Should walking barefoot be encouraged as a daily health practice?

the benefits of earthing

I wrote this article in 2018 as a master’s assignment, but I always loved it and use it often to reference the science and benefits of earthing.

Introduction

Imagine the earth is a battery, plugged in and circling the sun for energy. This energy is the life blood of the ever changing and moving global atmospheric electron circuit. “And pulsating throughout the surface of the planet is an unseen and virtually limitless reservoir of sub-atomic particles called electrons. Constantly replenished and stimulated by the sun, lightning, and the deep-down molten core, they vibrate at different frequencies and give our landmasses and oceans a subtle negative charge” (Earthing Institute - Reconnecting People to the Planet, 2016). These negative charges are then absorbed by all life, providing essential sources of antioxidants and free radical destroying electrons. However, with the advent of modern lifestyles, many humans have lost their “electrical roots” and are naturally disconnected from the constant electric earth connection that keeps us healthy. But, there is a way for humans to harness this rich supply by walking barefoot or the practice of “earthing,” which is simply walking barefooted on soil, grass, sand or any natural surface. 

Western culture encompasses lifestyles surrounded by high rise buildings and concrete jungles, which build barriers between nature and humans. Over time, we have separated humans from the very essence of life that we naturally come from. In addition, societal pressures have forced cultures to replace traditional hide leather or barefooted options with synthetically soled shoes that insulate us from earth’s natural source of electrons and electrical fields. We are rarely told to take our shoes off and freely feel the ground beneath our feet, as most of this ground is made up of hot asphalt, concrete or artificial materials. However, the practice of walking barefoot has been around for almost all of history.

“The human immune system evolved over millions of years. During this great span of time, of course, we lived mostly in barefoot contact with the Earth. We were naturally Earthed. Yet scientists haven’t noticed that modern living involves a disconnect with Earth’s stabilizing electrical energy and a loss of the body’s natural grounded state, and that this loss may set up the immune system for malfunction (Ober, Sinatra and Zucker, 29).

Why have public health officials overlooked that a major cause of human suffering and chronic illness may be directly linked to our isolation from the electrical ground plane of earth’s electrical rhythms and free electrons? Finally, new research has emerged that clearly suggests that walking barefoot is actually “essential for proper functioning of immune systems, circulation, synchronization of biorhythms and other physiological processes” (Mercola, 2012). In simple terms, being connected with the earth is actually essential for human health! “The most reasonable hypothesis to explain the beneficial effects of earthing is that a direct earth connection enables both diurnal electrical rhythms and free electrons to flow from the earth to the body” (JL, 2007). This hypothesis makes complete sense, as humans are not sole organisms separated from the earth. We are all interconnected with all living beings, creating one symbiotic organism. So, in order to function properly, we must connect with our roots and absorb the electrons, ions and energy that our core mother is providing for us. 

Health Benefits

Just like a vitamin or mineral deficiency, we can be nutrient deficient from earth itself. And, research has emerged that shows that grounding oneself through walking barefoot is one of the essential and foundational practices towards proper health and wellbeing. From balancing “the daily rhythm of chemical and hormonal cycling in the human body…by faint electromagnetic signals” to stabilizing our circadian rhythms, the simple act of taking your shoes off has astronomical health benefits (Earthing Institute - Reconnecting People to the Planet, 2016). In 2014 and 2015, using laser and thermal imaging, two studies demonstrated how earthing for just one hour can improve blood flow to the face and with continuous contact, the same research indicated that the antioxidants emitted from the ground protected our bodies from inflammation, which is one of the leading cause of disease and illness. Another review published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health, found that earthing actually changes the electrical activity in the brain, which was measured by electroencephalograms. It was found to stimulate our dopamine and serotonin release, which naturally calms and relaxes the brain, as well as, promotes positive and joyful moods. Similar research found individuals that practiced earthing on a daily basis “benefitted skin conductivity, moderated heart rate variability, improved glucose regulation, reduced stress and boosted immunity” (Eliaz, 2013). The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published another compelling study that found that walking barefoot increases the surface charge of red blood cells throughout the body, which results in the de-clumping of cells and a decrease in blood viscosity, while also regulates the endocrine and nervous systems.

By walking barefoot, you are able to live in direct contact with the earth and benefit from mental, physical, psychological and even spiritual health increases. In addition, “earthing appears to minimize the consequences of exposure to potentially disruptive fields like ‘electromagnetic pollution’ or ‘dirty electricity,’” helping bind and remove these toxins, as well as, protect the body from absorbing the excessive waste (Mercola, 2012). When walking barefoot, humans can actually feel an innate sense of calm, making it a fantastic treatment for anxiety, stress and other mental disorders. According to the Earthing Institute, 2016, research found that earthing benefits included: the elimination or substantial reduction of inflammation; better sleep; improved energy; increased production of melatonin; normalized secretion of the hormone cortisol; decreased stress; improved nervous system function in preemies; improved mood; reduction of blood viscosity; improved regulation of blood flow in the torso, extremities and face; improved glucose (blood sugar) regulation; prevention of calcium and bone density loss; reduction indicators of osteoporosis and improved kidney function; provided a grounding point to the body’s bioelectrical circuits to allow them to work optimally, increased metabolic rate; influenced thyroid gland function; reduction of muscle damage; accelerated recovery from delayed onset muscle soreness; sped wound healing; improved immune system response to trauma and injuries; normalized muscle tension; reduction of PMS symptoms and hot flashes; shield against low frequency electromagnetic fields; and anti-aging benefits. 

With sustained contact to the earth’s natural electrical currents, humans can truly notice mental and physical health advantages. Although the science and research is still relatively new, the practice of earthing is not, its just been forgotten, as it is been around since the dawn of time. The best part of earthing, is that it is one of the most natural and safest health practices around, making it an essential component of ones daily health rituals. Public health officials should encourage this connection. Finding health can be as simple as taking off your shoes and stepping out on the fresh cut grass or soaking your feet into the slippery mud to connect to the conducive systems that transfer the ground energy into the body.

Potential Negative Research

There is a small amount of research that suggests incomplete data and inaccurate belief that the practicing earthing is beneficial for health. Because the research is relatively new, it requires opening new perspectives in science, which are not necessarily open to interpretation. These perspectives require examinations of the basics of electricity and magnetism, as applied to physiology and medicine. So, in order to provide substantial evidence that the electric-ionic energy that flows below the ground can be transported to our bodies, skeptics believe much further research and evidence needs to be provided. The basic laws of physics would need to be tested.

Another source of confusion arises from skeptics believing that the unnatural frequencies referred to as “electromagnetic pollution” and “dirty electricity” that flow through modern civilizations cannot accurately be removed with this type of filter. These skeptics believe “that these signals are present virtually everywhere in our environment as electromagnetic radiations, and cannot be completely removed with filters in the wiring” of solely our earth (Mercola, 2012). They believe that our earth is so far polluted and affected by modern lifestyles, that they are forever ingrained in our lands. Lastly, because of excessive waste and pollution issues, glass and other sharp objects could be lurking on the ground, which poses the potential to penetrate the skin and infect a wound. These wounds are the quintessential environment for Clostridium tetani, which is a bacterium causing tetanus, spores to grow. “This bacteria can be found in soil, dust, rust, even animal feces…as it enters your body through an opened wound, which can be caused by a nail [or rusty object] pierce. Inside your body, the bacterium endospores travels through blood to reach central nervous system and release a toxin” that can cause a host of health issues (Wound Care Society, 2015). So, it is essential to be aware of the area you choose to walk barefoot on.  

Conclusion

Based on research and evidence, I support that idea that walking barefoot should be encouraged as a daily health recommendation. I have personally tried this practice and noticed significant improvements in my health including a much calmer and less anxious mind. This practice has been around for thousands of years, with cultures across the globe connecting with the ecosystem and environment around them through earthing. I do believe that more research needs to be done on how to properly integrate safe earthing within modern societies and cityscapes. 

Although everyone can walk on any surface indoors and outdoors, when we exclude walking barefoot on natural surfaces, we miss out on many of the mental and physical health benefits that come when we spend time breathing in oxygen-rich air and soaking up mother earth’s vitality. Walking barefoot is beyond just exercise, as it is a form of healing that removes stress and penetrates our health at a deeper level. This evolutionary act allows us to synchronize with earth’s natural electric charge. And the best part is, there is no membership fee to take your shoes off and dip your toes in the sand. If anyone questions the benefits, think of humans like trees. We both absorb energy and nutrients through our feet or roots and transport this energy to sustain our health and wellbeing through our bodies or trunks.

Do you practice earthing? Would you support walking barefoot as a daily health practice? What are your thoughts?

References

Chevalier, G., Sinatra, S., Oschman, J., Sokal, K. and Sokal, P. (2012). Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth's Surface Electrons. NCBI - PubMed.gov.

Earthing Institute - Reconnecting People to the Planet. (2016). What is Earthing – Earthing Institute. [online] Available at: http://www.earthinginstitute.net/what-is-earthing/.

Eliaz, D. (2013). The Surprising Health Benefits Of Going Barefoot. [online] mindbodygreen. Available at: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-9099/the-surprising-health-benefits-of-going-barefoot.html.

JL, O. (2007). Can electrons act as antioxidants? A review and commentary.. [online] NCBI - PubMed. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18047442.

K, S. (2011). The neuromodulative role of earthing. [online] NCBI - PubMed.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21856083.

Mercola, D. (2012). The Ultimate Antioxidant: Fight Premature Aging for Free. [online] Mercola: Take Control of Your Health. Available at: https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/11/04/why-does-walking-barefoot-on-the-earth-make-you-feel-better.aspx.

Ober, C., Sinatra, S. and Zucker, M. (2013). Earthing - The most important health discovery ever?. Laguna Beach: Basic Health Publications, inc, pp.27-49.

Sinatra, D. (2016). What is Earthing or Grounding? | Heart MD Institute - Dr. Stephen Sinatra's Informational Site. [online] Heart MD Institute - Dr. Stephen Sinatra's Informational Site. Available at: https://heartmdinstitute.com/alternative-medicine/what-is-earthing-or-grounding/.

Wound Care Society. (2015). How soon after stepping on a rusty nail should you get a tetanus shot?. [online] Available at: http://woundcaresociety.org/how-soon-after-stepping-on-a-rusty-nail-should-you-get-a-tetanus-shot.