SURPRISING BENEFITS OF WALKING BAREFOOT
1. IMPROVES SLEEP PATTERNS
Research published by the National Institutes of Health indicates that grounding, or allowing your feet to touch the ground, can enhance sleep quality. This practice alters the brain's electrical activity, fostering a sense of well-being and relaxation. It is recommended to engage in earthing for at least a few minutes daily.
Furthermore, grounding assists in resetting the biological clock, aiding in the establishment of healthy sleep patterns. Once the biological clock is reset and relaxation achieved, normalizing the sleep schedule becomes possible. For those experiencing sleep difficulties, walking barefoot may be an effective solution.
2. HELPS REDUCE PAIN
Similarly to how grounding improves sleep, it also diminishes bodily pain. The electrical activity in the brain, influenced by the earth's energy, lessens the intensity of pain. Grounding can alleviate sore muscles, headaches, and even reduce the severity and duration of migraines.
The reduction in pain is initially due to the grounding of the body and the decrease of free radicals. Improvements in gait, or the way a person walks, can also relieve pain. Walking barefoot can help correct back, knee, and hip pain that often originates from improper gait.
Certain footwear can lead to an incorrect walking style or negatively affect posture and balance, disrupting gait. Walking barefoot prevents this, promoting a natural walking pattern as intended by nature. This natural gait can also help lessen or prevent pain in the feet, legs, hips, and neck.
Additionally, going shoeless can prevent other painful foot conditions that affect nearly 75% of Americans annually, such as bunions, corns, calluses, fissures, and hammertoes.
3. REDUCES STRESS LEVELS
Like the other methods, this one utilizes the electrical activity in the brain that comes from grounding. It promotes relaxation, leading to reduced stress levels. Coupled with better sleep, you're likely to experience significantly less stress.
Additionally, earthing is known to regulate emotions and stabilize the nervous system, both of which impact stress. It can swiftly reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. The longer you spend barefoot outdoors, the more you can harness the earth's charge for these benefits.
4. CONTRIBUTES TO POSITIVE BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
Walking barefoot outdoors enhances sensory development. You become more aware, noticing sounds and sights that you might typically overlook. This awareness keeps you grounded in the present moment.
It sharpens your attention to detail, improves your eyesight, and allows for quicker focusing. It also stimulates your senses of touch and hearing, as you become more attuned to your environment. The fresh air and natural aromas enhance your sense of smell too.
5. STRENGTHENS YOUR FEET
Contrary to the belief that walking barefoot may be harmful or painful, it actually strengthens the feet. It encourages greater awareness of the environment, helping to avoid potential hazards.
Shoes can weaken the feet and ankles by creating reliance on artificial support. Barefoot walking activates the muscles in the legs, ankles, toes, and feet, thus strengthening them.
Stronger feet not only function better but also appear more toned. The development of strength and balance also reduces the likelihood of injuries.
6. IMPROVES BLOOD FUNCTION AND REDUCES RISK OF HEART DISEASE
High blood viscosity, a factor in heart disease, is mitigated by grounding, which can decrease blood thickness and prevent cell clumping. This reduction in blood viscosity can help lower the risk of heart disease.
It also aids in hormone regulation and can alleviate menstrual symptoms, attributed to its analgesic properties and enhanced blood function.
7. FOOT MASSAGE
The irregularities of the ground, such as small pebbles, stones, and rifts, can be as beneficial as a foot massage. As the feet are massaged, it allows energy to flow freely throughout the body.
Walking barefoot offers a natural foot massage, so it's valuable to understand its benefits. These benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Improved blood circulation
- Relaxation
- Better sleep
- Reduced body pain
- Enhanced mood
- Decreased feelings of depression
- Better foot health
- Reduced foot swelling
8. REDUCES RISK AND DEVELOPMENT OF OSTEOPOROSIS
Research indicates that grounding can alter the mineral and electrolyte balance in the blood. Moreover, tests reveal a reduction in calcium and phosphorus excretion in urine and blood.
These changes were observed after just one night, suggesting that grounding may reduce the loss of calcium and phosphorus from the body. Since the development and progression of osteoporosis are linked to the loss of these minerals, grounding may affect the risk. The more frequently you walk barefoot, the lower your risk may become.
9. HELPS TREAT DIABETES MELLITUS AND THYROID DISEASE
Individuals taking anti-diabetic medication for non-insulin-dependent diabetes have shown improvements with earthing. Within just a few days, it can significantly lower fasting glucose levels.
Earthing also impacts the liver, hypothalamus, and pituitary glands, which all influence thyroid function. For those with hypothyroidism, going shoeless may stimulate the thyroid and increase free thyroxine levels.
10. STRENGTHENS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AND PROVIDES ENERGY
It boosts immunity by increasing red blood cell counts and reducing white blood cell numbers, enhancing your ability to ward off viruses and bacteria. It also helps in preventing immune-related diseases.
Feeling energetic is crucial to maintaining good health. The earth emits higher frequencies that can elevate the energy levels of those in contact with it.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR WALKING BAREFOOT
While there are advantages to walking barefoot, it's important to start slowly if you're not used to it. You may initially experience discomfort due to the lack of strength in your feet and ankles.
Begin by going shoeless for short periods of time, gradually increasing as your balance and strength improve. Practicing yoga can also aid in building the necessary strength.
Be mindful of the terrain you walk on; rocky areas could have sharp stones that might cut your feet. Avoid places with potential hazards like broken objects, nails, glass, or slippery surfaces.
Not all surfaces offer grounding benefits, so you might want to skip these:
- Asphalt
- Wood
- Rubber
- Plastic
- Vinyl
- Tar
- Tarmac
- Sand
- Grass
- Soil
- Concrete
- Ceramic
The benefits of walking barefoot are numerous and often surprising. It's understandable to be amazed at how beneficial it is, especially since the importance of grounding is frequently overlooked due to the common emphasis on footwear.
Understanding the benefits, you may feel inclined to practice earthing daily. Start gradually if your feet are unaccustomed to being bare. The advantages will manifest swiftly, leading to improved health, increased energy, and an enhanced sense of well-being.
Next time you stroll through your yard, consider going barefoot. It will become second nature before long, and the positive effects will soon be noticeable.
Interesting Benefits of Walking Barefoot
Dr. Eric Berg DC: The condition of your feet can impact your body in many different ways. Learn more about the benefits of walking barefoot!
