It is amazing how something as simple and natural as being barefoot is so incredibly beneficial for our health. The forefathers and foremothers of naturopathic medicine often prescribed walking barefoot in dew covered grass to improve immunity and circulation. Many were ridiculed
for recommending this grounding (earthing) practice. Now however, research is proving the nature doctors (and their teachers), were right all along. In fact, studies demonstrate having direct skin contact with the surface of the Earth for a sustained period of time (30 minutes) is extremely beneficial for our health.
Earthing, (also known Vitamin G for grounding), has been shown to not only reduce inflammation and pain levels, but also improve wound healing and sleep.
How does it work? Well, in a nut shell; the Earth carries a powerful negative charge in the form of ions. Absorbing these negative ions from the Earth through our skin, protects our cells from free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable atoms that cause oxidative stress, causing cell damage. Chronic damage to our cells contributes to many disease processes such as; cardiovascular illness, diabetes, dementia, Rheumatoid arthritis, immune conditions and even premature aging.
Step into your garden, a park, the beach - any place where it is safe (and not too cold) for you to sit with your feet on the ground or to walk barefoot. Wearing leather-soled shoes outdoors and walking barefoot on ceramic tile, unpainted concrete or brick also allow for grounding. Surfaces that will not ground you include: rubber (shoe soles), wood, vinyl, asphalt, plastic or tarmac. When movement is limited or the weather is not conducive to being outside, there are grounding mats available for home and office use.
Allow yourself to be nourished by Mother Earth; she's right under your feet!
References & for more information about the science of earthing:
1. Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth's Surface Electrons; J Environ Public Health. 2012; 2012: 291541. 2. The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases J Inflamm Res. 2015; 8: 83–96. 3. https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/03/01/body-electricity-grounding.aspx 4. “How Do Free Radicals Affect The Body.” https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318652.php
Note: Previously published: Innate Wellness Newsletter