FAQs

What is grounding/earthing?

Grounding, also called earthing, is the practice of connecting your body directly to the Earth's natural electrical energy. This can be done by walking barefoot outdoors or using specialised grounding products indoors that connect to the Earth through your home's electrical grounding system, like the ones we sell.

How do grounding mats work?

Grounding mats are made with conductive materials that connect to the Earth via a grounding wire plugged into the grounding port of a standard electrical outlet. This creates a path for electrons to flow between your body and the Earth, just as they would if you were walking barefoot outside.

Is there scientific evidence that grounding works?

Yes, there is scientific research supporting grounding benefits. Studies have shown positive effects including reduced inflammation, improved immune response, reduced stress, improved blood flow, and elevated mood. While research is still ongoing, preliminary studies indicate grounding has a calming and balancing effect on the nervous system.

Below is a list of studies:

Chevalier et al. (2012): Grounding may reduce inflammation and improve sleep via electron transfer. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/291541
Oschman et al. (2015): Grounding reduces inflammation and pain in injury recovery. https://www.dovepress.com/the-effects-of-grounding-earthing-on-inflammation-the-immune-response--peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JIR
Chevalier et al. (2019): Grounding decreases pain and stress in massage therapists. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2018.10.001
Menigoz et al. (2020): Grounding improves sleep, inflammation, and cardiovascular health. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2019.10.005
Mousa (2022): Grounding may alleviate COVID-19 symptoms through antioxidant effects. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9442749/
Sokal et al. (2018): Grounding may lower blood pressure in hypertensive individuals. https://www.healthline.com/health/grounding
Brown et al. (2022): Grounding shortens respiratory infection duration in preterm infants. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/10/6/1038

How long should you ground for?

For optimal benefits, aim for at least 30 minutes of grounding daily. Many people experience enhanced benefits with longer sessions of 1-2 hours or overnight grounding with sheets. However, even 15-20 minutes can provide some benefits. Consistency is key—regular daily grounding typically yields better results than occasional longer sessions.

How do I know if grounding is working?

Many people don't feel immediate sensations when grounding. The effects are often subtle and cumulative. Signs that grounding is working may include improved sleep quality, reduced pain or inflammation, feeling more energised during the day, or experiencing less stress and anxiety. Some people report feeling a subtle tingling or warmth, but this varies greatly between individuals.

Why don't I feel anything when I use the grounding product?

Not feeling immediate sensations is completely normal and doesn't mean the product isn't working. Grounding effects are often subtle and build up over time. Some people are simply less sensitive to the energy transfer. As long as your product is properly connected to a grounded outlet (verified with an outlet tester), it's working even if you don't feel immediate sensations.

Do I need to be barefoot on the grounding mat?

For optimal conductivity, direct skin contact with the grounding mat is recommended. Bare feet work well because the soles have many nerve endings and sweat glands that enhance conductivity. However, any skin contact (hands, arms, legs) will work.

Where should I place my grounding mat?

Common placements include under your desk where your bare feet can rest while working, in front of your couch where your feet can touch while relaxing, on your bed for overnight grounding, or under your keyboard or mouse pad where your wrists or arms make contact.

Are grounding mats safe?

Yes, grounding mats are safe when used properly. They connect only to the grounding port of your electrical outlet, not to the electrical current. Quality grounding products like those from Truly Grounded include built-in safety features such as resistors that limit current flow for additional protection. Always verify your outlet is properly grounded using an outlet tester before connecting your grounding product.

Why does my laptop give me a shock when it is on the grounding mat?

This sensation occurs because your laptop's power supply may have a small voltage leak (called "dirty electricity"). When both you and the laptop are on the grounding mat, this leakage current can be felt as a mild tingling sensation. This isn't dangerous but can be uncomfortable. To prevent this:

Use your laptop on battery power when on the grounding mat
Use a grounded power cord for your laptop
Place your grounding mat where it won't contact your laptop or its power supply

Are there any dangers associated with using grounding products?

When used properly, grounding products are safe. Potential concerns to be aware of:

Always verify your outlet is properly grounded using an outlet tester
Unplug during thunderstorms as a precaution
Consult your doctor if you have a pacemaker or are on blood-thinning medication, as grounding can have blood-thinning effects
Some people may experience detoxification symptoms when first starting grounding

Is it safe to use grounding products during thunderstorms?

As a precaution, it's recommended to unplug all grounding products during thunderstorms. While the risk is minimal in modern homes with proper electrical systems, unplugging provides an extra layer of safety.

What are the benefits of using grounding products?

Research and user experiences suggest numerous potential benefits:

Reduced inflammation and pain
Improved sleep quality
Reduced stress and anxiety
Enhanced immune function
Improved circulation
Accelerated healing
Increased energy levels
Normalised cortisol rhythm (stress hormone)

How long before I notice results from grounding?

The timeframe varies significantly between individuals. Some people report feeling calmer or sleeping better after their first grounding session, while others may take weeks of consistent use to notice changes. Most people notice some benefits within 2-4 weeks of regular daily grounding.

Can grounding help with sleep issues?

Yes, improved sleep is one of the most commonly reported benefits of grounding. Research suggests grounding helps regulate cortisol levels (stress hormone) and supports your natural circadian rhythm. Many users report falling asleep faster, experiencing deeper sleep, and waking feeling more refreshed when using grounding sheets or sleeping on a grounding mat.

Can grounding help with inflammation and pain?

Yes, reduced inflammation is one of the primary scientifically-documented benefits of grounding. The Earth's free electrons act as natural antioxidants, neutralising free radicals that cause inflammation. Many users report significant pain reduction, especially for inflammatory conditions like arthritis, after consistent grounding.

How do I test if my grounding mat is working properly?

To verify your grounding mat is working:

Use the outlet tester to confirm your outlet is properly grounded
You can purchase a voltage meter to measure the difference in your body voltage when touching vs. not touching the grounding product

You can watch our video for detailed instructions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=halQ_da2jF8

How do I clean and maintain my grounding mat?

Clean your grounding mat with a damp cloth using mild soap if needed. Never use harsh chemicals or bleach as they can damage the conductive material. Allow the mat to air dry completely before using again. Avoid machine washing or submerging your mat in water unless the manufacturer specifically states it's safe to do so.

What's the difference between different grounding products (mats, sheets, pillowcases)?

Grounding mats: Versatile for use at desks, on floors, or in specific areas where you spend time. Good for daytime grounding.
Grounding sheets: Cover part or all of your bed for overnight grounding while you sleep. Often considered the most effective option as they provide 7-8 hours of continuous grounding.
Grounding pillowcases: Allow for grounding through your head and face while sleeping. Can be used alone or with other grounding products for enhanced effect.

Do I need a special outlet to use grounding products?

No special outlet is required, just a standard three-prong outlet with a proper ground connection. Before using your grounding product, verify the outlet is correctly grounded using an outlet tester. If the tester indicates a problem with the ground, consult an electrician before using your grounding product with that outlet.

Is grounding just a placebo effect?

While some benefits may be enhanced by positive expectation, research shows measurable physiological changes from grounding that cannot be explained by placebo alone. These include reduced inflammation markers in the blood, changes in heart rate variability, alterations in brain waves, and shifts in cortisol patterns.

Is walking barefoot outside just as effective as using grounding products?

Walking barefoot outside on conductive surfaces (grass, soil, sand, concrete) is the original and most natural form of grounding. It's highly effective and free! Indoor grounding products were developed to provide the same benefits when outdoor grounding isn't practical due to weather, location, or lifestyle. Both methods connect you to the Earth's energy.

Do grounding mats help mitigate the harmful effects of EMF?

This is a complex question with mixed evidence. Grounding appears to help the body better cope with environmental stressors, including EMF exposure. By connecting to Earth's stable electrical potential, grounding may help neutralise induced voltage in the body from EMFs. However, grounding products don't block or shield EMFs directly.