I get a LOT of enquiries about earthing mats.

Many people have heard or seen things about them.

Many are seeking them out to remedy their exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF).

A lot of the information out there is positive and reports the profound effects from using earthing mats.

What Is Earthing?

Earthing, in principle, is wonderful.

Earthing is about getting barefoot and walking on the earth… It is about grounding, releasing anything accumulated…

Having said that, it means walking on the earth without holding your smartphone, without using your bluetooth and without listening to music on your MP3 player.

Earthing is about getting barefoot and returning to nature. It is wonderful, it is soul-nourishing as well as beneficial.

How Does It Help?

Earthing doesn't solve EMF exposure problems – it simply helps to discharge what you have accumulated.

BUT… (You knew there'd be one, right?)

Earthing does not help when you are in electromagnetic fields.

I'll explain.

Our bodies are made of 60-80% water. This makes us excellent conductors.

All electricity seeks the shortest route to earth.

So, if you are using earthing mats, what happens is that electrical fields bend to pass through you as you are providing a direct and short path to earth.

It's like standing in the middle of a field during an electrical storm.

And Earthing Mats?

People claim that they are effective because they can demonstrate a drop in body voltage using a multimeter.

It is true that your body voltage reading drops however, you are actually increasing your exposure as more EMF is passing THROUGH you.

Imagine sitting on a chair next to a lamp that is switched on.

If you place an earthing mat underneath you, without changing anything else, your body voltage reading would drop.

But, you haven't changed anything, so the EMF has not lessened. It is still the same.

Now, instead of finding another way to earth, the fields will distort to pass through you and through the earthing mat to earth or ground.

So, what you have done by using an earthing mat is INCREASED YOUR EMF EXPOSURE.

What Can You Do Instead?

The very best thing that you can do is to get rid of the source of the EMF. The simplest way to do this is to turn off and unplug appliances that are not in use.

Apart from this, avoid spending time in the electromagnetic fields. Move the power cords away from where you are sitting, move your bed far away from the smart meter… Constant exposure to EMF can be a factor in the development of electrical hypersensitivity – and environmental sensitivity.

In terms of earthing (or grounding) safely, these are safer options.

1. Head to the beach, the park or your own garden… Take off your shoes and stand barefoot on the earth. Be mindful of what is near you, especially if you are in your garden – make sure that the hot water system or smart meter is not nearby, leave your phone and other devices inside…

2. Standing on a piece of aluminium foil short circuits the charges that you have accumulated – according to Dave Stetzer – a leader and expert in the field of dirty electricity.

My advice?

Spend time in nature without devices… enjoy the tranquility of it all.