Scientists Explain What Happens To Your Body When You Walk Barefoot

Dr. Jonathan Kaplan, a foot and ankle specialist and surgeon at Hoag Orthopaedic Institute, sheds some light on how Earthing improves the physical health of your feet:

Better control of your foot position as it lands on the ground.

Improves balance.

Improves body awareness in relation to the surroundings. This is one of the reasons it is recommended that toddlers don’t wear shoes when first walking.

By improving foot mechanics, it also helps in keeping your knees, hips, and the core in proper alignment and movement.

Prevents your foot and ankle joints from exaggerated movements and range of motion which also allows for proper strength and stability in the muscles and ligaments in your ankle and legs.

Decreases issues from shoes which don’t fit properly (i.e. bunions, hammer toes).

Increases leg strength, which helps improve lower back strength.

With all of these benefits, you have to keep in mind these tips when Earthing as well:

If you are not accustomed to walking barefoot, then your foot strength may be compromised and susceptible to damage. Here are recommendations to ease into earthing:

Do it in short increments at first to build up strength.

Build up your balance through ankle exercises

Start by using a minimalist shoe

Try exercises like yoga or pilates which require your feet to be bare

Try it indoors first

Be mindful of the terrain. Rocky areas can cut your feet, certain areas can have broken glass or nails, and wet areas could cause you to slip.  Also, certain surfaces do not provide grounding benefits: asphalt, wood, rubber, plastic, vinyl, tar, or tarmac.   Sand, grass, soil, concrete, or ceramic tile does provide grounding. Basically, any natural surface provides benefits.

Make sure to thoroughly wash your feet afterward as you can be exposed to a multitude of bacteria.

If you are diabetic, it is crucial to take extra precautions.

Be sure the ground is level and clear of potential objects which can puncture or cut your feet.

Wear a minimalist shoe, such as those that don’t have synthetic rubber soles, which can still allow for contact with the ground while protecting your feet.

Make sure you wash, inspect thoroughly, and moisturize your feet afterward.

Closing Thoughts

Earthing, or walking barefoot, may be another way to improve our health while staying connected to the nature around us. Preliminary studies have been able to explain what happens to your body when you walk barefoot, and the results have been positive.  While there needs to be further studies done before any doctor is going to be “prescribing” earthing as a treatment, earthing is free.  You don’t need to wait for a doctor to tell you to try it on your own.  Besides, it feels good too!

Do you walk barefoot to improve your health? Let us know in the comments!