Let’s delve into the fascinating world of ‘grounding’, or as some prefer to call it, ‘earthing’. This intriguing practice involves the rather simple act of our bodies making direct contact with the surface of our dear Mother Earth. This can be achieved by the delightful act of walking barefoot outdoors or, for those who prefer the comforts of the indoors, using specially designed indoor systems connected to the Earth.
In a world increasingly dominated by synthetic soles and insulated environments, grounding offers a refreshing return to nature. A study published in 2015, armed with the power of an infrared imaging camera, ventured into the realm of grounding. The study found that even an hour of contact with the earth significantly improved the autonomic nervous system’s control of body fluids and peripheral blood flow. This, in turn, enhanced the delivery of blood to the head and improved blood circulation in the face.
The Earth’s Charge: A Natural Health Booster
Most of us, especially those in industrial societies, rarely walk barefoot, except for those delightful holidays at the beach. We wear shoes with synthetic soles that insulate us from the earth’s natural electric charge. However, the grounding hypothesis suggests that when our skin makes direct contact with the earth’s surface, a surge of electrons enters our body, equalizing our body’s electric potential with that of the Earth.
The Foot: A Sensory Powerhouse
The sole of your foot, believe it or not, is home to over 200,000 nerve endings. It’s one of the most nerve-rich parts of your body. When you’re standing or walking, the soles of your feet are the only part of your body in direct contact with the environment. The sensory information from your foot connects to your brain that makes subtle adjustments in your gait to protect your bones and joints and to maximise the efficiency of your movements.
Grounding: A Call to Natural Healing
So, the next time you venture out for a run or a walk, remember this: wearing shoes means you’re not only missing out on natural biofeedback. You’re also missing out on some natural healing from planet earth. So, why not kick off those shoes and feel the earth beneath your feet? Or opt for EarthRunners’ unique earthing sandals.
