Movement

5 Surprising Benefits of Walking Barefoot

Walking barefoot has been touted to be the Internet’s solution for most things, ranging from boosting immunity to reducing pain. Keep reading to know whether science and research back these claims.

By URLife Team

13 Dec 2023

When was the last time you walked barefoot? For some people, walking barefoot is as natural as breathing, and for others, it’s something that seems unhygienic and impossible. Walking barefoot is a practice that extends beyond simply sensing the ground beneath your feet. Amidst our busy lifestyles, we often overlook the simple pleasure of walking barefoot on the ground. Think back to toddlers learning to walk—we as parents are asked to let them do it barefoot for a reason. Shoes can change how kids use their foot muscles and bones and how their feet develop. When little ones walk barefoot, they get feedback from the ground that helps them understand their body's position.

According to a 2012 research by the Journal of Environmental and Public Health walking barefoot or grounding appears to:

Improve sleep
Regularise day-night corsitol rhythm
Reduce stress, pain, and blood viscosity
Support faster healing
Increase heart rate variability

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Walking barefoot can offer more benefits then you would initially think. It holds immense power to bring remarkable transformations to our body and mind. Keep reading to know the extraordinary benefits of walking barefoot, backed by research.

Reduces Pain and Inflammation

According to a 2004 study by the The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, walking barefoot reduces night-time levels of cortisol and resynchronises cortisol hormone secretion to be more aligned with the natural 24-hour circadian rhythm of the body while reducing pain and inflammation in the body.

Another 2010 research published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health found that walking barefoot could potentially alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. This is because walking barefoot may help neutralise free radicals, decrease inflammation and reduce pain levels.

Improves Sleep Quality

Another study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine reported that people who had been exposed to grounding had a better night’s sleep compared with those who did not walk barefoot regularly. This is because the activity of walking barefoot is believed to stabilise circadian rhythms, which leads to improved sleep quality.

Also, walking barefoot allows the body to absorb negative electrons from the Earth and can help in balancing cortisol levels and promoting a more balanced internal bioelectrical environment, ultimately leading to improved sleep patterns.

Strengthens the Immune System

As stated in the 2012 report published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health, walking barefoot can decrease white blood cell count and increase red blood cell count and hence boosts immunity and response against infections. It improves the body’s ability to deal with pathogens and combat infections. By facilitating a healthier ratio of blood cells, walking barefoot can strengthen the body’s defence mechanisms, which can help prevent diseases.

Improves Spatial Awareness

According to a 2013 report by Psychology of Learning and Motivation, going barefoot improves our spatial awareness. This is because walking barefoot improves our sense of space and understanding where our body is in relation to its surroundings. This practice helps our brain better understand our body's position and how it moves through space.

When we walk without shoes, our feet feel the different textures and surfaces. This helps in sending signals to the brain that enhance our spatial awareness. Children who spend more time walking barefoot tend to develop better spatial awareness skills. Feeling different surfaces with their feet helps them understand distance, speed, and the space around them.

Stimulates Reflexology Points

Walking barefoot activates reflexology points on the soles of our feet. These points correspond to different body parts and organs. When we walk without shoes, the pressure on these spots stimulates them and sends signals through the nerves to different areas. This stimulation promotes relaxation, reduces stress and supports the body's natural healing processes.

These reflexology points also help organs to function optimally and improve overall balance within your body.

Related Post: 7 Surprising Benefits of Walking

Walking Barefoot: A Mindfulness Practice

Walking barefoot can be a mindfulness practice because it helps us connect with our surroundings and feel more grounded. When we walk without shoes, we can notice different sensations like the texture of the ground, the temperature, and how it feels beneath our feet. This awareness of sensations brings our attention to the present moment, allowing us to focus on the experience of walking rather than getting lost in our thoughts. It's like giving our feet a chance to really feel and experience the world around us.

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