Earthing: barefooting-it!

Earthing; Grounding Yourself to the Earth?

I first heard of earthing on Sarah Wilson's blog.  

I have since seen it pop up on other well being sites such as Dr Mercola and Dr Oz. 

Earthing is where you walk, barefoot, as much as possible - preferably on grass or sand.

The principle behind it is:

"When walking barefoot on the earth, free electrons transfer from the ground into your body through the soles of your feet. These free electrons are some of the most potent antioxidants known to man. Experiments have shown that these electrons decrease pain and inflammation, improve heart rate, promote sound sleep, and make your blood less viscous, which has a beneficial impact on cardiovascular health.

Lack of grounding due to widespread use of rubber or plastic-soled shoes has contributed to the rise of modern diseases by allowing chronic inflammation to proliferate unchecked. So the more you can walk barefoot on the ground, the better. Ideal locations are the beach, close to or in the water, and on dewy grass."  from Dr Mercola.

I love walking barefoot - anyone who knows me knows that I walk barefoot most of summer and other times of the year as well.  I do anyway, not just because it is good for me. I have pretty tough feet, not pretty but resilient. 

I find it interesting that barefooting-it is considered a wellbeing 'must do'.  There are even grounding mats you can buy to help you earth if you can't walk barefoot (people will buy anything).

Do you remember that pivotal scene from Pretty Woman when Richard Gere (sigh!) walked barefoot on the grass when he was considering a change in his modus operandi for business/life etc. He was barefooting-it before it was called earthing.

I recall an acquaintance of mine who refused to go barefoot ... anywhere. She had 'perfect feet' with no calluses, and said her feet hurt if she didn't wear shoes or slippers. She even wore thongs when she got straight out of the shower.  She was always getting sick, had lots of aches and pains, was overweight, generally unhappy with her life.  And she was young (well 30ish) and seemed to have everything. 

I wonder if it is the earthing, or instead, feeling close to the texture and temperature of the ground surface.  Your feet equate with that sense of freedom.

Shoes equal protection for our feet,  but also are part of conforming - try going to the office without shoes?  To the pub or a restaurant?  Hmmm.  

At the Rye Hot Springs in Victoria there is a hot walking (reflexology) pool that has different sized pebbles for you to walk over - some are a challenge even for my rough feet.  The concentration you need to 'walk this walk' makes you very aware of your feet and your contact with the ground.

How good does a soft carpet feel.  Mud puddles. Beach sand - dry and wet. A springy lawn. 

Do it 'cos it feels good, not because you have to.