- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3265077/
- http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/11/04/why-does-walking-barefoot-on-the-earth-make-you-feel-better.aspx
- http://www.heartmdinstitute.com/health-topics/alternative-medicine/grounding-earthing
Product Reviews:
RATING :
As someone who generally spends lots of time outdoors, I can definitely get behind the idea of wellness coming, in part, from a connection to the earth. Whether or not a man made product can deliver similar effects…well, I was certainly open to try! I used the grounding mat for 1-2hrs each night for 7 days along with a couple nights sleeping with the mat resting under my calves. Although I can’t really say I noticed a huge difference in terms of energy levels, I’m generally fairly high energy anyways and would be interested to try the mat when my energy levels were low. Overall, I really like the idea of grounding for health and there is some great research out there to back it up. That being said, I personally didn’t really notice much of a difference when using the mat. A longer trial period may be necessary to really determine it’s usefulness along with trying the mat in a time of injury or sickness. I give a three star rating more based on the research, relative low cost, and ease of compliance.
RATING :
I did extensive reading of research articles on earthing and trialled barefoot time spent in the grass much of last year. So, I was very eager to see if Earthing mats could objectively parallel the results of studies that really struck me fascinated. I went in looking for help with improved unbroken sleeps, changes in post exercise soreness and overall well being. I tried it both for periods of sitting with the mat under my feet in the evening, as well as sleeping with the mat below my shoulders or calves. I found some contrasting results from day to day- some very positive regarding pain and sleep quality and some unaffected. I have tried it about ten times with 7/10 producing good results. I feel that the mats may require a longer period of use and exposure to understand the potential on an individual basis. I like that the commitment to using one is minimal between periods of sitting and sleeping so it’s easy to give it a shot. Hence, whether the outcome is positive or benign they may be worth trying. In the meantime I can suggest making time to lie in the grass on a sunny day!
RATING :
I was extremely skeptical of this product when we first ordered it. While I agree with the positive effects of being outside in the sun, breathing fresh air, with feet in the grass, I just didn’t believe a product could mimic that. However, I was excited to try it as anything boasting that could possibly help with my terrible sleep appealed to me. I have a 6 month old son, who was about 4.5 months old during this trial. My sleep is broken! I feel I am constantly in a state of light sleep during the night, and wake up multiple times. I tried the mat under the backs of my legs for a minimum of half an hour, to max of two hours for my six day trial I tried early evening and before bed, and fell asleep on it once accidentally. Unfortunately, I did not notice any difference in my sleep or mood over the six days. Even when I fell asleep on it accidentally, I woke up groggy and felt exhausted again an hour later. As a result, I can’t say I would recommend this product despite having potentially sound research backing it up. Perhaps a longer trial would be necessary for me to notice any positive effect.