Crafted By Henry Dudeck
In our rapidly changing world, the concept of regularly wearing footwear is a relatively new one. Although the first soles date back over 40,000 years, they were used sparingly with cultures such as the Minoan (precursors to the Greeks) preferring to perform daily tasks without foot coverings. As time passed footwear became more readily accepted in the Western world leading until the present day where it is almost ubiquitous in all outdoor activities. However, many people are starting to open up to the ancient Minoan custom of barefoot walking in a new trend known as Grounding (or Earthing). Modern science states that the Earth is an abundant source of negatively charged electrons, and when we come into direct contact with it, these electrons are transferred to our bodies (this transfer is covered in detail HERE). This exchange is believed to have numerous positive effects on our health as listed below.
Reduced Inflammation:
Long-lasting inflammation has been connected to various diseases with some being as severe as cancer. It is believed that grounding combats this inflammation by reducing oxidative stress. A pilot study published in the Journal of Inflammation Research in 2015 reported that direct contact with the earth for one hour significantly reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the blood, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect.
Improved Sleep Quality:
Many patient-driven studies have shown participants experience significantly better rest following periods of earth exposure. One of these studies published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2004 found that grounding during sleep resulted in improved subjective sleep quality and a significant reduction in cortisol levels, indicating reduced stress.
Stress Reduction:
Spending time in nature also produces an identifiable calming effect which is associated with lowered cortisol levels. In a study published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health in 2012, participants who engaged in grounding reported lower stress levels and improved mood after one-hour grounding sessions.
Pain Relief:
Newer studies have begun to show that grounding might even have analgesic (pain relieving) effects in regard to chronic pain. A small pilot study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that grounding reduces the perception of pain and alters the physiological response to stress in participants with long lasting pain.
Although the hype (and science) regarding grounding is relatively new, the research seems to point to its clear benefits to health. Incorporating grounding into your routine can be relatively easy by doing normal tasks barefoot such as gardening, hiking, or even sports. As we continue our struggle with navigating the ever-changing modern world we must look back to our ancestors for ways to enhance our human experience. So, the next time you're out on a walk, kick off your shoes and connect with nature, your body and mind will thank you!
(Source: Chevalier, G., Sinatra, S. T., Oschman, J. L., Delany, R. M., & Chavez, M. R. (2015). Earthing (grounding) the human body reduces blood viscosity—a major factor in cardiovascular disease. Journal of Inflammation Research, 8, 83–96.)
(Source: Ghaly, M., & Teplitz, D. (2004). The biologic effects of grounding the human body during sleep as measured by cortisol levels and subjective reporting of sleep, pain, and stress. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 10(5), 767–776.)
(Source: Chevalier, G., Mori, K., & Oschman, J. L. (2012). The effect of earthing (grounding) on human physiology. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012, 291541.)
(Source: Chevalier, G., Sinatra, S. T., Oschman, J. L., Sokal, K., & Sokal, P. (2010). Earthing (grounding) the human body reduces blood viscosity—a major factor in cardiovascular disease. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16(3), 265–273.)