Didn't get the 'Why didn't I start grounding earlier feeling yet?
Here's Why Your Grounding Mat is Still Working & How You Can Assist the Process for Better Results.
If you've clicked on this blog, chances are you're one of the few who haven't quite had the immediate "life-changing" experience with Earthing you were hoping for.
Believe me, I can understand that frustration! When you read about all the amazing, seemingly instant results many other Kiwis are having—the deep sleep, the zero pain—it's easy to start to wonder if you're doing something wrong.
Let me stop you right there. You are not alone, and no, you are not broken.
The truth is, while some physiological shifts are near instantaneous, the process of healing and restoring balance to a body that has been disconnected for years takes time. Think of it like finally switching to a healthy diet—you don't heal a persistent gut issue in just a day, right? We're here to help you turn this around by ensuring every step of your grounding mat sleep is fully optimised.
Let's get your body ready to finally embrace the Earth's beautiful restorative energy.
Why Instant Results Aren't Universal (The Science of Time)
We are electrical beings, and grounding works by immediately dissipating your body's static charge and equalising your body's electrical potential with Earth's.
But here's the key difference:
- Instant Changes (The Science You Can't Feel): Research shows that moments after connecting, your body experiences measurable changes. Studies have revealed immediate shifts towards the parasympathetic nervous system (the 'rest and digest' state) and an instant reduction in body voltage. You can test this yourself with a body voltage meter and SEE the difference!
- Delayed Benefits (The Healing You Want to Feel): Symptom relief takes longer, especially if you have chronic inflammation or long-term sleep disruption. Key research on grounding and stress found that it took subjects a full eight weeks of grounded sleeping for their disrupted nighttime cortisol (the stress hormone) levels to fully normalise. Similarly, studies on chronic pain often show significant results kicking in after one month.
You may be experiencing the subtle benefits right now without realising it. Now, let's troubleshoot the reasons why the more profound benefits might be delayed for you.
The Grounded Kiwi 5-Step Grounding Troubleshooting Guide
Step 1: Ensure Grounding Integrity (The Connection Check)
Right off the bat, we need to eliminate the possibility of a simple physical disconnection.
- Test Your Power Socket: It is absolutely critical that your wall outlet is properly connected to the Earth outside. Grab a socket tester (from Grounded Kiwi) to confirm your outlets are genuinely grounded. Look for the 'CORRECT' pattern!
- Test Your Product: Use an Earthing continuity tester to check the mat, sheet, and cords. Cords can wear out, and products can get damaged (pets love to chew!), so this check confirms the flow of electrons is uninterrupted.
- The Body Voltage Test: This is the ultimate proof! Perform a 'body voltage' with a multimeter to see and measure the electrical field induced in your body when ungrounded. Then, watch that voltage drop dramatically when you touch your grounded product. This visible proof shows you that Earthing is definitely working on an electrical level, even if you don't feel better yet. We have a video on how to perform a 'body voltage test' on our video and helpful guides page with very easy-to-follow instructions. We also have the testers available for purchase if you don't have one.
Step 2: Eliminate EMF Sources (Reclaim Your Sleep Sanctuary)
This step is quite vital, especially if you felt worse when you started grounding. Earthing is about reconnecting to the Earth, but if your bedroom is swimming in electrical fields from too many electrical devices, those fields will look for the path of least resistance—which may be through your grounding mat.
Go into your room and consider EVERY electrical item. We need to:
- Eliminate/Isolate: Can you pull the plug on non-essential sources? Make turning off the Wi-Fi and leaving your phone out of the room a non-negotiable habit. Also, grab a Household EMF meter and test all around your bed. Getting high readings? These are caused by electrical items.
- The Payoff: By eliminating sources, you ensure the negative free electrons from the mat flow into you, not into the Earth to block stray voltage! Regain control of your sleeping space—it's crucial for deep, regenerative rest.
Step 3: Hydration Is Key (You Need to Be Conductive)
Your body is mostly water, and water is the highway for electrical conductivity! A well-hydrated body is inherently more conductive, which helps you more efficiently equalise with the Earth's energy. If you are dehydrated, the electrons can't flow into and around your tissues effectively. Drink up!
- Water Quality Matters: It's also worth considering your water source. If you're on town tap water, we strongly recommend filtering your water (our family uses a gravity water filter for this reason). The impurities found in council-controlled water sources can be less than ideal.
- Mineral Balance: Your body's ability to conduct electricity relies on minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Ensure you're getting adequate minerals (sea salt is a great start) and plenty of mineral-rich vegetables.
Step 4: Practice Patience and Prolonged Connection
If you're under high stress (and who isn't these days?), your grounding sessions need to be prolonged. Think of your body like a battery that has been chronically undercharged. It takes more than a 30-minute session to get it back up to 100%!
- Go Longer: Add more Earthing during the day. This could mean a Grounding Mat under your feet while you work or snuggling up in an Earthing blanket on the sofa at night.
- Connect Naturally: Even kicking off the shoes and standing on the grass or sand for 30 minutes can help shift your body from 'fight or flight' (sympathetic state) to 'rest and heal' (parasympathetic state).
- Pair It Up: If you are into meditation or Yoga, adding Earthing to your practice (like I do!) works better. It deepens the relaxation effect, enhancing the body's ability to use the free electrons for repair.
Step 5: Review Medications and Physical Response
While grounding is incredibly safe, it can be a powerful intervention.
- Medication Consideration: Grounding has been shown in some studies to improve blood viscosity and circulation and reduce inflammation. If you are on medication (especially blood thinners, thyroid medication, or anti-inflammatories), this improvement could alter your body's reaction to the medication. It's very important to consult with your healthcare professional and let them know you are introducing Earthing. Never stop or adjust medication without consulting your doctor!
- 'Detox' Symptoms: If you feel hot, itchy, or get a 'detox' feeling when starting, this is often a sign of improved circulation as the electrons thin the blood and improve flow. This is a good sign! If it's hindering your sleep, gently introduce your body by placing the Earthing mat under your feet for a while before moving it to your mid-section later on.
- Product Care: Our conductive carbon-infused leatherette mats need a little love to maintain peak performance. Body oils, dirt, or certain products can create a layer of insulation! Tip: Wipe the mat surface down regularly with a soft cloth and a gentle soap and water solution and allow to fully dry. Avoid all harsh chemical cleaners.
You're Part of the Grounded Kiwi Whānau
Don't give up! Just making one of these minor adjustments—repositioning your grounding mat, increasing hydration, or eliminating EMFs—could be the game-changer you need. The benefits of Earthing are cumulative, akin to seeds breaking through the soil: it takes patience, but the growth is absolutely worth the wait.
Our comprehensive Grounded Kiwi research page offers additional insight and studies for those who want to dive deeper into the science that supports this process.