posted
Has anyone used one of these? My energy medicine practioner recommend one to me, and then Dr K talked about it several times during the freebie call he did recently.
At $169, I would like to hear an unpaid tesimonial if possible, before I shell out.
Or even... is it comfortable? I saw one review on Amazon that said it was uncomfortable. I am very picky about my sleep environment, so I don't know how well I could do with a firm or scratchy pad.
-------------------- Garden
"Fibromylagia" for 8+ years Pos IgeneX WB per both Igenex and CDC Pos Neuroscience MyLymeImmuneID Started tx for Lyme in March 2011 Posts: 245 | From East Coast | Registered: May 2011
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posted
Thanks Lymetoo! I'm reading through the thread now.
-------------------- Garden
"Fibromylagia" for 8+ years Pos IgeneX WB per both Igenex and CDC Pos Neuroscience MyLymeImmuneID Started tx for Lyme in March 2011 Posts: 245 | From East Coast | Registered: May 2011
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posted
I would love an update from anyone who posted in the previous thread. Do you think it helped? Was it worth the cost?
-------------------- Garden
"Fibromylagia" for 8+ years Pos IgeneX WB per both Igenex and CDC Pos Neuroscience MyLymeImmuneID Started tx for Lyme in March 2011 Posts: 245 | From East Coast | Registered: May 2011
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posted
I have one because my work is all done on computer. I have to sit barefoot on the mat for it to work. I only paid $55. for mine.
Truthfully I don't know what we are to expect by using it. I understand the benifits of the protection. I see nothing improving but then again with lyme we change with symptoms on a daily basis.
Simple to use, my feet got brown along the sides the first 2 weeks. Dr said it was not related to usage of the grounding mat though.
-------------------- A little lymie... Posts: 104 | From Greener Pastures in PA | Registered: Sep 2011
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posted
Hello, I slept with one for about three months and unfortunately I did not see any difference in my symptoms or condition. I used the half sheet, but this is only my experience and others might benefit from this product. climber
Posts: 108 | From Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2010
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posted
Also I did not find it to be uncomfortable. The science behind it makes sense, but I will be putting it on ebay someday. climber
Posts: 108 | From Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2010
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I'm hyper sensitive and couldn't sleep with it -- I honestly felt uncomfortable using it.
Overall, a disappointment.
Posts: 192 | From New England | Registered: May 2011
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
This is very interesting. I read through that long thread a little, but I'll try to read more of it later.
I would love to hear if anyone found any benefit from earthing.
Does anyone here prefer to walk barefoot in order to remain "grounded"? A Buddhist monk was telling me that it's the healthiest thing to do. I would LOVE to walk barefoot everywhere, but my job requires that I have a "professional" appearance all the time. The monk was also was telling me the importance of being "grounded" all the time, even when asleep. At first when I heard it, I thought it was quackery. But now I'm much more open-minded, and I hope to learn more about the benefits.
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posted
I own the recovery bag. It helps for me but having your feet connected to the ground or gardening or whatever is even better than the sheets you sleep with in my experience.
Posts: 52 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2011
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Carol in PA
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5338
posted
You can just sit outside in the back yard, with your bare feet on the ground.
I'm not sure, but I still think there might be a problem sleeping with your body grounded to the household wiring.
If lightening should strike the house during a storm, won't the electrical energy pass through ~~you~~ ?
I know we have some electrical engineer types here who might be able to answer that one and set my mind at ease.
Posts: 6947 | From Lancaster, PA | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
i read they think it would be a rare occurance, yet suggest you disconnect the mat if there is a lightening storm.
i'm also interested in earthing pad experiences..
m
Posts: 8337 | From the other shore | Registered: Jul 2002
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Lauralyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15021
posted
I have noticed I am sleeping more deeply since using the earthing mat in bed. It was only $60, not a huge investment, but yes I like it and will continue with it.
-------------------- Fall down seven times, get up eight ~Japanese proverb Posts: 1146 | From west coast | Registered: Mar 2008
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posted
nice to know, laura!
Posts: 8337 | From the other shore | Registered: Jul 2002
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
I just started reading a book about earthing, and now I have a question: It seems that earthing is supposed to be the solution for inflammation. If someone doesn't have any problems inflammation, would earthing not be very beneficial for this person?
posted
It has a very positive effect on my sleep. It's the difference between falling asleep fast and having deep sleep with memorable dreams, or, not using it and having a bad night.
Definitely not placebo, it has a strong sleep effect I find invaluable.
Posts: 501 | From Cleveland Ohio | Registered: Apr 2009
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
Okay okay, you guys persuaded me. I bought the $70 grounding mat from Amazon. They said it's already shipped, which is pretty amazing.
I have a feeling that there is a high chance of placebo effect from such a device. But at the same time the science of it is very sound, so that's why I ended up buying it. For example, everyone who works with small electrical parts knows that being grounded prevents you from developing a static discharge. This shows that being grounded definitely modifies the electrical charge of the body.
Whether or not this has a beneficial effect on health is the question. But if humans have been living "grounded" for thousands of years, I'm guessing that it's probably beneficial for us.
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posted
James just make sure you are using it with bare feet. It has to be skin on mat for any benefits. I work in front of the computer way to long and it only makes sense to get grounded.
-------------------- A little lymie... Posts: 104 | From Greener Pastures in PA | Registered: Sep 2011
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posted
i think i'll post on the big earthing thread, but wanted to note that i went earthing today, with the purpose in mind (had done it before but not with intent for health).
i have to keep doing it, but i definately felt significant decrease in inflammation, huge general well-being increase, emotional release..
i'll see if it continues but it's very cool so far.
thinking of getting a mat too, after giving the earth itself some testing!
mo
Posts: 8337 | From the other shore | Registered: Jul 2002
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posted
i think i'll post on the big earthing thread, but wanted to note that i went earthing today, with the purpose in mind (had done it before but not with intent for health).
i have to keep doing it, but i definately felt significant decrease in inflammation, huge general well-being increase, emotional release..
i'll see if it continues but it's very cool so far.
today i went to a very pristine mountaintop location, i believe native americans favored it.. so it was powerful, but convinced me my own property will do fine as well, based on what i felt. i do have very clean land (no chemicals) which is all it takes, i believe.
thinking of getting a mat too, after giving the earth itself some testing!
mo
Posts: 8337 | From the other shore | Registered: Jul 2002
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
JAC - thanks for the reminder!
Mo - when you say you went "earthing" today, do you mean that you stood barefoot on the earth, or that you walked barefoot? I just wanted to mention that it ALWAYS feels good to walk barefoot, even if you were (for example) wearing non-conductive socks. In other words, even if you weren't grounded, the barefoot walking would still be very rejuvenating.
I have these special "shoes" called 'Vivo Barefoot", and while they look like "normal" sneakers, they're super soft on the bottom so it simulates walking barefoot. It has an amazing effect on the entire body, but the bottoms are still rubber, so the effect can't be do to grounding.
Yeah, keep testing the Earth, and tell us if you find it more beneficial than the mat! I like the Earth, too. It's my favorite planet.
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
I just got the "earthing kit" today. It looks VERY well made. Before I made the purchase, I was debating on whether I should just make my own earthing mat, but now that I see how nicely this one is made, I'm glad I made the purchase.
The "rubber" is very soft and flexible, and it comes with a conductive fabric cloth that can be placed over it for more comfort.
I had no idea it was going to come with the "Earthing" book! I was just reading the free sample of the ebook, and I was VERY close to buying the whole thing. Good thing I didn't buy it!
Overall, with the earthing mat, the cover, the book, and the wiring stuff, I think it was a very good buy at $70.
I'm hoping to try it out tonight. Still I think there's a big probability of a placebo effect with such a device, but oh well. What can you do.
I also got a $7 grounding strap that can be worn on the wrist. I'm hoping to set it up so that I can wear it whenever I'm sitting in the Bat-Chair�.
I'm just doubtful of the benefit of these devices for now.
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
Okay, guys, this is the first time I'm going to sleep with the grounding mat. I'll try to give you guys the "play-by-play", so that you can know what it's like.
Okay - here I go... I'm plugging it in now.
Wait... I think I feel something...
Oh ****! I plugged it into the wrong hole! I'll write back later when I figure out how to use this thing.
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
Okay I slept with the grounding mat for the first time last night. I think we both had a good time.
I slept super well last night, and I didn't even wake up to use the bathroom! That's pretty amazing, considering that I drank 1 quart of fresh veggie juices just before sleeping. I guess that means that my anti-diuretic hormone was in effect, which also shows that my melatonin levels were good. Really I slept like a rock, and the only time I woke up was to the sound of the alarm.
The only problem is that when I woke up, I noticed that the grounding mat had fallen off my bed! Son of a gun!! Since this was my first time, I'm not sure how often that will happen. Maybe I'll have to strap it down next time. Or I can strap my legs down so they don't move so much.
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I was brainstorming today about how I could be grounded while wearing shoes, and then I thought that somebody probably invented it. It was true! Stay tuned within the next couple of days for my complete review!
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posted
I don't have any experience with these grounding mats but will offer this advice
Do not use it when there is even a risk of lightning. Although rare, when lightning does enter a home it is often through the house ground.
Your ground rod is just that, a metal rod pounded into the ground. Simply put with the voltage generated by lightning if it hits anywhere near the ground rod you could get whacked.
I don't want to scare anyone.....just looking to keep you safe. Maybe you can use the pool rule......if you hear thunder get out of the pool....er um... in this case get off the mat.
James, are you sure it was the mat that made ya feel so relaxed? You talking about plugging into the wrong hole, jumpin' off the bed, strappin' it down..........sounds like a bad date......or a good one......perspective
-------------------- If you play at the beach, expect to get some sand in your shorts Posts: 223 | From central pa | Registered: May 2010
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
Joe - LOL! Be prepared - Lymetoo is probably gonna edit the end of your post! Don't feel bad about it, though. She deletes about half of my posts, but I don't mind.
I agree with you about the lightning precaution. I definitely would never use it if there is a chance of lightning.
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If the receptable test passes then there is little to worry about. Other than the waste of money buying it, and buying the "Earthing mat".
Posts: 426 | From Berkeley, CA | Registered: Feb 2009
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
Chuck - the grounding mat kits usually come with the receptacle testers. But also I use a multi-meter to make sure the pad is grounded.
@everyone: I really can't tell if this grounding stuff is doing anything noticeable. I'm glad I "tested" it before I read the book, because if I read the book first I'd be more susceptible to the placebo effect, I think.
I just got the shoe grounders in the mail today. I haven't tried them on yet. I'm hoping to give them a spin tomorrow.
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posted
Sorry Chuck but I must whole heartedly disagree. That device is just a tester to make sure the receptacle is wired correctly.
If you get a power surge or a lightning strike it is completely irrelevant that the outlet has been tested for correct wiring.
Think of this example: You have been watching the same Tv plugged into the same outlet for years. Lightning hits nearby and the tv that is powered by a correctly wired receptacle goes........ZZZZZZZZZZZPFFFFFFFFFTTT pow !!!
You will then find yourself at costco looking for a new TV while waiting on your prescriptions to be filled.
Now if YOU are the device plugged into that same outlet via your earthing mat you will also make some strange sounds along with a pop and a few crackels. The difference here is obvious: They don't sell replacements of you at costco.....not walmart either
Surge suppressors can protect against voltage spikes from power lines to a point but lightning can trump those easily enough. Now if you still want to be a human extreme bug whacker tester that is your right to do so.
As for those of us less adventurous, I am thinking it's not such a bright idea.
James, Last time she edited my whole durn thang so dare twernt nuttin left so it goes...
-------------------- If you play at the beach, expect to get some sand in your shorts Posts: 223 | From central pa | Registered: May 2010
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posted
BTW the kits should absolutely come with these testers. If you plug into a receptacle that is not wired correctly and jump on your mat you won't need to wait for the lightning strike
-------------------- If you play at the beach, expect to get some sand in your shorts Posts: 223 | From central pa | Registered: May 2010
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
quote:James, Last time she edited my whole durn thang so dare twernt nuttin left
That's okay, Joe. I read it, and you read it, and I'm sure we both had a good laugh over it!
That Lymetoo is one lean mean mod. Just pray that she doesn't banish us to Lymnet Europe!
I agree with Joe about the grounding. BTW I have surge protection at the circuit breaker box AND at the wall receptacle... I wonder if this "double" protection would be helpful in preventing ground surges.
Either way, I still wouldn't try to be grounded during an electrical storm. It just doesn't sound good! But it'd be nice to know if I have a little protection from my surge protectors for those "stealth" storms that come when you're not expecting them. I'm guessing that at least it would cut off the power sooner than if you didn't have the surge protection. That way you'll be "medium rare" instead of "broiled".
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
Joe - do you happen to know if tar is electrically conductive? I want to know if I'll actually be grounded when wearing my shiny new heel grounders while walking on tar. I could bring a long extension cord out to the road and test it with my multi-meter, but it'd be a lot easier if you already know the answer.
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posted
Probably need the extension cord or at least some good jumper cables to hook to one of your trucks.
I can't say I've ever been asked that one before but here's a guess. I imagine that while hot and gooey it would be somewhat conductive. When dry not so much.
I think you really should check with your meter. Please take pictures while performing this test so we have a good answer to the "why did james cross the road with his shiny new heel grounders" questions.
-------------------- If you play at the beach, expect to get some sand in your shorts Posts: 223 | From central pa | Registered: May 2010
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
Thanks for the answer, Joe!
Yes, when I do my famous "Is road tar electrically conductive?" experiment, I'll be sure to post a demonstration video on Youtube.
Here's another good one for you: First off, I apologize if it's a stupid question. If I plug one probe of the multi-meter into the hot end of a 120V receptacle, will the other probe be hot? (i.e. will I get shocked if I touch the other probe?) I've been wanting to touch it just to get my answer, but at the same time I don't want to get shocked (again!). I have PTSD from getting electrocuted too many times!
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
I HAVE FOUND THE ANSWER!
Being the impulsive man that I am, I couldn't wait till tomorrow to do my famous tar experiment. So here's the answer: Tar is definitely NOT conductive. That's too bad. So much for walking on tar with my shiny new heel grounders!
BUT I did find out that concrete is semi-conductive. The multimeter probe was changing frequently as I was moving it across the concrete. I guess some stones are more conductive than others. BUT I'm guessing that with the amount of surface area that the shiny new heel grounder covers, concrete could be considered fully conductive.
Lesson learned, folks: Stay on the sidewalks, stay off the tar! Dang. I'm gonna have to change my ways.
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posted
Yep you are correct, although I got a chuckle that you actually tried this. Can't wait to see the vid lol. Tar/asphault is oil based with a very high resistance. High voltage transformers that you see on telephone poles and substations are filled with oil.
Concrete has a low resistance due to its intrinsic water and electrolytic content
Everything depends on resitance and potential difference (voltage). Essentially the higher the voltage, the the greater the resistance that can be overcome to complete a circuit.
This is why lightning is so dangerous, you are talking about potential in excess of 100 million volts!
James here is a link that will answer most all of your electrical curiosity.
Now what else can we lymies get James to try out??? I vote we name him the official lymenet crash test dummy. Any and all responses will be considered
Sorry man.......all in fun
-------------------- If you play at the beach, expect to get some sand in your shorts Posts: 223 | From central pa | Registered: May 2010
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
Joe - I didn't make a video because it was 10 o'clock at night. It was too dark. I guess I could have hauled out some floodlights, but then the neighbors would have been watching me and they'd be wondering why I'm rubbing my probe on the ground at night!
But I figured out the answer to my question about if the other probe gets hot. Tell me if I'm right: There's NO WAY the other probe is hot, because otherwise the breaker would trip whenever we tested from hot to ground or hot to neutral, right?
But I'm still afraid to touch it! I'd like to have my logic confirmed before I take any chances.
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
I just want to say that ever since I've been using my grounding mat, it seems that I've been sleeping MUCH better than usual! There has been a big difference in my sleep, but I can't say for sure if it can be attributed to the grounding mat.
It's much easier for me to go to sleep on time, and it's much more rare for me to be up late. Also I seem to be much better rested. For example, last night I only slept 6 hours, and woke up "naturally" at 4 AM without the alarm clock, feeling completely rested.
Again, I'm not saying that I attribute this directly to the grounding mat, but I am saying that around the time I started using the mat I've noticed a positive change. But it could have been something else. It's hard to say.
I'm glad I didn't read the Earthing book yet, because now I know that it's less likely to be a placebo effect. Now I'm interested to learn if the Earthing book will say that the mats are very beneficial for sleep.
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But I figured out the answer to my question about if the other probe gets hot. Tell me if I'm right: There's NO WAY the other probe is hot, because otherwise the breaker would trip whenever we tested from hot to ground or hot to neutral, right?
But I'm still afraid to touch it! I'd like to have my logic confirmed before I take any chances.
There are internal resistors in the VOM which limit the current and allow range selection. These resistors limit the current to a very low level.
If you connect one lead to 120VAC then the "other" lead will float at 120VAC. When the "other" lead is connected to a resistance to ground a voltage divider is set up which lowers the voltage at the "other" lead as the 120VAC is divided between the 2 resistors.
I would have to dig out the schematic for my circa 1964 VOM or consult a book as I no longer remember the details of VOMs.
My digital VOM with an input resistance of around 40 x 10^12 ohms detects not a hint of resistance for dry concrete which I had every reason to expect.
Posts: 426 | From Berkeley, CA | Registered: Feb 2009
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
Woah, Chucky... English please! I'm just an amateur. That stuff sounds like Japanese to me. I'll have to get Penguingirl to come translate.
Can you please tell me if I will get shocked if I have one lead on 120v, and the other on my body? I'm too afraid to just try it out without knowing. It sounds like from your writing that the voltage would be lowered. The question is: how low does it get? Is it low enough to be safe?
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