Questions about grounding / earthing
What is grounding/earthing?
Grounding, often referred to as earthing, involves establishing direct contact between the human body and the Earth's surface. This connection can be achieved by walking barefoot on natural terrain or using specialized products like bed covers, sleeping mats, or other items designed for this purpose. Grounding has been scientifically shown to have significant positive effects on the well-being of both humans and animals.
What is the difference between grounding and earthing?
The terms "grounding" and "earthing" are frequently used interchangeably, though we define a subtle difference at Grounding Essentials. Earthing involves direct contact with the earth, such as being barefoot outdoors. On the other hand, grounding occurs when connected to the earth through a medium, like using a Grounding Essentials grounding mat. While these terms can be used interchangeably, this distinction helps convey the specific nature of the connection.
What are the benefits of grounding/earthing?
Grounding or earthing offer various benefits, although scientific research is ongoing to fully understand and validate these claims. Some potential benefits associated with grounding/earthing include:
Reduced Inflammation: Grounding is thought to have anti-inflammatory effects, helping to alleviate chronic inflammation in the body.
Improved Sleep: Many people report better sleep quality and patterns when incorporating grounding practices.
Pain Relief: Grounding may contribute to pain reduction and improved pain management, especially for conditions like arthritis.
Stress Reduction: Grounding is believed to have calming effects on the nervous system, potentially reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Enhanced Energy Levels: Some individuals claim increased energy levels and vitality through regular grounding practices.
Better Mood: Grounding is associated with improved mood and emotional well-being, possibly due to its effects on neurotransmitters.
Improved Circulation: There's some research suggesting that grounding could positively influence blood circulation in the body.
Balanced Cortisol Levels: Grounding might help regulate cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress.
Faster Muscle Recovery: Athletes sometimes use grounding to potentially speed up muscle recovery after intense physical activity.
General Well-Being: Grounding is often linked to an overall sense of well-being and connectedness to nature.
How do your grounding products work?
Grounding products establish a connection between you and the Earth's electric charge by facilitating the flow of electrons. Take our Grounding bed covers, for instance. These conductive covers are placed on your bed and connected to the grounded part of your electrical socket. When your skin makes contact with the bed cover, you become grounded, enabling the transfer of electrons.
The fundamental idea is to create a conductive pathway for electrons to move between your body and the Earth. This connection contribute to equalizing the electric potential of your body with that of the Earth.
How fast will I see effects after starting grounding/earthing?
The speed at which you may experience effects after starting grounding/earthing can vary from person to person. Some individuals report feeling benefits shortly after initiating grounding practices, while others may take longer to notice changes. Factors such as individual health conditions, the duration and consistency of grounding, and overall lifestyle can influence the timeline for experiencing effects. It's recommended to be patient and consistent with grounding practices to maximize potential benefits over time.
How long should I be grounded?
While there isn't a strict optimal duration for grounding, incorporating grounding into your daily routine can bring various benefits. To make grounding effortless, we recommend using a grounding product in bed, allowing you to ground while sleeping without much effort.
Even short sessions of 15 to 30 minutes per day have been reported to yield benefits for many individuals. Consistency plays a crucial role; therefore, it's more important to ground regularly than to focus solely on the length of each session. Over time, the cumulative effects of daily grounding may contribute to overall well-being.
Are the floors in my house grounded?
In most cases, the answer is likely no. Unless your floors are constructed directly on the Earth or consist of concrete or stone that is in direct contact with the ground, your home's floors generally won't ground you.
Will I be grounded if I wear shoes?
Wearing shoes with synthetic soles can act as insulators, preventing direct contact with the Earth's electric charge and, consequently, inhibiting grounding. For effective grounding, it's advisable to be barefoot or to use grounding products that establish a connection between your body and the Earth. If you're seeking the benefits of grounding, consider practices like walking barefoot outdoors or using specific grounding products that facilitate the flow of electrons between your body and the Earth.
Can I use several grounding products at the same time?
Yes, you can use multiple grounding products simultaneously, but for safety reasons, it's crucial to connect them to a single grounding source—either a grounded outlet or a ground rod. Avoid plugging one into the outlet and the other into a ground rod to minimize the risk of shock during power outages or thunderstorms.
The electrical system of your house is typically grounded through a rod in the Earth, linked to your home's electrical panel. When you connect your cord to the third hole (ground port) of the outlet, you're grounded via the house ground rod.
Creating a "ground loop" by connecting another grounding product to a separate ground rod introduces differences in electrical potential, leading to a potential shock risk during power surges or thunderstorms. While the built-in resistors in product cords provide protection, it's safer to connect multiple products to the same grounding source.
Questions about our products
How do I wash the grounding pillowcases?
To wash the grounding pillowcases:
1. Unplug any connected grounding product.
2. Remove the grounding cord.
3. Machine wash using a gentle cycle and cold water.
4. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners.
5. Air dry or use a low heat setting in the dryer.
6. Do not iron to preserve grounding properties.
How does the conductive tester work?
The grounding conductive tester works by assessing the conductivity of your grounding products. Simply insert the tester into the ground port of an outlet, connect your grounding product, and observe the light. If it illuminates green, your product is properly conductive, ensuring effective grounding.
How does the grounding rod work?
The grounding rod works by providing a direct connection between your grounding product and the Earth. When you insert the grounding rod into the soil, it establishes a conductive pathway for electrons to flow between the Earth and your grounded product, facilitating grounding without relying on an electrical outlet. This is particularly useful in situations where a grounded outlet is not available or accessible.
What type of plug should I choose?
The plug type you choose depends on your country. Refer to our plug guide to determine the appropriate plug for your specific location.
Should I unplug my grounding products when not in use?
Unplugging your grounding products when not in use is unnecessary since they do not consume electricity. There is no cost or issue with keeping the products plugged in at all times.
Can I put bedsheets on top of my grounding bed cover/grounding sleep pad?
You can place bed sheets on top of your grounding bed cover or grounding sleep pad, provided they are organic. The grounding effect will still penetrate through the sheets, allowing you to experience the benefits while maintaining your usual bedding. For optimal results, we recommend using organic fabric bed sheets such as cotton, linen, silk, or bamboo, as they enhance the grounding effect and ensure a better connection.
What's the difference between earthing in direct contact with the earth and through a grounding product?
The difference between earthing in direct contact with the earth and through a grounding product lies in the method of connection. When you are directly in contact with the earth, such as being barefoot outside, it's referred to as "earthing." On the other hand, "grounding" is when you are connected to the earth through a conductive product, like a grounding mat.
Both terms are often used interchangeably, but the distinction is in the mode of connection. Whether you are physically touching the earth or using a grounding product, the purpose is to establish contact with the Earth's electric charge, allowing for a flow of electrons between your body and the Earth. Both methods are believed to have similar benefits in terms of balancing the body's electric potential with that of the Earth.
Can I wear nightwear/pajamas while on the bed cover/sleep pad?
In general, having more skin contact with your grounding product enhances its effectiveness. While you can wear nightwear or pajamas, it may affect the degree of grounding. If you choose to wear clothing, opting for organic fabrics in your nightwear or pajamas is recommended to maintain better grounding.
Questions about safety
Are grounding/earthing products from Grounding Essentials safe to use?
Yes, grounding/earthing products from Grounding Essentials are safe to use. These products are designed with safety in mind, incorporating features such as built-in resistors in cords to protect against electrical issues.
Will grounding products affect my electrical bill?
No, grounding products do not affect your electrical bill. These products do not consume electricity; they are designed to facilitate the flow of electrons between your body and the Earth without drawing power from the electrical system. Therefore, using grounding products will not result in any increase in your electrical consumption or affect your electricity costs.
Do I need grounding/earthing products, or can I just be barefoot outside?
While being barefoot outside is a natural way to ground yourself, grounding/earthing products offer a convenient and consistent way to maintain contact with the Earth's electric charge, especially when spending extended periods indoors. The use of grounding products allows you to experience the benefits of grounding even when outdoor barefoot opportunities are limited. They provide a reliable connection to the Earth's electric potential and can be particularly useful for individuals with busy lifestyles or those who cannot be outdoors barefoot regularly.
What happens if lightning hits my house while I'm grounding?
In the event of a lightning strike hitting your house while you're grounding, the grounding products from Grounding Essentials are designed with safety features. The grounding products have built-in resistors that provide protection in such situations. The resistor helps to minimize the risk of electric shock by limiting the current flow.
It's important to note that while the grounding products are designed to enhance safety, it's always advisable to exercise caution during thunderstorms. If there is a lightning storm, it might be prudent to temporarily disconnect your grounding products as an additional safety measure.
Can I use grounding products together with a waterbed?
Yes, you can use grounding products together with a waterbed.
Setting up grounding products/conductivity
How does a grounding rod work?
A grounding rod creates a direct electrical connection between your grounding product and the Earth. To use it, insert the rod into the ground outside and connect the cord from the rod to your grounding product. This establishes a pathway for the flow of electrons between your body and the Earth, promoting grounding benefits.
What to do if my sockets are not grounded in my house/apartment?
If your sockets are not grounded in your house or apartment, you have a few options:
- Install Grounded Outlets: Consider having a licensed electrician install grounded outlets in your living space. This involves updating the wiring to include a grounding wire.
- Grounding Rod: Utilize a grounding rod by placing it in the earth outside your home and connecting it to your grounding product. This creates an alternative pathway for grounding.
- Grounding via Plumbing: In some cases, you may ground through the plumbing system if your pipes are metal and extend into the ground. This method involves attaching your grounding product to a conductive part of the plumbing.
Do I need an electrician to check if my socket is grounded?
No, to check if your socket is grounded, you can use a conductive tester or visually inspect the outlet for a grounded part. If you're uncertain performing these checks, you can hire an electrician.
How does the Bed Mat work through the bed Sheets?
The grounding bed mat is meant to be placed under your bed sheets. Ideally, your bed sheets should be made of organic material such as cotton, silk, wool, hemp, or linen, but they do not need to be. However, getting grounded is easier with organic fabrics.
Conductivity through your bed sheets might take some minutes to achieve. When we lay in bed sleeping, there is always some sweat/moisture that is great for conductivity, so after about 10 minutes, you will be grounded.
Why am I not getting the grounding tester to work through my bed sheets?
Conductivity through your bed sheets might take some minutes to achieve. When we lay in bed sleeping, there is always some sweat/moisture that is great for conductivity. Normally, it will take about 10 minutes for you to be grounded after laying down in bed. If you are testing your grounding equipment with a grounding tester, you can do a simple test by dropping a small drop of water on your bed sheets that are on top of the bed mat and see if you are grounded. That should work as water is very conductive.
Questions about shipping, returns, and refunds
Where does Grounding Essentials ship from?
We ship from our fulfillment partner in Germany
Where do you ship to?
We ship worldwide.
How fast is shipping?
We offer express shipping and strive to fulfill all orders within 24 hours. Anticipate your delivery within 5-10 days from placing your order with us.
How much is shipping?
Shipping is 9.99 Euro; however, orders above 150 Euro have free shipping.
What to do if I submitted wrong info in my order?
If you provided incorrect information in your order, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can rectify the issue.
Can I get a refund on my order?
Certainly! You are eligible for a refund within 100 days of receiving your product from Grounding Essentials. Please contact us if you wish to initiate a return.