Doctor On Call: The Health Benefits of Touching Grass

In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, the phrase "touch grass" has been circulating on social media for a few years.

The unusual saying actually has some serious medical benefits, according to Dr. Stacy Chronister, an internal medicine specialist with OSU Medicine.

The phrase online is used like 'take a chill pill' or 'calm down,'" explains Dr. Chronister. "But I really think they mean 'be well,' because touching grass has a lot of medical benefit."

As an osteopathic physician, Dr. Chronister has a unique perspective on health and wellness.

"We have all the training of allopathic physicians, so that MD, but we have a different philosophy - the idea that the body can heal itself if given the right environment to do so," she says.

This includes techniques like manipulation, as well as more holistic approaches.

One of those holistic practices is "grounding," which involves directly connecting with the earth.

"The ideal form is that you take off your shoes, and you touch grass, you stand in the grass, and you can just stand there for a few minutes," says Dr. Chronister. "That, in and of itself, gives the brain a lot of feedback about being outside, as well as the energy from the earth that is actually really healthy for us and helps us reenergize."

Studies have shown that grounding can have a profound impact on both physical and mental health. Patients who touch real grass have demonstrated decreased anxiety, blood pressure, and inflammation, as well as improved joint pain and even better wound healing, including for stubborn diabetic ulcers.

"They actually took patients and they said, 'Here's some people who touch real grass, and here's some people who touch artificial turf.' And they found that those who touch real grass had all these benefits," Dr. Chronister explains.

Even for patients who can't go outside, small interactions with nature can make a difference.

"If you can touch a real plant, that in and of itself is helpful," she says. "If you can change the way you drive to work to a path that has more trees, the light that reflects from trees is a different type of light - it's actually a healing type of light...that helps reenergize our mitochondria."

Dr. Chronister emphasizes the importance of balancing modern medicine with ancient practices like spending time in nature.

"I think both of us agree that modern medicine is life-saving, and it is wonderful. But I hope that we can stick with some of the medicine of our ancestors too, which is saying, 'Hey, have you gone outside today? Have you played outdoors? Have you felt the sun in your eyes? We should do that too," she said.

So the next time you're feeling stressed or out of sorts, consider taking a moment to "touch grass" - your mind and body will thank you.