Barefoot Walking

The Benefits of Walking Barefoot


During this yoga therapist training, we are encouraged to walk at least 30 minutes to everyday, barefoot. This doesn't trouble me at all, for as soon as I am in a place of warmer climate, my feet love to be in contact with the earth and until recently, I had no idea just how many benefits there are. 
Living in a colder climate with mainly concrete paths has made the majority of my past year been with wearing shoes and this is the case for many people. Shoes are great for protecting feet against harsh climates and terrains, plus they certainly finish off any outfit. I'm not going to put them down on their practicality for they are certainly useful, however the idea of walking barefoot has become far less and our connection to nature decreases with this modern living, shoe-promoting culture.

Walking everyday barefoot for 30 minutes will help strengthen the ankles, feet and toes again, resulting in better posture, balance and stability. 

Our body was designed to walk barefoot, we came into this life with no materials but the bodies we are born into and as much as shoes can be practical, walking with shoes all the time makes a big difference than walking barefoot. Shoes give support to ankles, the bridge and comforts the heel of the foot, it changes the stride and alters the angle in that you walk. (Ever noticed how one side of the shoe is worn down more than the other?). The support from the shoes give short term benefits in preventing injuries, but also too much protection and you get used to it. Therefore this results in lack of muscle development and imbalances in the body causing weakened joints, knee pains, backaches and many other problems.

Walking barefoot floods our bodies with the natural negative ion field, helping to stabilise and balance the internal bioelectrical environment.

Not only does it build strength and correct posture, but it connects us to nature with the barefoot directly in contact with the earth and it's magnetic field. The body is conductive to the earth and vice versa. This contact allows the body to absorb the negative ions from the ground, also known as "earthing" or "grounding". This is something we need as in today's world, especially living in cities where positive ions are in abundance from electronics and electro magnetic frequencies such as wi/if, television, computers, phones, microwaves and anything that emits a signal etc. 
 
Improves Sleep.
 
By regularly grounding ourselves to the earth it relieves stress and tension, as these negative ions are relaxing and helps to improve sleep quality as well as regulating the circadian rhythm. Usually in modern living, the environmental pollution, artificial lighting, chemicals and many other factors affects our sleeping patterns and quality so regular coming into contact with the earth can help sleep disorders naturally. So ditch the sleeping pills, forget the shoes, and go for a walk instead. I have always noticed in myself that I sleep better when I've had a day out barefoot on the beach, swimming, walking, climbing etc. 
Scientists have even proven a considerable reduction in cortisol levels, in which pain, stress and sleep disorders had reduced or eliminated entirely.

Regulates the nervous system, reducing stress, anxiety and depression. Also eliminates headaches.

Spending time connecting directly with nature is vital to our emotional and physical health as it helps regulates emotions and balances the nervous system. Even more important, being outdoors in general, surrounded by natures elements and oxygen-rich air is better for our overall wellbeing. Walking is gentle and nourishing that even a light stroll is enough to release endorphins. Breathing becomes  deeper and eventually synchronises with the motion, giving a sense of expansion and healing. 


Other benefits include:

Relieving menstrual cramps
Walking barefoot reduces overall body pain. Pain that comes in the body normally is in the mind and manifests as stress. So this can relieve pain in the same way as the pill but without the side effects!

Boosting energy levels
Picking up the higher frequencies of nature therefore increasing your own energy levels.

Reduce the risk of heart disease
With the increase of red blood cells, this reduces the effect of clumping blood cells as decreases blood thickness.
  
Strengthens immune system
Decreases white blood cell counts and increases red blood cells therefore aiding in a positive immune.

So walking barefoot everyday (and consciously) has been proven to be very beneficial. It can improve overall posture and misalignments in the body. Regularly doing this can change the shape of the spine, improve strength in muscles and joints. Walking barefoot is suggested so to give the feel of your body, as shoes provide no connection between you and the ground. It can help with depression, anxiety, headaches and sleep disorder. Not only all this, but walking aids in digestion and eliminating toxins or even the finest particles in the body. For example, spices cannot be easily digested but regular walking can help in removing this from the body through sweat. 

And if this is not enough, walking barefoot is totally free! It comes with no membership fee and is accessible to anybody and anywhere in the world.
Nature heals.




Yoga Therapist Training at Atmavikasa Center of Yogic Sciences, Mysore http://atmavikasayoga.in  #yogainmysore #atmavikasa #yogatherapyindia



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