FAQ
What is Grounding?
Grounding, also known as Earthing, is the practice of connecting your body to the Earth's natural, gentle electrical charge. In the modern world, we spend most of our time insulated from the ground by rubber-soled shoes and synthetic flooring, which allows a positive electrical charge (static) to build up in our bodies.
When you touch the Earth—or use a Grounded Kiwi mat—you receive a flow of "mobile electrons." These electrons act as natural antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation, and restore your body’s electrical balance. This simple connection has been scientifically shown to support deeper sleep, faster muscle recovery, and improved overall wellness
Where are Grounded Kiwi products shipped from?
All our products are in stock and shipped directly from New Plymouth, Taranaki. We take pride in being a local New Zealand business, with most orders arriving at your door within 24-48 hours. Every parcel is tracked for your peace of mind.
Do I need to switch the wall plug on for my grounding mat to work?
No, it does not matter if the power switch is on or off. Grounding products only connect to the Earth port (the third pin) of your electrical system and consume zero power. We recommend using a socket tester first to confirm your home has a functional earth connection. Once its plugged in and set up on your bed, your grounding mat can be left connected all the time.
Can I use a grounding mat with an electric blanket?
Yes—and for the best health results, we actually recommend it.
An electric blanket is a high-power device that sits inches from your body. Even when they are not "heating," they emit a significant AC electrical field that creates "voltage leakage" on your skin. This electrical stress can interfere with your body’s natural repair cycles while you sleep.
Because Grounded Kiwi mats feature a 100% conductive surface, they act as a protective "Earth plane." When placed on top of your electric blanket (with your fitted sheet in between), the mat provides an "umbrella effect." It acts as a path of least resistance, neutralising the electrical field from the blanket and sending it safely to the ground before it can reach your body.
What should I feel when I first start earthing?
Experiences vary; some feel a slight tingling or a sense of relaxation, while others feel nothing at all initially. We recommend earthing for at least 40 nights to allow your body to fully adapt to the Earth's natural rhythm and for your cortisol levels to stabilise.
Does the grounding mat work if I put a sheet over it?
Yes. Direct skin contact is not required. Your body's natural moisture creates a "conductive bridge" through natural fibre sheets (like cotton or linen), allowing the earth’s electrons to flow through to your body while you sleep
I take medication. Is earthing safe for me?
While earthing is a natural wellness practice, it can influence physiological processes like circulation and inflammation. If you are taking medication (particularly for blood pressure or thyroid), consult your healthcare provider before starting. We recommend a gradual introduction to monitor how your body responds.
Can I get "too much" grounding?
No. You cannot overdose on the Earth’s electrons. In nature, humans lived in constant contact with the ground for thousands of years. The more time you spend grounded—whether working at your desk or sleeping 8 hours a night—the more opportunity your body has to neutralise free radicals and reduce inflammation.
What is the difference between Carbon-Infusion Silver grounding sheets?
Silver-threaded products rely on thin, fragile metal fibres woven into fabric. Over time, these threads break or oxidise (rust) due to washing and body oils, causing the product to lose conductivity.
Grounded Kiwi uses medical-grade carbon infusion, which is integrated directly into the material. This ensures permanent conductivity that never washes out, is naturally antimicrobial, and lasts for years, not just months like silver alternatives.
How exactly does a Grounding mat connect me to the Earth?
Our grounding mats act as an extension cord for the Earth’s natural energy. The mat is made of a high-conductivity carbon-infused material that connects safely via a specialised plug to only the earth port (the third pin) of your home’s power socket. It does not and cannot connect to the electrical side of the power point. This port is physically connected to a copper rod driven deep into the ground outside your house, allowing a steady flow of Earth's electrons to safely enter the mat and your body.
Is it safe to be "plugged in" to a wall outlet?
Yes, it is 100% safe. Grounding mats do not use electricity. The Grounded Kiwi plug only features one functional pin—the Earth pin. The two "live" power pins are made of non-conductive plastic. Additionally, our cords feature a specialised dual-resistor setup, ensuring that no electrical current can flow from the outlet to the mat. It is a completely passive, safe connection. Our Grounded Kiwi Grounding plug is the only plug in the entire world that has been tested and proven as safe.
Do I need to use a Socket Tester before I start?
We strongly recommend it. For any grounding product to work, your home’s wall outlet must be properly "earthed." In some New Zealand homes—especially older ones—the earthing wire may be loose, corroded, or disconnected entirely.
The Grounded Kiwi Socket Tester is a simple, easy-to-use tool that can be used on any and all power points in your home. It is a "plug-and-play" device that provides instant visual confirmation that your outlet is safe and functional. Because a high-quality earth connection must be present for you to receive the amazing benefits of grounding, this simple check ensures you aren't missing out on the restorative effects of your mat.
Can I get "too much" grounding?
No. You cannot overdose on the Earth’s electrons. In nature, humans lived in constant contact with the ground for thousands of years. The more time you spend grounded—whether working at your desk or sleeping 8 hours a night—the more opportunity your body has to neutralise free radicals and reduce inflammation.
What happens if there is a thunderstorm or lightning?
Your safety is our absolute priority. Unlike generic alternatives, Grounded Kiwi cords feature a specialized dual-resistor setup for maximum protection. We are proud to provide the only grounding plug in the entire world that has been rigorously tested and certified to meet official NZ/AU Safety Standards.
We use only high-quality, proven resistors specifically engineered to manage electrical flow safely. While our dual-resistor technology is built for peak protection, lightning remains an unpredictable natural phenomenon. For total peace of mind, we recommend unplugging your grounding products during a thunderstorm—just as you would with other sensitive household electronics.
Does grounding still work if I live in a two-story house or an apartment?
Yes, absolutely. A common misconception is that you must be on the ground floor to "earth" yourself. In reality, the copper grounding rod for your entire building is driven deep into the physical Earth. Because your home’s electrical system is interconnected via a continuous copper wire, that "earth connection" is carried up through the walls to every single power point in your home—regardless of which floor you are on.
As long as your outlet is tested and confirmed as "earthed," you will receive the exact same flow of beneficial electrons on the 10th floor as you would on the ground floor.
Do I need to be touching the mat with my bare skin?
No, direct skin contact is not required with Grounded Kiwi mats. This is a major advantage of our technology. Unlike traditional silver-threaded sheets—which are often only 5% conductive and require bare skin to maintain a connection—the entire surface of our carbon-infused mats is 100% conductive. As you lie in bed, your body naturally creates a small amount of moisture (even if you don't feel it). This moisture creates a powerful "conductive bridge" through your pajamas and natural fiber sheets, making the connection to the Earth even stronger. With a 100% conductive surface, you stay perfectly grounded regardless of how much you move or what you wear to bed.
How long does it take to feel the benefits of grounding?
Every body is different. Some people feel a deep sense of relaxation or a "tingling" sensation the very first night, while for others, the effects are cumulative. We recommend grounding consistently for at least 40 nights to allow your cortisol levels to stabilise and your body’s inflammation markers to decrease. Consistency is the key to long-term wellness. Some of our very best reviews have come in from customers who initially felt nothing and then after 40 nights, the difference in their sleep, pain and energy levels becomes very obvious that Grounding is having a positive impact on their lives
How do I clean and care for my Grounded Kiwi mat?
Caring for our carbon-infused mats is incredibly easy. Unlike silver sheets that require special detergents and frequent machine washing, our mats are non-porous and antimicrobial. Simply wipe the surface down with a damp cloth and a mild, non-bleach soap when you change your bedsheets. No machine washing or drying is required, which ensures the conductivity stays perfect for the life of the product. Full cleaning instructions are included with every order.
Can I use my grounding mat with a memory foam topper or latex mattress?
Yes. Grounding mats work perfectly on any mattress type, including memory foam, latex, and inner-spring. Since the mat sits on top of your mattress (directly under your fitted sheet), it is not affected by the material of the bed itself. It simply provides a conductive layer between you and the Earth.
How many hours a day should I spend grounded?
In a perfect world, we would be grounded 24/7. However, for most people, 8 hours of sleep is the most effective way to integrate grounding into a busy life. Sleeping grounded provides your body with a long, uninterrupted window to repair cells and reduce the physiological stress of the day.
How does grounding help with sleep?
Grounding helps improve sleep by physically synchronising your body’s internal biological clock (circadian rhythm) with the Earth’s natural frequency. The primary mechanism is the regulation of cortisol, your body's "stress hormone."
A landmark study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (Ghaly & Teplitz, 2004) found that grounding the human body during sleep significantly reduces nighttime cortisol levels and aligns them with the natural 24-hour circadian rhythm. Participants reported:
Faster sleep onset (falling asleep more quickly).
- Reduced sleep interruptions throughout the night.
- Decreased pain and stress upon waking.
Further research published in Psychological Reports indicates that grounding helps shift the nervous system from the "fight or flight" state (sympathetic) to the "rest and digest" state (parasympathetic), allowing for deeper, more restorative REM sleep. By neutralising the positive electrical charge built up in your body during the day, grounding creates the ideal physiological environment for long-term sleep health.
Can I get "too much" grounding?
No. You cannot overdose on the Earth’s electrons. In nature, humans lived in constant contact with the ground for thousands of years. The more time you spend grounded—whether working at your desk or sleeping 8 hours a night—the more opportunity your body has to neutralise free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Can grounding help with chronic pain and inflammation?
Many users explore grounding as a natural way to manage inflammation. From a biological perspective, chronic inflammation is often linked to an excess of free radicals in the body.
Because the Earth's surface is a limitless source of negative electrons, grounding allows these electrons to enter the body and neutralise those positively charged free radicals. Peer-reviewed research has shown that this can lead to a measurable reduction in pain markers and a faster recovery from physical exertion or injury.
Can I use a Grounding mat with a pacemaker?
Grounding is a passive practice that involves the subtle transfer of the Earth’s natural electrons, similar to walking barefoot on the beach. However, because grounding can influence blood viscosity (how "thick" or "thin" your blood is) and heart rate variability, it is essential that individuals with pacemakers or those on heart medication consult their cardiologist before use. We recommend a cautious approach to ensure grounding complements your existing medical care.
Can grounding affect my medication?
Yes, it is possible. Because grounding helps optimise physiological functions—such as improving blood flow and regulating cortisol—it may change the way your body responds to certain medications. This is particularly relevant for blood-thinning medication (like Warfarin), thyroid hormones, and blood sugar regulators. If you are on prescription medication, we strongly advise you to monitor your levels closely with your healthcare provider as you incorporate grounding into your lifestyle.
Is grounding helpful for stress and anxiety?
Grounding has a profound effect on the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). Research indicates that connecting to the Earth helps shift the body out of "sympathetic" mode (fight or flight) and into "parasympathetic" mode (rest and digest). This shift is associated with lower levels of stress, reduced cortisol, and an overall sense of calm. For many Kiwis, grounding provides a simple, drug-free way to stabilise the nervous system in an increasingly high-stress world.
Can grounding help with autoimmune conditions?
Many individuals with autoimmune challenges explore grounding as a tool to help stabilise an overactive immune system. Since autoimmune conditions are often characterised by chronic, systemic inflammation, the "antioxidant" effect of grounding—where the Earth's electrons help neutralise free radicals—can be highly beneficial. While grounding is not a "cure," it can help create a more balanced physiological environment, potentially reducing the frequency and intensity of inflammatory flare-ups.
Does grounding help with insomnia?
Yes, grounding is a powerful tool for those struggling with insomnia, particularly "onset insomnia" (difficulty falling asleep) and "maintenance insomnia" (waking up during the night). Insomnia is often driven by a nervous system stuck in a "fight or flight" state, caused by elevated nighttime cortisol and the build-up of positive static charge from our modern environment.
Grounding works by physically neutralising this electrical tension and triggering the parasympathetic nervous system—your body’s "rest and digest" mode. Studies have shown that grounding helps stabilise the circadian rhythm, allowing the body to naturally increase melatonin production as the sun sets. By reducing the "wired but tired" feeling and lowering physiological stress, grounding creates the ideal conditions for your brain to transition into deep, uninterrupted sleep. Many Grounded Kiwi users find that once their body is in equilibrium with the Earth, the racing thoughts and physical restlessness associated with insomnia begin to diminish significantly.
Is grounding beneficial for athletic recovery and muscle soreness?
Yes, grounding is a powerful tool for "Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness" (DOMS). Research published in the Journal of Inflammation Research indicates that grounding after intense exercise can significantly reduce the recovery time by lowering white blood cell counts and reducing the inflammatory markers that cause pain and stiffness. For the active Kiwi, sleeping on a Grounded Kiwi mat after a day of hiking, farming, or sports can help the body repair tissue faster and reduce the "day-after" ache.
Is it safe to use a grounding mat with a CPAP machine?
Yes. There is no known medical contraindication for using both simultaneously. A grounding mat connects you to the earth's electrons via the ground wire of your home's electrical system, while a CPAP is a localized pressurized air system. They operate on different principles and do not interfere with each other's primary functions.
Is grounding just a "placebo effect"? What is the actual science?
Many users explore grounding as a natural way to manage inflammation. From a biological perspective, chronic inflammation is often linked to an excess of free radicals in the body.
Because the Earth's surface is a limitless source of negative electrons, grounding allows these electrons to enter the body and neutralise those positively charged free radicals. Peer-reviewed research has shown that this can lead to a measurable reduction in pain markers and a faster recovery from physical exertion or injury.
Ultimately, however, the results speak for themselves. At Grounded Kiwi, we have spent over 8 years in this space and have served over 30,000 Kiwi customers of all ages and health backgrounds. Our feedback is over 98% positive, and we have converted many a skeptic who started out with a "wait and see" attitude. While we never claim that grounding is a "magic bullet" or a complete answer to every health problem, the real-world difference it makes in people’s lives every single day continues to amaze us. We don't ask you to take it on faith—we invite you to join the thousands of New Zealanders who have felt the shift for themselves with a risk-free 90 Day Trial.
Nothing to lose, everything to gain.
Why can't I just walk barefoot outside for free?
You absolutely can, and we are constantly encouraging this in our community. Walking barefoot on grass or sand is the original way to ground. However, modern life makes it difficult to spend the 6 to 8 hours a day grounded that our bodies need to truly help neutralise chronic inflammation. Our grounding mats are a tool of convenience, allowing you to get a full night of restorative earthing while you sleep, protected from the NZ elements and the cold, and all that is needed from you is to go to bed. We've made it as easy as that!
Is it safe to be "plugged into the wall" while I sleep?
This is a common misconception, and your safety is our absolute priority. You are not plugging into "electricity." Our specialised plugs are custom-engineered with non-conductive plastic pins for the "live" and "neutral" slots, meaning they cannot draw power. The only metal pin is the Earth pin, which connects directly to the grounding rod outside your house.
To ensure total peace of mind, we have put our products through exhaustive independent testing. We are proud to provide the only grounding plug in the entire world that has been rigorously tested and officially certified to meet NZ/AU Safety Standards.
Furthermore, our cords feature a world-first dual-resistor setup, which acts as a permanent safety valve. This ensures it is physically impossible for any household current to reach the mat, providing a completely passive and 100% safe connection. We don't just claim it's safe; we have the certifications and high-quality, proven resistors to prove it.
Won't the mat just absorb "Dirty Electricity" from my house?
Actually, the opposite is true. Your body acts like an antenna for the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by your household wiring. When you are ungrounded, this voltage sits on your skin. When you touch a grounded mat, you provide that voltage with a "path of least resistance" to the Earth. Instead of the voltage sitting on you, it is discharged through the mat and into the ground, effectively lowering your body’s electrical stress.
Just use an electric blanket, it's basically the same thing, isn't it?
This is a common point of confusion, but in terms of physics, they are complete opposites. An electric blanket uses electricity from your wall to heat up metal coils; this process actually creates a significant AC electrical field that surrounds your body while you sleep. This is known as "voltage leakage," and it adds to the electrical stress on your system.
A Grounded Kiwi mat, however, does not use electricity at all. It uses the "Earth" wire to discharge the electrical fields that blankets and other appliances create. While an electric blanket adds a field to your bed, a grounding mat removes it.
In fact, we strongly recommend using a grounding mat if you use an electric blanket. Because our mats have a 100% conductive surface, they act as a protective shield. When you lie on the mat, it provides an "umbrella effect," neutralising the electrical field from the blanket and sending it safely to the ground. This allows you to enjoy the warmth of your blanket without the associated electrical stress, providing the ultimate environment for restorative sleep
What about "Ground Loops" or "Dirty Electricity" coming up from the Earth wire?
This is a sophisticated concern often raised by those familiar with electrical engineering. A "ground loop" requires two separate paths to ground, whereas our mats create a single, dedicated connection. As for "dirty electricity" (high-frequency transients) on the earth wire, your body is a much larger "antenna" for the EMFs in the air around you than the earth wire is for noise.
When you connect to a Grounded Kiwi mat, you are effectively "clamping" your body to the Earth's stable potential. Because our mats are made with carbon rather than highly conductive copper or silver-mesh, they have a natural resistance that facilitates the beneficial electron transfer without turning you into a high-speed conductor for electrical noise.
Why are Grounded Kiwi mats better than the cheap ones I see online?
In the grounding industry, you truly get what you pay for. Many cheap, mass-produced products found online use no protection whatsoever in the plug and rely on a single "2-cent" carbon film resistor hidden inside the cord. We know this because we have physically tested them, and these components are known to fail under standard test conditions. When a safety component fails, your protection disappears.
Furthermore, many competitors sell either 5% conductive Silver or 30% stainless steel under-sheets that, when you place these underneath a fitted sheet, that 30% connection is simply not enough to provide the best results or a consistent earth connection.
When you buy from Grounded Kiwi, you are investing in the gold standard of earthing mats. Our mats feature a 100% conductive surface for a superior connection through your bedding, and we provide the only grounding plug in the world officially certified to NZ/AU Safety Standards. With our world-first dual-resistor setup and over 8 years of local expertise, you are getting the best in safety, connection, and genuine New Zealand support.
I’m testing my cord with a multimeter "continuity" setting, but it isn’t beeping. Is it faulty?
No, your cord is working perfectly. This is the most common mistake people make when testing grounding equipment. Most standard multimeters only "beep" when there is zero resistance. However, Grounded Kiwi cords are engineered with a dual-resistor safety setup (94k ohms).
These resistors are there to protect you, but they "block" the simple continuity beep. To test correctly, set your multimeter to the "Ohms" (Ω) setting. You should see a reading that confirms the resistance is present, proving the cord is both conductive and safe.
How do I prove the mat is actually working while I’m lying on it?
The most accurate way to "see" grounding in action is with a Body Voltage Test.
See our video instructions here: How to carry out a body voltage test
- Set your multimeter to AC Volts.
- Hold one probe between your fingers and place the other probe directly into the "Earth" port of a wall socket (or touch the grounding mat).
- You will see a number representing the "stray voltage" your body is picking up from the room's wiring.
- Now, touch the Grounded Kiwi mat with your other hand. You will see that number drop instantly—usually by over 90%—towards zero. This is the physical proof that your body is being neutralised and the voltage is being discharged.
Why does the conductivity reading change when I test through a sheet?
When you test the mat directly, you get a "pure" reading. When you test through a sheet, you are measuring the "conductive bridge" created by the moisture in the fabric. Because our mats have a 100% conductive surface, they are powerful enough to push through most natural fibres (cotton, linen, bamboo). If you aren't seeing a drop in voltage through your sheet, ensure you are using natural materials—thick synthetic or polyester sheets can act as an insulator and may hinder the connection.
Can I plug my Grounded Kiwi mat into a multiboard (power strip)?
Yes, you can use a multiboard, provided it is a grounded unit. In New Zealand, almost all modern multiboards pass the "Earth" connection from the wall socket through to each individual outlet on the board.
However, there are two things to keep in mind for the best results:
- Check for an "Earth" Connection: Very old or damaged multiboards can sometimes have a degraded internal ground wire. If the Earth connection is broken inside the multiboard, your mat won't work. We recommend using a Socket Tester to check the multiboard just as you would a wall socket.
- Direct is Best: While a multiboard works, the "cleanest" and most stable connection is always achieved by plugging your Grounded Kiwi adapter directly into the wall. This eliminates any extra "electronic noise" or resistance that cheap multiboards might introduce.
If you are using a multiboard because your wall socket is too far away, rest assured that our 6-metre cords are usually long enough to reach the wall, even in larger bedrooms!
Q: Can I use my grounding mat in my motorhome or caravan?
A: Yes, you can, but the method depends on whether you are "plugged in" or "off-grid."
- When connected to Mains Power: If your motorhome is plugged into a powered site at a campground or a house via a RCD-protected lead, your vehicle’s electrical system is connected to the site’s Earth rod. In this case, you can simply plug your Grounded Kiwi mat into any standard 3-pin socket inside the van. We highly recommend using a Socket Tester first to ensure the site’s Earth connection is actually functional.
- When "Freedom Camping" (Off-Grid): If you are not plugged into a mains power source, your motorhome is "floating" electrically on its rubber tyres. In this scenario, the wall sockets in your van are not connected to the Earth, so the mat will not work if plugged into the wall. To ground yourself while off-grid, you would need to use a dedicated Grounding Rod pushed into the soil outside, with the cord run through a window or door to your mat.
Important Note: Do not plug your grounding mat into a portable Inverter unless that inverter is specifically grounded to the Earth via a rod. Grounding is about connecting to the literal ground, not just the "negative" terminal of your house battery.
Do I really need to buy the Socket Tester?
While it isn't "mandatory" for the mat to physically function, we consider it an essential tool for peace of mind. Grounding only works if your wall socket is actually connected to the Earth. In New Zealand, you’d be surprised how often we find sockets that are "dead" or incorrectly wired—especially in older villas, renovated baches, or even in modern homes where a wire may have come loose.
Because you can’t "see" or "smell" the Earth connection, the Socket Tester is the only way to be 100% certain that your Grounded Kiwi mat is doing its job. It’s a simple "plug-and-play" device:
- Three Lights: If all three lights glow, you are perfectly grounded and ready to sleep.
- Anything Else: It tells you exactly what is wrong with the wiring.
With over 8 years of experience, we have seen many customers assume their house was grounded, only to find out weeks later they weren't getting the benefits because of a faulty socket. For a small one-off investment, it ensures you aren't "guessing" with your health.
Have further questions?
Research
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Earthing - Every Question You Have Ever Had Abo...
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new health practice, especially if...
Earthing - Every Question You Have Ever Had Abo...
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new health practice, especially if...
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Chronic Illness, Stress & Aging
Research - Chronic Illness, Stress & Aging This page summarises research on earthing, or grounding, and its potential effects on chronic illnesses and aging. Earthing reconnects the body to...
Chronic Illness, Stress & Aging
Research - Chronic Illness, Stress & Aging This page summarises research on earthing, or grounding, and its potential effects on chronic illnesses and aging. Earthing reconnects the body to...
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Research on Earthing / Grounding
This page serves as a comprehensive hub for research on earthing, exploring its potential health benefits, including its effects on sleep, pain relief, chronic conditions, and overall well-being.
Research on Earthing / Grounding
This page serves as a comprehensive hub for research on earthing, exploring its potential health benefits, including its effects on sleep, pain relief, chronic conditions, and overall well-being.
