6 on grounding showed its influence on sleep and circadian cortisol patterns. In this study, 12 participants experiencing pain and sleep difficulties slept grounded for eight weeks. Over this period, their daily cortisol patterns normalized. They reported improved sleep quality and decreased levels of pain and stress. The study showed that grounding the body during sleep results in measurable changes in cortisol secretion levels throughout the day. Subsequently, it will affect sleep quality, pain levels, and stress indicators such as anxiety, depression, and irritability.

Improves the immune response and reduces inflammation

Grounding has positive effects on the immune system, as some studies show. One study focused on the effects of grounding and immune response to muscle soreness caused by exercise7. In this study, eight participants performed eccentric exercises, inducing pain in their leg muscles. Four participants used grounding patches, while the others did not. The researchers took measurements over three days, including pain levels, imaging, cortisol levels, and blood parameters. Grounded subjects reported less pain, and their immune response showed fewer white blood cells. Some studies show that grounding reduces inflammation and promotes healing in injuries. Case studies demonstrate accelerated recovery, reduced pain, and minimal swelling. These include an 84-year-old diabetic woman with a non-healing wound and a cyclist with a leg injury during the Tour de France8. These results suggest that grounding has a potential impact on inflammation. It proposes that Earth's electrons may act as natural antioxidants, reducing inflammation and promoting faster recovery.

Positive effect on cardiovascular health

One small study investigated the impact of grounding on human health, focusing on cardiovascular risk factors. In this study, ten healthy adults were grounded with conductive patches on their feet and hands for two hours. The researchers took blood measurements before and after grounding to determine any changes in red blood cell fluidity9. The results showed significantly less red blood cell clumping after grounding, indicating benefits for cardiovascular health.

Improves mood and reduces pain

One 2018 study focused on the quality of life and pain experienced by massage therapists. In this study, sixteen therapists participated in a 6-week randomized controlled trial, alternating between grounded and ungrounded periods10. The results showed positive effects: Being grounded led to significant improvements in physical function, energy levels, and mood while reducing fatigue, pain, and depressed mood. These improvements lasted even one month after the study, suggesting that grounding can benefit individuals in various aspects of their well-being and overall health.

What is forest bathing?

Forest bathing is a similar concept to that of grounding. It comes from the Japanese words shinrin, which means “forest,” and yoku, which means “bath.” In other words, it means “bathing in the forest atmosphere” or “taking in the forest through our senses.” While grounding emphasizes electrically reconnecting to earth, forest bathing encompasses all interactions with nature and its benefits. However, it focuses on mindfulness, or being fully aware of what surrounds you. It should not be confused with simply trekking or hiking.

Benefits of forest bathing

Multiple studies show the benefits of forest bathing11, confirming what humanity has known for centuries: spending time in nature is good for you.

Lowers blood pleasure

A 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis explored the blood pressure-lowering effects of forest bathing, reviewing 20 trials involving 732 participants12. This study found that systolic blood pressure in the forest environment was significantly lower than in non-forest settings. Diastolic blood pressure also showed a significant decrease in the forest environment. The results suggest that forest bathing significantly reduces blood pressure, with potential for preventive or therapeutic applications.

Positive effect on the immune system

Forest bathing, or shinrinyoku, appears to have positive effects on the immune system, according to a study conducted in 2005. It involved adult Japanese individuals participating in 3-day/2-night forest trips13. Researchers sampled blood and urine before, during, and after the trips, measuring natural killer (NK) activity and immune cell markers. The results showed significantly increased NK activity, higher NK cell numbers, and elevated levels of immune markers during forest bathing. These positive effects lasted over 30 days, which suggests that regular forest bathing could maintain a higher level of NK activity. As this study shows, bathing trips positively influence immune function, supporting potential health benefits.

Helps to recover from illness

The idea that exposure to nature helps patients heal faster is widely accepted. A famous study by Roger Ulrich demonstrated this theory14. In this study, some patients in a suburban Pennsylvania hospital were assigned to rooms with windows looking out on a natural scene. Others were in a room with windows facing a brick building wall. The patients who gazed at nature frequently had shorter postoperative hospital stays. Although this study is not specifically about forest bathing, it indicates that simply gazing at nature can be a healing experience, which is often the goal of forest bathing: absorbing nature’s atmosphere through the senses.

Supports mental health

Forest bathing is not only great for physical health. It also has mental health benefits. A systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the mental health benefits of forest bathing15. The findings suggest that this practice can effectively reduce short-term negative mental health symptoms with significant effects on anxiety. Forest bathing caused improvements in depression, anxiety, and anger. In this sense, people struggling with mental health could benefit from spending more time outdoors.

Boosts creativity

In a world where adults and children spend more and more time interacting with technology and less time in nature, a group of researchers asked themselves what implications this has for mental health. They conducted a study investigating the impact of spending four days immersed in nature, disconnected from technology, on creative problem-solving tasks. This research explores the cognitive effects of exposure to natural settings, focusing on higher-order functions like creative reasoning. The study made the subjects participate in a four-day nature immersion. After the trip, the subjects showed a 50% improvement in creative problem-solving performance. The researchers attributed the cognitive advantage to increased exposure to emotionally positive, low-arousing natural stimuli and reduced exposure to attention-demanding technology.

Ethical practices in grounding and forest bathing

Respect for nature

Be careful: avoid trampling on delicate plants or disturbing wildlife habitats. If you see animals, observe them from a distance and avoid disturbing their natural behaviors. Do not pick plants, flowers, or any natural items during your experience.

Leave no trace

Minimize impact and pack out all the trash or waste you generate during your visit to nature. 

Choose safe locations

Select the location carefully to ensure safety. Avoid areas with potential hazards like sharp objects or electrical dangers.

Cultural sensitivity

Do your research and get informed about any cultural or indigenous practices associated with your chosen location. Make sure to be respectful of their culture and do not disturb them.

Compliance with regulations

Investigate and follow local regulations and guidelines regarding the use of public or private lands.

Avoid overcrowding

If you plan to go to a public space, be considerate of others and avoid overcrowding or disturbing the peace. Going alone or in small groups can also improve the experience for you.

Stay on designated paths

Stick to established trails to minimize impact on vegetation and wildlife habitats.

Mindful photography

If you want to take photos, do it with responsibility. For example, avoid intrusive actions and any disturbance to the environment.

Educate yourself and others

Learn about ethical practices and share them with others to promote responsible behavior.

How to apply to daily practice

Here are some recommendations to practice forest bathing and grounding

Find a place

Do your research and try to find a location that is free from disturbance to the natural environment. If you can’t find it, you should know you don’t need to journey deep into a forest. You can get the same benefits in a nearby lake, forest, mountain, natural preserve, or local park.

Connect physically to the ground

If possible, wear clothing, especially shoes, that do not insulate you from the ground. For instance shoes made of plastic or thick rubber will disconnect you from the earths magnetic frequencies, so take some time to ground and take off your shoes.

Engage all your senses

Spend all the time you need. Don’t do this in a rush. Slow down, breathe, and see all the things that surround you. If you take off your shoes and walk, or lay on the ground, feel the soil and all the textures. Be mindful of the natural scents of plants. Pay attention to all the different sounds: the river, the rustling leaves, the birds singing, and anything you can hear.

Avoid distractions

Don’t bring your phone, headphones, or anything that could distract you from this experience or disturb the peace in this natural environment.

Try activities that suit you

Use your imagination and try different activities in nature. Meditate, practice yoga, paint what you can see, swim in the river, stretch, walk barefoot, or simply contemplate nature.

Do it often

Try to make forest bathing and grounding a frequent activity, at least once a week, to enjoy the benefits. If it is difficult to leave the city, go to a nearby park or even your garden.

Best places in Orange County, California for practicing forest bathing and grounding

There are numerous benefits of grounding and forest bathing, two practices rooted in nature. Anyone can benefit from them. If you are interested, take the initiative and visit these places in Orange County to start your experience.

Santiago Oaks Regional Park

Santiago Oaks Regional Park is a 1,269-acre park featuring expansive views, local history, and two noteworthy dams. It consists of a diverse multi-use trail system through riparian and chaparral environments.

Carbon Canyon Regional Park

Carbon Canyon Regional Park provides an optimal setting for a summer forest bath beneath the redwoods through a 2-mile loop in Orange County. The abundant wildlife adds to the allure, and a network of interconnected trails guides visitors through shaded groves, culminating in a lookout that affords a breathtaking panorama of Orange and the surrounding foothills.

Fullerton Arboretum

Fullerton Arboretum is a botanical garden located in Fullerton. It encompasses 26 acres, constituting a prominent botanical garden housing a diverse array of plants sourced globally. Besides, it is the most extensive botanical garden in Orange County, boasting a comprehensive collection exceeding 4,000 plants. This Arboretum plays a vital role in preserving species on the brink of extinction, functioning as a repository for such endangered varieties. It also serves as an educational hub, imparting knowledge on agricultural history.

References:

  1. Oschman, James, Gaetan Chevalier, and Richard Brown. “The Effects of Grounding (Earthing) on Inflammation, the Immune Response, Wound Healing, and Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases.” Journal of Inflammation Research (2015): 83.

  2. Davidson, D. S. “Footwear of the Australian Aborigines: Environmental vs. Cultural Determination.” Southwestern Journal of Anthropology 3.2 (1947): 114–123.

  3. Yang, Jwing-Ming. “Basic Concepts of Qi and Qigong - Part 1.” YMAA. YMAA Publication Center, Inc, 21 Sept. 2021.

  4. “About Clint Ober.” Earthing. EarthFX, Inc., n.d. Web. 07 Jan. 2024.

  5. “Join Community.” Grounded.com. n.d. Web. 07 Jan. 2024.

  6. Ghaly, Maurice, and Dale Teplitz. “The biologic effects of grounding the human body during sleep as measured by cortisol levels and subjective reporting of sleep, pain, and stress.” Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) vol. 10,5 (2004): 767-76. doi:10.1089/acm.2004.10.767

  7. Brown, Dick et al. “Pilot study on the effect of grounding on delayed-onset muscle soreness.” Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) vol. 16,3 (2010): 265-73. doi:10.1089/acm.2009.0399

  8. Amalu, W. Medical Thermography Case Studies, 74.63.154.231/here/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Amalu_thermographic_case_studies_2004.pdf.

  9. Chevalier, Gaétan et al. “Earthing (grounding) the human body reduces blood viscosity-a major factor in cardiovascular disease.” Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) vol. 19,2 (2013): pp. 102-10. doi:10.1089/acm.2011.0820

  10. Chevalier, Gaétan et al. “The Effects of Grounding (Earthing) on Bodyworkers' Pain and Overall Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Explore (New York, N.Y.) vol. 15,3 (2019): 181-190. doi:10.1016/j.explore.2018.10.001

  11.  Li, Qing et al. “Effects of Forest Bathing on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Parameters in Middle-Aged Males.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2016 (2016): 2587381. doi:10.1155/2016/2587381

  12. Ideno, Yuki et al. “Blood pressure-lowering effect of Shinrin-yoku (Forest bathing): a systematic review and meta-analysis.” BMC complementary and alternative medicine vol. 17,1 409. 16 Aug. 2017, doi:10.1186/s12906-017-1912-z

  13. Li, Qing. “Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function.” Environmental health and preventive medicine vol. 15,1 (2010): 9-17. doi:10.1007/s12199-008-0068-3

  14. Ulrich, R S. “View through a window may influence recovery from surgery.” Science (New York, N.Y.) vol. 224,4647 (1984): 420-1. doi:10.1126/science.6143402

  15.  Clarke, Fiona J., Yasuhiro Kotera, and Kirsten McEwan. “A Qualitative Study Comparing Mindfulness and Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing): Practitioners’ Perspectives.” Sustainability 13.12 (2021): 6761.

  16.  Atchley, Ruth Ann, David L. Strayer, and Paul Atchley. “Creativity in the Wild: Improving Creative Reasoning through Immersion in Natural Settings.” PLoS ONE 7.12 (2012).

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