Is grounding safe?
One of the most common questions people ask when first getting into grounding is “is grounding safe?” This is a reasonable question when discussing body voltage and benefits from the Earth’s electromagnetic fields, so let’s take a moment to delve deeper into the subject! Here’s some information on grounding, safety, side effects and more.
What Is Grounding?
If you haven’t heard of “grounding” or “earthing” before, let’s start with some of the basics. Grounding is a natural, therapeutic technique where you engage in activities that “ground” or electrically reconnect you to the earth. Chances are, at some point in your life, you’ve walked barefoot in nature, feeling connected to the Earth beneath your bare feet and the rush of a feeling of oneness with the planet we live on. It is thought that this practice results in electrical charges from the earth having positive health benefits for the human body.
How Does a Grounding Mat Help With This?
Of course, not everyone can walk outside completely barefoot. If you experience disabilities, walking outdoors might not be suitable for you. If you live in an inner city and don’t have a garden of your own, chances are, walking barefoot will simply put you in contact with concrete and a bunch of other hazardous materials, such as broken glass, nails and more. If you live somewhere with a hot climate or a particularly cold climate, walking barefoot may be uncomfortable or even dangerous, burning or freezing the soles of your feet. This is where a grounding mat can come into play. Grounding products like grounding mats or grounding sheets are specialist mats that has been designed to mimic the effects of grounding outdoors. It achieves this goal by plugging into the ground port of your home’s electrical outlet. This may initially sound a little scary or hazardous, but don’t worry; you’re not plugging into an electrical outlet. Instead, you are plugging into electrons from the earth that are then passed through the ground wire of your home.
Are There Any Grounding Mat Dangers?
While connection to the earth by simply walking barefoot outside seems relatively risk free, many people feel a little daunted by the use of an earthing product like grounding mats. This is understandable. We advise that you carefully follow the information provided with your grounding mat. When you first get your mat, plug your supplied socket tester into the mains socket and turn the socket switch ON. A combination of lights will show whether that point has a connection to the earth. Only use your grounding mat if the tester displays the message “OK” or “CORRECT earth”. If after testing your socket tester does not display an OK or CORRECT, then please consult an electrician before using the outlet. If this message doesn’t display, make sure to consult an electrician before going any further.
Grounding for Individuals with Electro Sensitivity
You may find that you feel a strange energy when you first start grounding, or that you may even feel a little ill. If you experience this, chances are, you’re electrosensitive. It’s important to know that this sensation is simply the Earth’s natural energy and is part of your body adjusting and to this new part of your routine. Of course, if you feel uncomfortable or unwell, we recommend stopping Earthing and consulting your doctor. You may find that you can try again at a later point, perhaps for shorter periods and gradually increasing your exposure. It’s important to take things at your own pace.
Grounding for Individuals with Health Complaints
If you have any sort of health complaint that you are concerned may be incompatible with the use of earthing mats, you should always consult your doctor before starting any new type of therapy. They will be able to give you individual, tailored advice that will ensure that you stay safe and only use forms of therapy that are suitable for you. A consultation with your doctor will give you all of the information you need and can put you at ease.
Grounding During Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms are an immense natural phenomenon, and while homes are rarely hit by lightning during storms, it is recommended that you still follow general lightning safety guidelines during atoms and unplug your grounding mat and any other earthing devices you may have for the duration of the storm.
The most important thing to bear in mind when beginning your grounding journey is your wellbeing. Take things at your own pace, ease into the process and stick to the amount of grounding that you feel comfortable with. This is a truly individual experience.
