During the weekend I came across an article in the paper on the benefits of walking barefoot. I thought, do we need scientific evidence for something that is so obvious - as soon as my feet touch the earth I begin to feel the benefits.
I can be feeling absolutely beaten by the day’s events yet if I take a few moments to shed my shoes and wander down to the local park, the heaviness seems to seep away and I’m left feeling uplifted, grounded and present. This is all the evidence I need, especially when it occurs each time I do it.
taking in the various surrounding light levels, or the beach sand
between my toes. I loved the sand as a child and as an adult continue to enjoy standing on the edge of the water and as each wave washes over my feet I sink a little more deeply into the cold wet sand, my toes squishing the grains between them until I am ankle deep and it takes some effort to dislodge my feet.
Too many times I hear the worries of parents who insist their children wear shoes. I can understand their concern with dangers such as broken glass however I encourage you to remember the freedom one feels when the shoes are thrown aside and you run along the beach.
The scientific theory behind the health benefits seen from this simple practice is that since the Earth has a greater negative charge than our bodies, we end up absorbing electrons from it. And because it is believed to be one of the most potent antioxidants it may have an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect on us.Connecting to the earth in this way reportedly improves sleep, reduction in pain and inflammation and thins blood.
Even if there were no proven benefits to walking barefoot I would still recommend giving it a try – what an easy way to feel good, and it’s healthy!
Love Louisa x