Down To Earth

Why Your Feet Matter More Than You Think

The soles of your feet are rich in acupuncture points and are known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as the body’s “second heart.” Stimulating these points—through massage, pressure, or natural contact—can help balance your body and support overall wellness.

Walking barefoot on natural surfaces like soil, grass, or sand allows your feet to directly connect with the Earth. TCM teaches that this connection helps absorb natural "earth energy," promoting harmony between yin and yang. It's no wonder the old saying goes:

“Walk barefoot more, and you'll have fewer aches and pains.”

Reconnect with nature—one step at a time.

What Is Earth Qi ? Earth Qi refers to the natural energy that rises from the ground's surface. According to traditional beliefs, this vital energy can only be absorbed when you are physically close to the Earth.In rural areas, walking barefoot on dirt paths allows the body to fully receive Earth Qi — helping promote health and reduce illness. In contrast, modern city living — surrounded by concrete and elevated buildings—disconnects us from this grounding energy.To restore this connection, it’s important for urban dwellers to spend time walking in parks, gardens, or open fields. Reconnecting with nature in this way helps replenish Earth Qi and supports overall well-being.

Have you noticed how children instinctively take off their shoes and run barefoot on the beach—laughing, playing, and feeling completely free? Or how girls love soaking their feet in a river, and how adults feel a deep sense of relaxation walking barefoot along the shore ? Going barefoot connects us directly with the Earth. In today’s world, we’re surrounded by artificial surfaces and constantly exposed to electromagnetic waves from phones, Wi-Fi, and electronic devices. These invisible forces can disrupt the body’s natural bioelectric balance, contributing to stress, fatigue, and even unexplained health issues.

How to utilize existing resources for "Grounding" ?

In today’s modern urban lifestyle, we spend most of our time wearing shoes—and even when we’re home, we’re surrounded by concrete and steel. As a result, we’ve lost our natural connection with the Earth.

Introducing "Grounding"

Functions of the 3-prong electrical outlet

In a standard three-hole electrical socket, the left and right slots are the live wire and neutral wire is responsible for delivering and returning electrical current. You can think of them as the "+" and "–" of the power circuit.

But what about the top hole? That’s the ground wire.

The ground wire is connected to a metal rod or structure—like a steel pipe or angle iron—buried in the earth. Because soil contains water and minerals rich in free ions, it conducts electricity. When the ground wire is in contact with the soil, any stray current or electrical leakage is safely dispersed into the ground, preventing shocks and protecting equipment.

Think of the ground wire as a safety pipe that leads excess electricity straight into the Earth. This makes the top hole of the socket a direct path for grounding—meaning you can achieve the benefits of grounding by connecting to it properly.

Ground

The grounding wire is a wire that connects directly to the Earth. Often called a safety loop, it acts as a lifeline by safely channeling excess voltage into the ground during electrical faults.

In some cases—due to poor insulation or humid environments—household appliances may build up static electricity on their metal surfaces. This can lead to electric shocks or accidents. To prevent this, a grounding wire can be attached to the appliance’s metal casing, with the other end connected to the Earth.

If a leak or electrical fault occurs, the grounding wire safely redirects the current into the ground, preventing harm. At home, the grounding hole in a three-prong socket is already linked to the Earth, allowing your appliances—or even grounding products—to be effectively grounded.

The Founder of "Grounding Mat"

Clint Ober

The concept and development of the grounding mat are largely credited to Clint Ober, a former executive in the cable television industry. Observing that electrical systems maintain stability and safety through grounding, he hypothesized that direct contact with the Earth's natural electrons could also benefit human health. This idea laid the foundation for what is now known as grounding or earthing—a practice that connects the human body to the Earth to promote balance and well-being.

Cardiologist

Dr. Stephen Sinatra

He is a board-certified cardiologist with a specialization in integrative medicine and is also a certified bioenergetic psychotherapist. He earned his MD from Albany Medical College in New York in 1972 and became board-certified in internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine in 1975. He has been a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology since 1977.

In addition to his medical credentials, he is certified by the Massachusetts Society for Bioenergetics (1992) and is a Board Certified Nutrition Specialist (2000). He later joined forces with Clint Ober to form a research team focused on studying the effects of grounding pads on cardiovascular health.

Biophysicist

Dr. James Oschman

Professor James Oschman, PhD, is widely recognized for his pioneering work on "healing energy," a topic he explored in a groundbreaking series of articles published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. With a strong foundation in both academic science and alternative medicine, Dr. Oschman brings a unique perspective to the study of energy-based healing.

He holds degrees in biophysics and biology from the University of Pittsburgh and has conducted research at some of the world’s most respected institutions, including the University of Cambridge (UK), Case Western Reserve University, the University of Copenhagen, Northwestern University (as a faculty member), and the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole (as a staff scientist). His work has been published in numerous top-tier scientific journals.

Together with Clint Ober, Dr. Oschman co-founded a research team focused on investigating the effects of grounding mats on inflammation, sleep quality, and pain reduction.

National Geographic 1 Jan 2025

On January 1, 2025, National Geographic, one of the world’s most respected publications, released a special issue focused on inflammation in the human body. Titled the 2025 Anti-Inflammation Special Issue, this print edition explores inflammation from multiple angles—including diet, scientific advancements, and exercise.

Among the therapies featured, the article notably highlights Earth energy as a natural anti-inflammatory approach, offering readers insights into grounding and its potential health benefits. This English-language publication serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the latest anti-inflammatory research and apply practical recommendations in everyday life.

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