Answer
Grounding, or earthing, is the practice of physically connecting oneself as closely as possible to the earth by going barefoot, lying on the ground, or lying on a special pad either connected to the earth by grounding wires or a rod or plugged into a wall outlet linked to a “modern earth ground system.” Some people believe that the physical earth has energy that can heal both physical and emotional illnesses. This theory claims that the earth is negatively charged, so, when a human body makes direct contact with the earth, the earth’s electrons neutralize the free radicals in the person’s body. So, is the concept behind grounding true? And if so, is this practice biblically acceptable?
First of all, there is nothing inherently wrong with going barefoot or lying on the ground. Some people enjoy being closer to nature than others do, and it is well-known that fresh air and sunshine can lift the spirits and even speed physical healing. Some aspects of grounding are known in psychological circles as “centering” or “mindfulness,” which helps a person in crisis focus on his or her immediate physical reality, thereby easing anxiety. If that were all that grounding or earthing implied, there would be little problem with it. But the kind of grounding being touted now by some naturopathic websites and doctors goes further than that. Earth grounding incorporates Eastern religious practices and terms such as yoga and chakra (an energy center within the human body). Given the religious dimension, grounding is not about physical wellness. It has crossed over into a type of spirituality that has nothing to do with God as He presents Himself to us in the Bible.
One naturopathic website describes their grounding practices as “spiritual grounding,” which should be a red flag to Bible-believing Christians. Whenever an activity or practice is touted as “spiritual” without a basis in biblical truth or the person of Jesus Christ, that practice is wading into dangerous waters. The term spiritual by itself is not necessarily good. There are many kinds of spirits, but only one Holy Spirit (1 John 4:1; Ephesians 4:4). There are angelic spirits, but there are also demonic spirits (Mark 3:11; Acts 8:7). So simply proclaiming that a person or an activity is “spiritual” does not give us enough information to determine whether or not it is godly.
No clear scientific evidence exists to validate the grounding enthusiast’s claims. The only certified medical expert publicly promoting the healing claims of grounding is Dr. Stephan Sinatra, a cardiologist who says he has found a connection between the human body and the earth’s “energy.” Websites on grounding abound, but none appear to be supported by reputable scientists, pharmacists, or medical practitioners. This fact alone should make us cautious. If grounding were as miraculous as it claims to be, wouldn`t dozens of others be eager to jump on board?
As to whether or not grounding is biblical, the answer is “no” as it pertains to mystical powers. God has not endowed this water-dirt-and-rock planet that we know as Earth with supernatural power of its own. A belief that the earth holds a mystical energy quickly slips into pantheism. God warns us sternly about worshiping the creation rather than the Creator (Deuteronomy 4:19; Romans 1:25). When we attribute supernatural power to anyone or anything other than the Lord, we are creating an idol (see Exodus 20:3).
God is our Creator, and He is ultimately our Healer (Deuteronomy 32:39; Exodus 15:26; Psalm 103:3). Although He has created plants and chemicals that aid in that healing, we must never look for a source of supernatural energy apart from Him. To do so is to invite demonic activity and begin a slippery slide into error. Acts 17:28 points to God alone as the Source and Sustainer of life: “For in him we live and move and have our being.” The earth is not our “mother,” and the sky is not our “father.” The Lord God Almighty is Lord of it all, and from Him only should we seek power.
