Walking barefoot, also known as “earthing” or “grounding”, is the practise of walking without wearing shoes or socks, allowing your feet to make direct contact with the ground or other natural surfaces. Despite the fact that humans are part of nature and we have been walking barefoot for thousands of years, today we have to rediscover this simple truth again: we need to stay connected with Earth and be in balance.
Grounding philosophy pioneer Clint Ober has been gathering evidence for more than 20 years, proving how earthing has changed thousands of people’s lives and improved their health.
When you touch the ground with your bare feet or body, the electrons flow into you, restoring your primal balance with nature: they neutralise free radical damage, squelch inflammation, restore healthy endocrine function, and enhance cellular gating and circulation, which improves cellular uptake of nutrients, oxygen, and hormones while maximising the removal of cellular waste.
After years of observing the effect of earthing on people, I know with absolute certainty that most everything going on in the body is different when you’re not grounded, when you are disconnected from the Earth, like most people today.
Earthing can be life-changing. It is one of the most simple and important things you can do for your health, and probably the easiest lifestyle change you can make in your lifetime.
My message is very simple: get grounded, and stay grounded for a lifetime.
Clint Ober
Also, it is quite a mindfulness experience, as your feet have numerous nerve endings, and when you walk barefoot, you stimulate these sensory receptors. It’s an opportunity to feel the textures and temperatures of the earth beneath your feet, enhancing your connection to the environment. This can lead to a heightened sensory experience and a greater awareness of your surroundings. Walking barefoot allows you to connect with the natural world.
Here are some key points of mental and physical benefits to consider about grounding:
Restoring natural balance: Grounding has a powerful effect on restoring our electrical balance.
1. Antioxidant Effects: The direct contact with the earth’s surface has antioxidant effects. The Earth’s surface has an abundance of free electrons, which can act as antioxidants and neutralise free radicals in the body.
2. Reduction in Oxidative Stress: Walking barefoot on natural surfaces helps reduce oxidative stress, which is a key factor in various chronic diseases and ageing. By neutralising free radicals, the body may experience less cellular damage and inflammation.
Mental Benefits:
Stress Reduction: Walking barefoot on natural surfaces like grass, sand, or soil can help reduce stress and anxiety. It allows you to connect with nature and promotes a sense of calm and relaxation.
Improved Mood: Being in direct contact with the earth can stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators. This can lead to a more positive outlook and a boost in overall mood.
Enhanced Mindfulness: Walking barefoot encourages you to be more mindful of your surroundings and the sensations underfoot. It can be a form of meditation, helping you stay present and focused on the moment.
Better Sleep: Often, people report improved sleep quality after grounding practises. The calming effects of connecting with the earth may lead to deeper, more restful sleep.
Physical Benefits:
Strengthened Foot Muscles: Shoes with cushioning and arch support can weaken the muscles in your feet. Walking barefoot engages the small muscles in your feet and toes, which are often underutilised when wearing shoes. This can lead to strengthening these muscles, which makes your feet stronger and more agile.
Better Posture and Balance: Walking barefoot engages the muscles and ligaments in your feet, improving your overall posture and balance. This can reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Barefoot walking challenges your balance and proprioception (awareness of your body’s position in space). Over time, this can lead to better overall balance and stability.
Pain Relief: Some individuals find relief from certain foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and bunions when walking barefoot. The natural arch support provided by the foot’s musculature may alleviate discomfort.
Enhanced Circulation: Walking barefoot stimulates the nerves in the soles of your feet, which can promote better circulation throughout your body.
Incorporating at least 10 minutes of barefoot walks into your routine can be a simple yet effective way to enhance your overall health and well-being, encouraging a sense of harmony with the environment. However, when it is not possible to go out and have that live and vital relationship with the earth, today there are some products developed to gain grounding effects indoors.
For more information, you can watch the Earthing movie on Youtube