Grounding: Why Walking Around Barefoot Is One Of The Best Wellness Practices On Earth

By Dr. Puja Shah

Modern life and all its shiny technology can be amazing, but our ancestors had many key advantages over us: one being their deep and sacred connection to nature.

People used to spend way more time outdoors than we do today. From traveling great distances with only the trees as their shelter, to gardening and tilling the soil, to digging their toes into the sand and diving to the bottom of the ocean, they were grounded to the Earth and all its gifts.

That’s where grounding – the practice of walking and interacting with nature while barefoot – got its name from. And thanks to both ancient wisdom and modern science, we now know it’s one of the most rewarding wellness practices that anyone can instantly adopt and benefit from.

According to Ayurveda, going barefoot signifies respect for the Earth upon which we walk. The foot is the body part that touches the Earth – the Sacred Mother of all. The Earth is embedded with energy and regenerative power, so the foot is thought of as the conduit through which the vital energy of the Earth travels through us.

And yet today, because most of us live in houses or apartments, wear shoes with soles, and are constantly exposed to electromagnetic fields through our gadgets and devices, we have become more disconnected than ever.

The remarkable benefits of grounding

Picture the last time you had a beach vacation. You probably spent your time walking in the sand, with the sun in your face, the salty air on your lips, and at last half your body immersed in the ocean.

If you’re anything like me, you probably slept a heck of a lot better on that vacation, and the reason for that is simple:

The sand and ocean water are both naturally conductive materials, and both help ground the body and remove excess positive electrons.

When you are in direct contact with the Earth, negative charged free electrons permeate your body and it equalizes to the same electric energy level as the Earth.

It is the same basic reason that we ground electrical outlets to avoid the build up of an excess positive charge.

Scientific research including The Biologic Effects of Grounding the Human Body During Sleep as Measured by Cortisol Levels and Subjective Reporting of Sleep, Pain and Stress, conducted by Dr. Maurice Ghaly in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, states that earthing can be beneficial in:

Reducing inflammation by defusing excess positive electrons
Reducing chronic pain
Improving sleep
Increasing energy
Lowering stress and promoting calmness by reducing stress hormones
Normalizing biological rhythms including circadian rhythm
Improving blood pressure and blood flow
Relieving muscle tension and headache
Lessening menstrual and female hormone symptoms
Accelerating healing (grounding is even used in some parts of the world to prevent bed sores)
Eliminating jet lag
Protecting the body from EMFs
Shortening recovery time from injury or athletic activity (many famous athletes, including Lance Armstrong, have been reported to use it)
Reducing or eliminating snoring
Helping support adrenal health

Are you ready to get grounded?

The beauty of grounding is that it really is just as simple as going out in nature without your shoes.

That said, there are steps you can take to maximize your results and enjoyment, such as:

Morning walks

Start your day with a barefoot walk outdoors, preferably on natural surfaces such as grass, soil, sand, or dirt. The morning air is often fresher, and walking barefoot in the morning can help ground your energy and set a positive tone for the day.

Mindful awareness

As you walk barefoot, practice mindfulness by paying attention to the sensations in your feet and the connection with the Earth. Notice the texture, temperature, and support provided by the ground beneath you. Allow yourself to fully experience the present moment.

Sunlight exposure

If possible, combine your barefoot walks with exposure to sunlight. Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, which is essential for overall health and wel-being. Walking barefoot in the sun can help optimize your vitamin D levels while grounding your energy.

Earthing surfaces

Seek out different surfaces for barefoot walking to experience diverse sensations and energies. Walking on grass, sand, or soil can provide unique grounding experiences and connect you with the Earth’s natural elements.

Intention setting

Before starting your barefoot walk, set an intention or affirmation for your practice. Focus on qualities such as stability, balance, connection, or healing that you wish to cultivate through the practice of grounding.

Gratitude practice

Express gratitude for the Earth’s support and nourishment as you walk barefoot. Cultivate a sense of appreciation for the natural beauty around you and the opportunity to connect with the Earth’s energy through your practice.

About Dr. Puja Shah, Editor-in-Chief of The Natural Law

Dr. Puja Shah is an award-winning author whose 93 year old grandmother swore by Ayurvedic remedies and practiced yoga into her last days. And so while her education includes 9 years of medical training as a dentist, 3 teaching qualifications in yoga, and dozens of courses in meditation, it’s no wonder that she always goes back to Ayurveda. Puja harnesses Ayurveda regularly with her children and husband Amish Shah, Founder of The Natural Law.

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