While the concept of magnetic therapy can be traced back to the time of Cleopatra, a much more recent phenomenon called grounding (or earthing) has been gaining popularity as a natural approach to health and well-being.
Although both involve interactions with electromagnetic forces, they work in fundamentally different ways at the biological level. Each taps into physics and biology in fascinating ways, but don’t worry—we’ll keep it simple with everyday examples to make sense of the science.
Key Questions:
- How does grounding balance electrical charge?
- How do static multipolar magnets influence the nervous system?
- Are they doing the same thing?
Let’s dive into the key scientific differences between these two therapies—and why they work differently but can still be compatible.
Grounding (Earthing): Restoring Electrical Balance
How It Works
Grounding, or earthing, is based on the idea that direct contact with the Earth’s surface allows free electrons to enter the body, neutralizing excess positive charge caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, and daily exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs).
It’s thought that this electrical imbalance has become common, particularly with modern city living. Being surrounded by insulating materials such as carpets and concrete and always wearing insulating soled shoes to for instance.
Key Principles:
- As we lose grounding touch-points, our bodies natural loss of electrons over time causes us to become relatively positively charged with respect to the Earth.
- The Earth has a negative electrical charge, and when you walk barefoot, sleep on a grounding mat, or touch conductive surfaces connected to the ground, electrons flow into your body
- This electron transfer is believed to neutralize free radicals, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress
- Grounding may have anti-inflammatory effects, helping with conditions like chronic pain, stress reduction, and improved sleep.
Example of Grounding in Action:
Think about how refreshed you feel after walking barefoot on a beach. The direct contact with the Earth allows electrons to flow into your body, helping to stabilize electrical charge imbalances.
The clouds produce lots of extra negatively charged electrons and a lightening strike is simply earth’s way of balancing up the charges with the ionosphere.
Magnetic Field Therapy with Q Magnets: Modulating Pain and Nerve Function
How It Works
Unlike grounding, magnetic therapy with Q Magnets does not transfer electrical charge but instead interacts with nerve function, pain perception, and ion channels in the body using carefully engineered multipolar magnetic fields.
Key Principles:
- Multipolar magnetic fields create steep field gradients, which can modulate pain perception at the nerve level
- Static magnetic fields influence ion channel activity at the cell membrane, potentially reducing pain signalling and neuroinflammation
- Unlike grounding, which works through electrical charge balance, Q Magnets interact with the nervous system at the cellular level to influence pain modulation and recovery.
Example of Magnetic Therapy in Action:
Imagine you have chronic lower back pain. Placing a Q Magnet over the affected area does not change your body’s charge like grounding but modifies how nerve cells fire and transmit pain signals—helping to reduce discomfort.
See if can find one of our testimonies with the image, otherwise just use this one.
There are no electrons (or charge) being transferred from the magnet to the body. Static magnets are permanent magnets, meaning they remain magnetized for years and don’t need recharging. This is because the unpaired electrons in the material are aligned and spin in one direction, producing a stable magnetic field that penetrates the body.
Breaking Down the Differences: A Simple Comparison
| Feature | Grounding (Earthing) | Magnetic Field Therapy (Q Magnets) |
| Main Mechanism | Electron transfer to balance charge | Modulates nerve activity and pain perception |
| Field Type | Natural negative charge from the Earth | Static multipolar magnetic field with gradients |
| Possible Effects | Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation | Alters pain signalling, nerve function, and recovery |
| Works Through | Restoring electrical balance in cells | Modifying ion channels and nervous system activity |
| Primary Benefit | Anti-inflammatory, relaxation, and improved sleep | Targeted pain relief, nerve function support, and better recovery |
| Example | Walking barefoot on grass, using a grounding mat |
Placing a Q Magnet on an area of pain to modulate nerve signalling
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Can Grounding and Magnetic Therapy Work Together?
Absolutely! While they operate through different mechanisms, grounding and Q Magnets can complement each other. Someone experiencing chronic inflammation may benefit from grounding, while targeted pain relief and nervous system modulation can be achieved using Q Magnets.
If you’re using a grounding mat, always place it on top of any magnetic blanket, like Q Blankets. Grounding mats require direct contact with your skin to be effective. While magnetic fields pass through grounding mats without obstruction, keeping the magnet as close to the body as possible is ideal—but direct contact isn’t necessary.
Q Blankets: A Unique Option for Widespread Magnetic Therapy
Our Q Blankets provide a less targeted magnetic field, but one that is more widespread—making them ideal for whole-body benefits. While individual Q Magnets are used for localized pain relief, Q Blankets work well when combined with an earthing pad to provide a more comprehensive approach to recovery and wellness.
For example:
- If nerve pain, injury recovery, or chronic pain is your issue, Q Magnets are designed to directly influence pain pathways in a way grounding cannot.
- If you need a widespread, whole-body effect, Q Blankets provide broad exposure to therapeutic magnetic fields, complementing the benefits of grounding mats.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between balancing electrical charge (grounding) and modulating nerve activity through magnetic field gradients (Q Magnets) helps clarify why these therapies are not interchangeable.
If you’re looking for targeted pain relief and nerve modulation, Q Magnets offer a scientifically backed approach that goes beyond simple charge balancing.
Featured product: Q28 Blanket (M)
Dimensions: 5’x3’ (150×90 cm) | 28 embedded QF28-3 therapeutic-grade magnets | Weight: 2700g. Designed for full-body magnetic therapy, this blanket delivers consistent magnetic field distribution through durable, breathable materials. Ideal for extended use during rest or recovery sessions.
