Walking barefoot (Earthing): 4 benefits nobody ever told you

Walking has long been known to be one of the most beneficial forms of physical activity for humans. However, did you know that walking barefoot is even more healthy? Known as earthing or grounding, the practice of walking barefoot on indoor or outdoor surfaces is known to connect humans more with Earth's natural electric charges and thus stabilize or ground them.

Walking barefoot on natural or man-made surfaces connects your feet with the natural electrical charge of the Earth's surface and thus helps ground your energy and connect it to the Earth. According to a study published in the Journal of Inflammation Research, earthing is known to produce positive effects on physiology and health in relation to inflammation, immune responses, wound healing and prevention and treatment of chronic autoimmune diseases.
While some people prefer walking barefoot on the grass, others lie down and those inside homes make the use of grounding mats for earthing. According to experts, 30 minutes is the ideal time to practice earthing. Below are some benefits of walking barefoot:

For people who don't have any orthopaedic concerns, walking barefoot or earthing can strengthen the foot and ankle. It engages the foot muscles more than walking in shoes and thus also improves a person's gait and balance. A 2021 study revealed that people who switched from supportive footwear to minimal footwear observed a 57.4% increase in foot strength over a period of 6 months.

Walking barefoot on grass, sand or even the floor is known to reduce stress and inflammation. When the body is connected to Earth's surface it receives a steady supply of electrons which work as powerful antioxidants. They thus neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, leading to lower stress and inflammation.

Scientific research suggests that regular earthing leads to an increase in serotonin. Additionally, it is known to improve cognitive function as it increases circulation and blood flow to the brain. In a study published in the National Library of Medicine, adolescents who spent 40 minutes walking barefoot 4 times a week for 12 weeks experienced an increase in cognitive speed and were able to concentrate for longer periods of time.

Walking without shoes allows the feet and ankles to have a wider range of motion. This can lead to improved flexibility in the joints, specifically in the toes and arches. While the change may lead to one feeling increased foot pressure for some time, over time it improves foot mechanics and even helps reduce deformities such as bunions.

A study published in the Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine found that earthing can reduce blood viscosity which is an essential factor in cardiovascular health. Those who grounded for an hour observed an impactful decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood viscosity, thus indicating the positive effects of the exercise. Additionally, walking barefoot is known to reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness and pain.