Why Walking Barefoot Matters

If we're willing to stop for a moment and accept that we, human beings, are part of nature, then to be healthy we need to be in sync with nature. That shows up in the diet we were meant to eat, and in the meeting of our eyes and body with the sun so that it knows whether it's morning or night, so it can get the vitamins and the support it needs to be healthy.

Since the invention of shoes, especially rubber soles, we've been separated from the earth, and when that happens we're denied a natural process of connection with the ground. Beyond that, shoes create most of the problems and pain we have in our backs and feet, since the shoe changes the natural shape of the foot, but that's for another article.

On a more scientific, observational level, the concept of grounding (or earthing) has become more and more common in recent years as a way to achieve optimal health. But really we're just dealing with years in which we've grown distant from the earth altogether, with shoes and concrete. Just like we're returning to eat natural food after decades of processed food.

At its most basic level, grounding refers to direct, unmediated contact between our body and the earth. It can be directly on the ground, but also on any other organic material that's in contact with the ground. Grass, the beach, a field and so on.

In terms of the theory, the idea is that we carry a positive electrical charge in our bodies, and direct contact with the earth, which carries a negative electrical charge, can balance the body's electrical field. Grounding, literally. Just like we have electrical grounding in every home.

What's our problem? The claim is that a positive charge that builds up over time and isn't discharged can lead to a wide range of health problems.

Because we live inside concrete structures and walk in thick shoes on paved paths, many of us almost never come into direct contact with the earth.

This very common scenario leads us, according to the theory, to a constant electrical imbalance.

Some of the known benefits, or rather the things that improve in a person who's been avoiding walking on the earth, from reports by people who worked and experimented with the various grounding techniques:

• Improved sleep quality
• Reduced chronic pain
• Raised energy levels
• Accelerated healing processes
• Reduced blood viscosity
• Neutralizes free radicals
• Improved mood
• Improved blood flow to the facial skin
• Improved and reduced inflammation levels
• Improved digestion

Grounding in Practice

So now that we've understood the basic mechanism behind grounding, here are a few practices used for the grounding process:

Walk barefoot on the earth (or lie down) - the simplest and most convenient way to ground is to go out to the nearest patch of earth and stand or walk with bare feet. You can add your palms too; every point of contact will contribute to the process. Ideally at least 20 minutes of continuous contact with the earth a day. Sitting on the ground with your pants

does the job too, as does placing a hand on a tree.

Immerse in natural water sources - another simple way, for anyone who has access to such places, is to immerse in natural water sources. Water is an excellent way to ground, thanks to its mineral richness. A lake, a river and the sea.

Grounding mats (and grounding equipment in general) - suitable for anyone who doesn't have convenient, safe access to bare earth, or who struggles to find the time to devote to barefoot walks in nature. For example, older or physically limited people, or anyone sitting many hours in an office in front of a screen. The various mats are connected with a special plug that links them only to the building's grounding. This way, contact with the mat connects us to the earth's electrical charge and its free electrons.

There are mats for the feet, or ones you can put on a desk under the keyboard. There are bed covers that let you spend the night connected to the earth. There's no doubt this is an excellent way to overcome the constraints of the modern lifestyle that shuts us out of this simple meeting with the earth.

You can easily order them online.

Grounding as Part of Our Connection With Life

No matter which grounding practice we choose, it's worth viewing the idea of "grounding" as something that isn't only meant to ease and benefit the physical body. Rather, as a connection with nature, which is really us. Grounding gives us a sense of stability, connection, mothering, security, inner strength, balance and serenity. All of these support the immune system and the body's overall health.

The more time I spend in nature, the healthier, happier and closer to my essence in this world I feel.