The simple act of walking barefoot, also known as “earthing” or “grounding,” provides numerous benefits that are frequently overlooked by a culture that stresses the importance of wearing shoes at all times. According to Dr. Mercola, walking barefoot enables the body to absorb negative electrons from the Earth, which stabilizes daily cortisol rhythm and creates a balanced internal bioelectrical environment.
Due to modern living, we have lost much of our connection to Mother Earth. However, spending more time barefoot in nature can provide more benefits than you might expect.
10 Health Benefits of Barefoot Walking
1. Barefoot Walking Can Reduce Pain and Inflammation
In this study, twelve participants slept for eight weeks on a conductive mattress pad that mimicked the effects of sleeping directly on the ground. Everyone complained of pain, stress, and difficulty sleeping. Scientists discovered a significant reduction in their cortisol levels following the test period. In addition, all subjects reported that their pain, stress, and sleep disturbances had been significantly reduced or eliminated.
2. It Can Help You Sleep Better
Another study published in PubMed demonstrated that earthing affects physiological processes and promotes relaxation. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine also reported that people who had experienced grounding slept better than those who did not regularly walk barefoot. It is believed that earthing stabilizes circadian rhythms. Possibly this explains why so many people report better sleep.
3. Barefoot Walking Strengthens The Immune System
In this comprehensive report published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health, researchers discovered that walking barefoot can decrease the number of white blood cells while increasing the number of red blood cells. This result indicates a successful immune response.
4. Barefoot Walking Can Lower The Risk of Heart Disease
Earthing increases the surface charge of red blood cells, according to a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. This reduces cell clumping, and as a result, blood thickness is reduced. Since high viscosity has been directly linked to heart disease risk, earthing significantly reduces the risk of heart disease.
5. Barefoot Walking Regulates the Nervous System, Thereby Reducing Feelings of Anxiety and Stress
In general, going outside can help regulate emotions and restore balance to the nervous system. However, allowing your body direct contact with the earth reduces anxiety and stress even further. This is because the Earth possesses a negative charge. And because we have a positive charge due to the daily electromagnetic waves we are exposed to, connecting with the Earth is essential for your emotional and physical health.
6. It Assists in Normalizing Biological Rhythms
The authors of the book Earthing Clint Ober, Dr. Stephen Sinatra MD, and Martin Zucker explain that “…the biological clock of the body must be continuously calibrated by the pulse of the Earth, which governs the circadian rhythms of all life on Earth.”
Earthing helps restore regular sleeping patterns and reset our internal biological clocks. Environmental pollution, such as light, chemicals, and other factors, has a significant impact on our sleeping patterns; therefore, coming into contact with the Earth’s negatively charged electrons can be incredibly beneficial for your circadian rhythm and other biological processes.
7. Barefoot Walking Can Even Reduce the Severity of Menstrual Cramps!
Given that grounding reduces overall pain, it should come as no surprise that barefoot walking can also alleviate menstrual cramps. In a sense, all bodily pain originates in the mind and manifests as stress, which can have a significant impact on menstrual cramps. Going outside and walking barefoot on the earth is beneficial for the body, mind, and soul. Specifically for women with cramps, pharmacies sell numerous painkillers. However, earthing provides the same advantages without the negative side effects. Plus, you’ll save a great deal of money!
8. Walking Barefoot Relaxes Tense Muscles and Can Even Prevent Headaches
The results of a pilot study indicate that earthing can prevent delayed onset muscle soreness after physical exercise. This can certainly be applied to other situations that cause tense muscles, such as sitting at a desk all day. In some cases, prolonged exposure to radiation has been linked to migraines, and since earthing literally grounds the body and reduces free radicals, it can also alleviate headaches.
9. Earthing Increases Energy Levels
This may seem obvious at this point, but it bears mentioning nonetheless. When you immerse yourself in nature, you are able to detect the higher frequencies emitted by nature. You increase your own energy levels as a result. Exposure to modern society can unquestionably diminish one’s vitality. Therefore, spend as much time as possible in nature!
10. It Shields the Body From Harmful EMFs (electromagnetic fields)
Earthing can reduce the electromagnetic charge within the body, as mentioned previously. Additionally, it may protect you from the negative effects of EMFs. Consider reading the book Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever? for more information on the incredible ways that barefoot walking can improve your health.
It contains research and other information from physicians, an electrical engineer, and a cardiologist. You will also find firsthand accounts of the benefits of earthing.
- Do you think there are any drawbacks or risks in walking barefoot?
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