I Bought a Grounding Mat; Here’s an Honest Review

After seeing the movie Earthing, I used a grounding mat for thirty days — here’s what happened

As a Pilates and yoga instructor, I understand the importance of grounding, which I define as the body’s relationship to the ground or Earth. In a physical sense, it involves balance, optimal posture, and connection of the feet to the ground. But there’s a mental component to grounding, too — the body is not merely a machine. Feeling sure on one’s feet often means feeling sure about oneself — feeling calm, collected, and like you can handle what comes at you in the world.

I’ve seen clients benefit from grounding exercises such as rolling balls on the feet, unlocking the knees, and building up muscles that optimize gait and posture. I do believe in the ability of grounding to transform.

However, “earthing” proponents view grounding as the physical connection between the body and the Earth and a connection to the Earth’s electrical frequencies. In today’s world, where rubber-soled shoes and synthetic floors abound, earthing proponents argue that we’re disconnected from the Earth’s energy despite our bodies being natural conductors.

What’s a grounding mat?

Grounding mats are designed to conduct Earth’s electric charge and bring the body to ground potential. There are several different types of mats (and even grounding pillowcases) in different shapes and sizes. I bought a sleep mat that fits nicely over my reading chair and a yoga mat.

New age trend or groundbreaking discovery?

The internet is full of testimonials from people who claim that grounding mats have many benefits, such as reduced pain and inflammation, improved sleep, and increased energy levels.

But one could argue it’s hardly natural to buy a synthetic product to correct a disconnection with nature, that it’s akin to popping a pill instead of changing one’s lifestyle. Despite this argument, I know I won’t commit to walking barefoot outdoors every day. I’m just not that person. I figured the worst thing that could happen as a result of buying a grounding mat was having to return it.

My experience

The first thing I did after opening the box was check the material’s conductivity. The material is conductive. My husband, who’s an electrical engineer, tested it. It’s not as conductive as aluminum foil but still has a charge.

From an engineer’s perspective, potential, or the energetic state of a system, changes in seconds. However, the instant change in potential from coming into contact with a grounding mat seems at odds with the recommendation to use the mat for at least thirty minutes daily. Could we be slipping in and out of grounded potential so often that a thirty-minute sit guarantees the time will be spent grounded? There are varying opinions on how exactly to use the mats and how they work, ranging from recommendations to have prolonged full-body contact with the mat to skepticism of earthing protocols altogether.

Despite the grounding mat being sold as a “sleep mat,” it was smaller than I anticipated and challenging to fit on the bed. It fit better on my yoga mat. So, I started meditating on it for half an hour a day.

At the time of purchase, I sought relief from dry eyes and allergies. I also wanted to feel calmer.

So, what happened after 30 days?

I absolutely feel calmer and more grounded, and my eyes feel less dry. I can’t say for sure that this isn’t a placebo effect. I wasn’t able to document any measurable physiological changes or changes in the ability to perform physical tasks, which are more objective and quantifiable and less influenced by subjective perception. I also didn’t notice an improvement in my allergy symptoms. This begs the question of what studies show.

The studies

Several studies show positive results after using grounding mats, with outcomes of reduced inflammation, anxiety, and more, though many studies appear to be affiliated with companies involved in the industry. This university study shows reduced anxiety-like behavior in rats on grounding mats versus without, and it doesn’t appear to have conflicts of interest.

I’d like to see more studies in this area (specific to the benefits of earthing and grounding mats) with larger sample sizes independent of for-profit entities. But a lack of studies doesn’t necessarily mean a product or idea doesn’t work. It can be exceptionally difficult to generate funding and interest for studies.

Was it worth it?

Do I think the grounding mat was worth buying? Since I feel better, have become more self-aware, and find the minimal effort of using a grounding mat particularly appealing, it was worth it for me.

I don’t believe any gadget or device is the answer to all of our problems, though. The roots (no pun intended) of our struggles can be complex, messy, and, thus, tempting to overlook.

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