Earthing: the Benefits of Walking Barefoot

Have you ever noticed how great a walk on the beach feels? The gentle exfoliating effect of the sand and salt water is one of the most comforting things to experience. Similarly, nothing beats an early morning barefoot walk on dewy grass. An experience where you truly feel at one with nature.

The process of walking barefoot on the earth’s surface (sand, grass, soil) is also known as ‘earthing’. The reason why it feels so good is because it has a healing effect on your body, mind and soul.

How does Earthing Work

Earthing is a great way to reduce stress.

Being in such close contact with the ground helps your body synchronize with the earth’s natural energies. Making you more at one with the universe.

To explain this further, the earth is believed to have several magnetic fields with their own natural flow of energy. Likewise, our body too has a mix of both positive and negative energy discharges. When our body comes in direct close contact with a natural surface, the exchange of energies results in the neutralization of our negative energies. That could perhaps even be the cause for diseases and disorders of both the body and mind.

In fact, a lot of Ayurvedic and Naturopathic physicians recommend walking on the grass barefoot. This is especially recommendable to those with a history of diabetes and insomnia.

What is the Difference to Reflexology

To cite another example; we are all probably familiar with Reflexology. Here a therapist applies pressure on the foot, which has different nerve endings or reflexes that help heal different organs and systems of the body. Reflexology Tracks with smooth, soft pebbles of different sizes offer the same effect and act as stimulants and massage the feet gently, thereby releasing stress and increasing focus.

So, when you walk barefoot on a reflexology track or on the grass or on a beach while on vacation, the different reflexology zones in your feet are stimulated, thus helping heal from within.

Apart from benefiting from the energies of the earth, you also breathe in fresh air and soak in the goodness of the sun.

I recommend you include the practice of earthing in your daily fitness regime. It does not have to be early morning if, like me, you are not a morning person either. A few minutes every evening works well too. Just ensure that the sun is still out when you do to reap in the maximum benefits.

The best part is that you can practice it at home, while on the move and even during your lunch break at work!