How Fabric Effects the Electricity of the Body: Natural vs Synthetic Fabrics

Electrical Systems of the Human Body and Skin

The human body is not only biochemical; it is fundamentally electrical. Every nerve impulse, heartbeat, muscle contraction, and cellular exchange depends on bioelectric signals. The surface of the skin itself is an electrical field constantly interacting with the environment and internal body systems. The nervous system functions as a network of electrical circuits, and together with the skin’s field, creates measurable electrical potentials.

Different types of clothing can alter this electrical potential. Synthetic fabrics build up static charge on the body, which can be felt when touching metal, and bioenergetic practitioners have observed that this static disrupts the body’s electrical network, affecting overall health.

How Different Fabrics Interact With the Body’s Electrical Field

Clothing plays a crucial role in the body–environment interface. Some fabrics allow electrical charges to dissipate naturally, while others trap or amplify static electricity, influencing comfort, thermoregulation, and nervous system regulation.

Clothing as Conductor, Insulator, or Disruptor

Conductor: allows excess charge to release
Insulator: traps static electricity
Disruptor: generates artificial charge through friction

Clothing and Chi Flow – John Veltheim’s Experiments

Research by John Veltheim, former Principal of the Brisbane College of Traditional Acupuncture and Natural Therapies, shows how clothing affects chi flow along the meridians. Using sensitive equipment to monitor energy flow, experiments demonstrated:

Inserting an acupuncture needle at Stomach 36 (just below the knee) increases energy along the stomach meridian—up the leg, through the stomach, into the chest, and to the eyes.
When the patient was naked, energy flow measured 100 units.
Wearing nylon underwear reduced energy flow by up to 60%, requiring twice as many acupuncture treatments to achieve the same effect.
Wearing cotton underwear reduced energy flow by 20%.

These experiments show that clothing, particularly synthetic fabrics, can significantly restrict chi flow, affecting both treatment efficiency and overall energy balance.

Natural vs Synthetic Fabrics and Static Electricity

One of the most noticeable differences between fabrics is their effect on static electricity.

Synthetic Fabrics

Polyester, nylon, acrylic, and fleece:

Accumulate static electricity easily
Do not release electrical charge efficiently
Can cling, spark, or crackle, especially in dry environments

Many people feel restless, overheated, or uncomfortable when sleeping in synthetic fabrics.

Natural Fabrics

Fibers such as wool, cotton, linen, silk, and hemp:

Dissipate static electricity more readily
Regulate moisture, which reduces charge buildup
Support the body’s electrical field and chi flow

Wool, in particular, has hygroscopic properties that stabilize moisture and temperature. Learn more about our 100% wool sleeping bags for natural comfort and temperature regulation.

Outdoor Sleep Experiments: Fabric, Electricity, and Comfort

Personal experience (see full story below) shows how fabrics impact sleep outdoors. On a clear night, sleeping in a wool sleeping bag and natural fiber clothing resulted in minimal static and consistent warmth, even in cold, dry conditions.

Friends using synthetic sleeping bags or polyester layers often reported discomfort and restlessness. These experiences confirm that natural fabrics help maintain the body’s electrical rhythm and support chi flow.

Camping trips also demonstrate temperature regulation: wool keeps the body warm without overheating, while synthetic layers trap moisture, creating cold spots. Discover our organic wool layers and blankets for optimal outdoor sleep.

Wool, Grounding, and Electrical Balance

Grounding (earthing) allows the body to exchange electrical charge with the earth. Wool is naturally antistatic and breathable, allowing micro-discharges and reducing electrical stress. Sleeping on natural surfaces with wool bedding enhances calm and sleep quality. For this experience, explore our wool sleeping bag liners.

Fabric Choice, Sleep Quality, and Nervous System Health

Sleep is highly sensitive to electrical disturbances. Choosing natural fabrics can:

Reduce static electricity
Improve temperature regulation
Support calmer nervous system signaling
Minimize sleep disruption

Outdoor experiences demonstrate that fabric choice—wool versus polyester—affects sleep depth, awakenings, and overall comfort. See our full range of natural fiber outdoor gear for restful sleep.

Traditional Perspectives on Clothing and Energy Flow

Traditional medicine, including Chinese systems, describes the body as surrounded by an energetic field (wei chi). Clothing that restricts airflow or creates static can interfere with this field. John Veltheim’s research supports this, showing how clothing can measurably affect chi flow along meridians.

Choosing Fabrics That Support the Body

Guidelines for supporting your body’s electrical and energetic balance:

Favor natural fibers over synthetics
Choose breathable, minimally processed materials
Avoid plastic-based fabrics for sleepwear and bedding
Pay attention to how your body feels

Consistent use of natural fabrics enhances comfort, sleep quality, and electrical balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does clothing affect the body’s electrical field?

Yes. Clothing materials influence static electricity and chi flow, affecting the body’s natural electrical field.

Do synthetic fabrics increase static electricity while sleeping?

Yes. Synthetic fabrics trap charge and can disrupt comfort and sleep quality.

Is wool a grounding fabric?

Wool is naturally antistatic, stabilizes temperature, and supports electrical balance.

What are the best fabrics for sleeping naturally?

Wool, organic cotton, linen, and silk are preferred for breathability, moisture regulation, and low static buildup.

My Outdoor Sleeping Experiments

The Birth of Lucky Sheep Wool Sleeping Bag

This discovery led to the first Lucky Sheep Wool Sleeping Bag prototype. I embarked on a journey, taking the sleeping bag and other natural fiber clothing and tents/tipi. My aim was to experiment with sleeping outdoors almost full time. I tested various environments, from meadows to deep forests, mountain streams, and water bodies. Pushing my experiment to its limits, I completely moved outside into a tipi with no heat, aiming to observe the effects of natural elements like the Schumann’s Resonance and the winter cold on my body.

The Paleo Diet and My Experience

I emerged triumphant. Surprisingly, my friends found it hard to believe. My journey defied the established paradigm that modern conveniences were not just vital for survival, but for comfort. What made my endeavor successful was the PALEO DIET, which empowered me to handle the cold and effectively generate heat. My experience challenges most conventional beliefs. I felt like I was living in an entirely different dimension, a reality founded on my diet. Those who haven’t adopted this diet will find it hard to relate to my journey. Not only did I survive, but I thrived!

Living Outside: My Daily Life

The results were undeniable. My sleep improved dramatically. The moment I lay down, I would relax instantly. I felt connected to the Schumann’s Field, and it was as though I was “drinking” the air. The outside cold never bothered me, even when the temperature inches from my skin dropped below freezing. I remained alert, active, and engaged, both mentally and socially. From a biological standpoint, I realized that modern heating wasn’t necessary. However, socially, it was challenging to maintain hygiene and appearance while balancing responsibilities between my outdoor and societal lives. Nonetheless, I resided in the tipi intermittently for three years, embracing the Paleolithic Philosophy to its extreme.

Physical Benefits

Living outdoors in the heart of winter was just the beginning. My daily life included walking or biking several miles to work and social events. Observing my counterparts, mostly my age or younger, they lived indoors and drove vehicles. To them, my lifestyle was alien. Whenever I shared my experience, they responded with disbelief and fear. Some even said, “it makes me cold just to think about it.” The underlying fear for many was that my theories might indeed be accurate. To get them to consider my perspective, I knew I had to prove my theories. Yet, even with evidence, many remained skeptical.

I developed a routine of greeting the sunrise and, several times a week, would dive into the icy river when the air temperature was above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Far from feeling run down, I adapted to the cold. Not only did my hands stop feeling numb, but I also noticed other health improvements. My metabolic rate increased, my eyesight improved, and injuries healed faster.

The Results of My Experiment

To delve deeper into my experience, check out my blog series, “The Tipi