4 min read (907 words)

Earthing or grounding therapy connects us to the energy of the Earth which is healthy for our body and soul. Whilst there is a definite ‘New-Age’ attraction to this concept of energetically connecting with Mother Gaia, earthing also has a scientific basis which explains how effective the practice is.

Why you should walk barefoot

Geophysical fields are the powerful, yet invisible energies of the Earth’s gravity, magnetism, electricity and electromagnetism (light). Human physiology has more than one hundred biological rhythms that are timed and coordinated with rhythms in our environment. Whether we know it or not, our relationship with these geophysical rhythms are absolutely vital for our health.

Think of Earth as a huge battery that contains a natural, subtle electrical charge and humans as bio-electrical beings. Our body operates electrically and all of our cells transmit multiple frequencies that run our heart, muscles, and nervous system. When our body rhythms are properly synchronised with our geophysical environment, we feel good and we function well. When we become disconnected from the environmental rhythms, we can start to feel unbalanced and our body can become chaotic, resulting in disease.

Free radicals are unstable atoms that are highly reactive. These free radicals can damage cells, causing illness and aging. They accelerate inflammatory related illnesses such as arthritis, endometriosis, IBD, asthma, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s as well as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Free radical-generating substances are present all around us: over consumption of animal products, fried food, alcohol, tobacco smoke, pesticides and air pollutants. The more we engage in the behaviours that bring free radicals in, the poorer our health becomes.

The Earth has an infinite supply of free electrons. When a person is grounded, those electrons – which have been likened to antioxidants – naturally flow between the Earth and the body. This reduces free radicals and eliminates any static electrical charge. Through direct contact with the ground, we absorb the Earth’s abundant free electrons and geoelectrical rhythms into our bodies. When this happens, every molecule, cell, tissue, and organ is exposed to the rhythmic fields of the Earth. This connection stabilises the electrical environment and prevents inflammation from occurring; providing a key ingredient needed for the operation of a healthy and happy body and soul.

Our ancestors knew the benefits of walking barefoot

Throughout history, humans either walked barefoot or with conductive footwear made of animal skins such as moccasins. People also slept directly on the Earth or on animal hides. The significance of barefoot contact with the Earth has been known since ancient times in indigenous peoples living close to the Earth. Native American Sioux Tribal Leader, Luther Standing Bear shared this in his traditional storytelling:

“It was good for the skin to touch the bare Earth, and the old people liked to remove their moccasins and walk with their bare feet on the sacred Earth. They sat on the ground with the feeling of being close to a mothering power. The soil was soothing, strengthening, cleansing and healing.”

Industrialisation of the 1950s introduced rubber, plastic or composite soles, replacing traditional leather soles fashioned from animal hides. Additionally, other lifestyle changes took place during the plastics revolution such as fast-foods, computers, mobile phones and televisions. We have also seen a steady decrease in our exposure to natural light and an increase in BLUE and UV light. Since the introduction of all of these things, there has been a dramatic increase in poor public health in the industrialised world. 

The healing effects of walking barefoot

Studies have shown that there are numerous health advantages associated with walking barefoot on the Earth such as:

• Decreased levels of inflammation and pain
• Improved circulation, blood flow and and tissue oxygenation 
• Sleep regulations
• Improved blood pressure
• Alleviates PMS
• Improved skin conditions 
• Speeds up healing process
• More efficient cell repair and function 
• Detoxification of waste and toxins 
• Restoration of the body’s natural state
• Balanced mind to calm anxiety and promote serenity and sense of security

How to walk barefoot

The easiest and most natural way to Earth is to go outside, place your bare feet on the Earth and either stand or walk around. It takes at least half an hour of exposure to Earth to feel any significant health benefits. Taking a daily, barefoot, 30 minute walk is one of the best things we can do to lessen the likelihood of developing a chronic disease and to feel more connected to Earth.

For those who aren’t able to walk barefoot, there are grounding mats that mimic the electric current of the Earth and allow a person to bring the experience inside. Grounding mats are made of carbon-based polyurethane and connected to any standard-issue electrical outlet.

I’ve been walking barefoot fairly consistently since the start of 2018. I feel earthing has been a contributing factor as to how I have reversed many health issues. As well as this, I feel a deeper connection to Nature, which in turn deepens my connection to my Self. Earthing provides a physical and metaphorical means of establishing a natural sturdy foundation from which to blossom, grow, create, live. Return to Nature, Return to Self.