Get Grounded: The Surprising Health Benefits of Going Barefoot. By David Hughes

One of the simple pleasures of a hot Summer’s day is walking barefoot on a beach or through a meadow.

We often feel more connected to nature in doing so, and there may be a good reason for that. More on that in a moment. I know Autumn is here and winter’s just around the corner, but it may be possible to gain those same barefoot health benefits without even leaving your home.

So, what sort of benefits are we talking about?
It all comes down to electricity. Fiongal Greenlaw, founder of The Wellness Foundry, explained the phenomenon to Netdoctor: “The Earth is electrically conductive and carries a mildly negative charge,” he said. “Therefore, direct contact with the Earth evens out the positive charge that builds up in the human body.

If we don’t have regular contact with nature and the ground, which is becoming increasingly difficult in the modern world, due to rubber-soled shoes and urban living, our health becomes affected due to this build-up of positive electrical charge.”

There’s even an emerging field of study around the phenomenon, known as ‘Earthing’ or ‘Grounding’.

Better sleep, improved health
Early pilot studies suggest a range of benefits, including stronger immune response better sleep, reduced inflammation, and improvements to cardiovascular health. “These are systemic, profound effects,” according to the authors of a comprehensive 2019 review of grounding research, published in the scientific journal Explore.
“People often report that after they start Earthing, they feel and look healthier and younger. Those with pain report less pain. Even mood improves.”

Today, a number of companies offer grounding mats, grounding bedsheets, and even grounding mats for pets, all designed to replicate the effects of walking barefoot in nature. Their websites explain how these products work.

Do they really help?
I bought a grounding mat from Grounding Well three months ago. At first I noticed a difference just using it under my feet, then I started sleeping with it. After years of poor sleep, I am finally resting better. It is not scientific proof, but it works for me.

I hadn’t slept well for years, until then. Three months on, I’m still enjoying the best sleep I can remember. That’s not scientific proof, of course. But it seems to work for me.

Want to explore further?
Here are some places to start:
Rowland Earthing – rowlandearthing.co.uk
Grounding Well – groundingwell.com
Grounding Essentials – groundingessentials.com
Premium Grounding – grounding.au