Earthing claims walking barefoot cures diseases through electron transfer. Jessica Wynn debunks this $5 billion pseudoscience industry on Skeptical Sunday!
Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and a guest break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions. This time around, we’re joined by Jessica Wynn!
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1176
On This Week's Skeptical Sunday:
- Earthing lacks scientific credibility. The theory that touching earth transfers healing electrons to cure diseases has no legitimate scientific backing. Physics experts confirm that being "short by a few electrons" among the 10 octillion electrons in our bodies cannot influence health.
- The research is fundamentally flawed. The 26 studies cited by earthing proponents involve the same small group of authors citing each other, use tiny sample sizes, and employ vague language that wouldn't meet basic scientific standards.
- It's a massive commercial enterprise. The global earthing equipment market was valued at $5.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $9.18 billion by 2032, selling products like grounding mats, copper-threaded sheets, and earthing blankets with no proven benefits.
- Extreme practices pose real dangers. Some practitioners walk barefoot in snow, on freeways, or sleep directly on ground, risking frostbite, infections, injuries, and exposure to bacteria and parasites.
- Embrace nature connection the right way. Go outside, walk in parks, touch trees, and lie in grass — these activities genuinely benefit mental health through fresh air, sunlight, movement, and mindfulness. Just don't replace evidence-based medicine with dirt, and enjoy nature's real benefits without the pseudoscience.
- Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
- Connect with Jessica Wynn at Instagram and Threads, and subscribe to her newsletter: Between the Lines!
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