Walking barefoot, or "earthing" means to walk barefoot on any natural surface. It can be sand, grass, soil or rocks. There are studies that show how the relationship between electrons in the earth and our bodies has big health benefits for us.
"Walking with your feet directly touching the soil allows your body to absorb negative electrons through the Earth, which helps to stabilize daily cortisol rhythm and create a balanced internal bioelectrical environment." Dr. Mercola
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WALKING BAREFOOT STRENGTHENS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
When we walk barefoot our white blood cell count decreases and red blood cell count increases, which is a positive immune response. You can read more about this in a report published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health. Here is one small part of the conclusion of the research:
The research done to date supports the concept that grounding or earthing the human body may be an essential element in the health equation along with sunshine, clean air and water, nutritious food, and physical activity.
REDUCE PAIN AND INFLAMMATION, HAVE A NAP OUTSIDE
There is a considerable reduction in cortisol levels after being in contact with earth surface. Pain, sleep troubles and stress can be reduced if you regularly walk barefoot or even better, sleep on the ground. MAURICE GHALY, M.D. and DALE TEPLITZ, M.A. have published their work on this subject in 2004. which you can read in detail here. I found it interesting to hear how this has more effect on women than it does on men, this is what they stated in their conclusion:
Results indicate that grounding the human body to earth
during sleep reduces night-time levels of cortisol and resynchronizes
hormone cortisol secretion more in alignment
with the natural 24-hour circadian rhythm profile. Changes
were most apparent in females. Furthermore, subjective reporting
indicates that grounding the human body to earth
during sleep improves sleep and reduces pain and stress.
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HEART DISEASE, MENSTRUAL CRAMPS, ANXIETY, STRESS
Walking barefoot helps with all of the above-mentioned things. The high viscosity of blood has been found to be a risk factor for heart disease. When we walk barefoot clumping in the cells reduces which decreases blood thickness. As for the menstrual cramps, as earthing helps with all pain so it does with this one. Have in mind that taking a stroll through nature has an impact on your mind and soul as well.
People have a positive charge because of the electromagnetic waves we come in contact during our daily activities. Earth, on the other hand, carries a negative charge and by being in contact with it our anxiety and stress are decreased because our nervous system is regulated.
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MY EXPERIENCE?
I am a walker. I walk about 7 km every day and can say that I am addicted to it. :) Since I live in the urban city I have my shoes on while walking but take them off whenever I get out in nature. There is a certain amount of freedom and sense of expanding in my walks because my breathing synchronizes with the movements of my body. Endorphins that are being released are a positive thing too, I always feel relaxed and charged with positivity when I get home.
I love walking barefoot in the woods and on the sand beaches and enjoy the contact with the earth surface with all the benefits that it brings. We sit too much during the day, try to walk for at least half an hour a day and you will see how everything in your body and mind will begin to change for the better.
