Why do so many people equate relaxation and pleasure with walking barefoot along the beach as the waves roll in? How come my son River’s first instinct is to take his shoes off when he sees a field of green grass?
Is it kooky human behavior that is simply hard-wired into our genetic makeup, or is there something more to this urge to remove footwear?
The Unshod, or Shoe-Less, Revolution
Historically speaking, it seems like we’re right in step with our forebearers. Long before we had cushiony sneakers, our distant ancestors tended to walk barefoot over rock, rubble, dirt, stick, and stream. Their feet were strong and nimble, able to sense and react to any surface they encountered. More recent native cultures often walk through nature on their naked soles, instead of wearing moccasins or similar footwear.
Commonalities like “barefootedness”, that we see repeated among ancient groups, beg for further investigation as to “why?” Especially in cultures where simple foot gear was already an option.
Thankfully, there is good science behind shoelessness and the findings are fascinating.
Current Research on Grounding
It turns out that the sensation we feel when our feet make contact with moist sand is more than just a feeling. This therapeutic touch of mother earth is laden with remarkable health benefits,
- reducing inflammation,
- boosting antioxidants in our body,
- improving sleep,
- and, promoting healthy blood flow.
The primordial practice of walking barefoot, sometimes referred to as “grounding,” is only just beginning to be studied by modern science. One of the most groundbreaking findings is the powerful heart health effect of direct skin contact with the earth.
A study published by the Journal of Alternative And Complementary Medicine from 2013 states that walking barefoot “reduces blood viscosity, which is a major factor in cardiovascular disease”.
Blood viscosity is a term used to describe the “thickness and stickiness of your blood.” The lower the viscosity, the easier your blood flows through your blood vessels and circulates throughout your body. The higher your blood’s viscosity, or thickness, the slower it moves.
To test the effects of grounding on blood viscosity, subjects had their red blood cells (RBCs) examined under a microscope to determine the number of clumped groups of RBCs in each sample. High instances of aggregation (or clumping) in human blood increases your blood viscosity and can result in cardiovascular disease. This experiment was intended to measure whether grounding to the earth’s innate electrical charge would have a positive effect on this blood condition. Can grounding help to prevent the deadly disease that is linked to it?
Long story short, walking barefoot substantially lowered the instance of unwanted blood cell clumping in every one of the subjects and promoted healthier circulation.
*A later study in the same journal found that “grounding” or “earthing” may help regulate both the endocrine and nervous systems as well.
We present-day humans live in a sea of electromagnetic waves radiated by mobile phone signals, Wi-Fi, automatic doors etc. This is referred to as “dirty electricity” or “electromagnetic pollution.” Luckily for us, the earth’s surface is rich with electrons that can neutralize this dirty electricity. Vibrating and charging the currents within us back into healthy balance.
This can boost our energy, balance our mood, clarify our thinking, and perhaps even save our lives.
A Sacred Science barefoot challenge for you:
Next time you’re in front of an appealing patch of earth,
- Remove your shoes and socks and do the unthinkable…
- Step forth onto said terra firma and feel the sensation that runs through your body…
- Envision the cells in your bloodstream recalibrating as you do so, because well, they are.
That’s it.
I’d recommend you do this at least a few times a week for better heart health and overall happiness. We’re earth dwellers, why separate ourselves from her with rubber soles? And if you’re wondering if winter gets in the way of this little exercise, my family walks barefoot in the snow as well 🙂
*I find it’s fun to go foot-naked in odd places in the midst of shoe-wearers who scratch their heads in confusion as they watch… BUT it’s also nice to do in the comfort of your own backyard or the middle of the forest.
Stay shoeless,
Nick Polizzi
Host of Proven: Healing Breakthroughs Backed By Science
& Founder of The Sacred Science
Love this !
I long been harassed by my friends since childhood a “dirty-foot” but barefoot in natural to me. My hands too there are days that I just need to play in the garden dirt with my bare hands, no gloves it is 100% healing! I didn’t need some one to tell me, but it is good to know your not alone. I’ll stay curious, you keep blogging. Have a great day!
Hello Nick,
Two weekends ago I tried bare foot walking in a local state park — on a nicely kept trail so I could focus on feeling my feet connecting to the earth. After a half hour or so, the trail became very rocky so I put my shoes back on. I did not really notice much different until I was finishing the hike near my car and getting ready to stretch a bit before climbing in to drive home. Not one cell in my body felt tired or like I had been on a hike…nothing “needed” to be stretched…I felt completely alive and energized. Can’t wait to do it again and see what happens.
Wendy
PS I practice tai chi “sock footed” — can’t wait to try it barefooted!
I love to go barefoot on the beach and do it as often as possible. Summer is approaching and I hope to go barefoot on the beach again
I LOVE this blog!!! I’m not much of a shoe wearer either. Grew up in south FL so we tend to have leather soles naturally. Now in Atlanta, GA, I still don’t care for shoes. Even though I scrub my feet, I still have that ‘ring around the foot’.
Pumice or coral gets that good old ring around the foot off and coconut oil !
I love your wisdom, thank you – this really works. Funny how sceptical people are about things like this – what’s the point of being sceptical?
I grew up on a farm and remember stepping into cowpats that were still warm and enjoying them curling through my toes. Some people will probably shiver with disgust but to this day (I’m 72) I cannot wait for the weather to warm up each year so that I can remove my shoes.
Thank you for bringing science into such an important, innate yet often ignored fact of our wonderful lives. I hope this entices many more to be barefoot outside whenever possible. This grounding (and sitting against glorious trees!) helps me right myself always.
EXCELLENT ARTICLE. I FEEL THAT GOING BACK TO THE BASICS WILL DO AN OCEAN OF GOOD TO OUR HEALTH– BASICS LIKE WALKING BAREFOOT, LIVING NATURAL ORGANIC FOOD, AVOIDING ARTIFICIAL SYNTHETIC THINGS LIKE PLASTIC ETC.
It seems as if I was always barefoot as a kid! And now, I ground each morning. It’s an essential part of what I choose to do each day. Along with the physical benefits, I would add also that being grounded is a huge energetic benefit for the mental and emotional bodies. Sometimes we can have a cluttered mind and go through the day “in our heads”. Grounding puts the focus back into the body being an important vessel. It’s a vessel for growth, and a way of honoring the fact that you’re alive and choose your life this day! Great article, thank you!
Would you like more support for your quest? I am looking to partner with individuals and organizations with lume-minded goals to help support each other. I, too, promote alternative living methods, products, and lifestyles for living in a more balance and harmonious way than current modern living.
I have 2 websites: WHAM IT!, (Wellness Health amd Modifications In Tennis) and Balance Pure & Simple. I am a certified Integrative Health Coach, certified personal and group trainer, certified fitness expert, have a B.S. in Wellness and Fitness Through Movement, and many more attributes to mention.
I left corporate non-profit sports promotion to get in the minds and hearts of people’s deepest desires when it comes to health and wellness. I’ve presented on numerous topics and dozens of live demonstrations, retreats and workshops and am looking for relationships that support and promote alternative resources for pure and healthy balanced living which are aligned with the natural rhythms and healing actions our bodies are designed for, if given the right information .
My nickname is “dirtygirl” because I love to garden, water sport, mud race, dirt bike ride, and walk barefoot most of the time. I raised 3 children since diapers to enjoy getting dirty while planting and harvesting and playing in the water and dirt as a healthy lifestyle.
Would you consider a phone conversation to further discuss ideas?
Thank you for sharing this Nick. I work as a river guide and it’s undeniable what the benefits of walking barefoot do for people. One of my favorite aspects of my job is watching people recharge their body by spending time in the wilderness. They start to move easier, sleep better, laugh more, and become so present in the moment…it’s an amazing gift we’re all capable of giving ourselves.
I have been reading about this too…… thank you for the confirmation!! I love going barefoot!! Thank you for Sharing! 💖
So true! Also no shoes are allowed inside our house. 😀
I have “P.A.D.” it’s a Artery disease in my lower legs and feet. Have had 5 surgeries so far. Plus degenerate bone disease in ankles and feet.
Doctors advise not get poked, pricked etc.
On blood thinners, not good for me to do !
I used to walk around barefoot, getting grounded 😊, not now a days !
For those who can go barefooted medically, nothing like filling up a basin of beach sand or a piece of sod. Put it where you sit, or outside to sit and just cloud watch. It will ground you. Always look outside the circle.
Living in New England, I worked with beach sand under my desk all year round.
Michael, I too take anticoagulants. I do walk around my yard barefoot. If you are concerned, you don’t have to walk barefoot. Go to the park, sit on a bench with grass under your feet, and just take your shoes off…. sit with the grass between your toes, or take your own chair. Go to a beach, and just park a chair or blanket even on the sand, take your shoes off right there, and just put your feet on the sand right where you are. I know that walking does cause leg pain, but if you could get on grass or sand… and just where you are, get barefoot… you’ll be able to see where your feet are going to be that it is clear of anything dangerous. The benefits are outstanding…. (out standing barefoot, lol) Think of ways you could modify things to work for you…… a sandbox. A piece of sod….
I’ve never actually thought about the “why” to my going barefoot but as I read this post it all resonated — especially the part about being more connected with Mother Earth (she writes as she sits on her front port barefooted)… Thanks for another great article!
Since I was a child, I loved being barefoot. The feel of the sand at the beach and walking on warm stones during the summer. Now at 74 yrs., I prefer being barefoot than wearing shoes.
I would sit at my desk using my computer, where i placed a large stone on the carpet to rest my feet. So soothing. Felt so connected to the earth.
Have you ever used a golf ball under your foot. Most people’s feet are like blocks as they have been encased in shoes most of the time. As a result the individual bones do not move separately. You do not roll the golf ball with your foot. Put the ball on the floor and place your foot on it. You do not press your foot down, your are resting your foot on it. The highest point of the ball will be under one bone and this bone will move slightly juxtaposed the bones beside it. when you think of it move the foot slightly, it will now be under another bone. Doing this frees up individual bones and gives you better movement and stability in the feet. You can also twirl each of your toes separately, first in a circle and later in a figure of 8. spend a few minutes on each toe. Before you start walk around the room and when you finish do the same walk again and you will be surprised at the difference.
i like this idea a lot. will definitely try.
great for mindfulness exercise. also good for self control because i think the tendency would be too put weight on your foot and force the issue to “feel” it.. but this way, i think its more of an awareness exercise.
As a Chiropractor of over 29 years, I have adjusted many feet. Just because you can Move a bone does not mean that this bone Should be moved. A similar example is when people put a tennis ball under their back and get bones to “pop”. There are 25 bones in the foot and Two arches. They all exist in an exact relationship to one another. I can move almost any bone in your foot but again, that doesn’t mean it is the best thing to do. Walking on loose sand is far better for your foot than is putting a goof ball under it. I have taken extensive training in adjusting the foot in addition to having practiced doing same. Moving the foot through range of motion: flexion, extension, inversion and eversion and noticing if there is any restriction, difficulty, discomfort or pain is a good way to start. IF you have one or more of these, the best thing to do is have your feet adjusted by someone who has experience. Bones move and adapt to pressure, but again, just because a bone can move does not necessarily mean that it should be moved. I hope you find this helpful.
what a wonderful idea. We should have stones at the table for our feet and everywhere else. At the board room et. al.
If the stone as round as a golf ball it will do the same job. If not and you place it under the cuneiform bones it will move them up in block and will not have the desired affect. It could be regarded as an awareness exercise in so far as you will become aware of its benefits. It could also dovetail with mindfulness practices.
Hi Nick; As a massage therapist at Canyon Ranch here in Tucson AZ back about 6or 7 yrs. ago we started studying the book EARTHING by Clinton Ober, Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D. & Martin Zucker. Then we tried it on our selves even while sleeping with the aid of special wires attached to the body and the other end plugged into the ground terminal in the wall outlet (after testing it was wired correctly). Very good for those who are bed ridden (healed my tennis elbow in a few nitghts) . Then we started to use it on gusts if they wanted to try it during a massage.
Thank you for reminding me to walk barefoot a bit today!
Hi Nick. I have been bare footing for a good many years, the garden and of course the seaside. There is another way that one can also earth themselves and they can do this while asleep.
All you need is a length of light wire such as you would use for speakers (before Bluetooth), two metal crocodile clips and the top of an old sock. The wire is attached to the clips which in turn is clipped to a radiator in your central heating system which should be earthed ( you could also use an earthing rod if this is convenient) and the other end clips on to the top of the old sock which is on you leg above the ankle. The metal clip must be touching the skin. Make sure that you leave a lot of slack in the wire so if you are moving in bed you are not pulling on the wire and also that nobody can trip.over the wire.
A wonderful Book By Warren Grossman http://warrengrossman.com/books/to-be-healed-by-the-earth/
To Be Healed by the Earth.
I always walk barefoot when I can. I had no idea it was so beneficial so I will continue to do so. Thank you for informing me I am doing the right thing.
I am fortunate to live near the beach year round and have made it a priority in my life to walk a minimum of twice a week for an hour. I’ve been doing this for almost two years. This has helped the health of my feet as I’ve had numerous surgeries over the years and my feet are not in the best shape. After reading your article, Nick, I’m even happier knowing I’m doing my heart a huge favor. Thanks so much for always writing an interesting article most would consider “off beat.” I always look forward to your emails.
I’ve been walking barefoot all my life! I’m in my early 60s and one of the pleasures of any day is being barefoot outdoors (when it’s warm enough here north of Boston, MA).
as a young surfer in southern California with a older friend who grew up in Hawaii I got into sandals and of course always walked to surf barefooted! so I can tell you from personal experince what you just shared is sooo true! not to mention the negative ions coming from the breaking waves!! the beach and mother ocean will always heal everybody and any chance to ground ourselves to earth is a blessing and a sacred time we spend on this blessed earth!! Nick I will never be able to truly thank you for what you do and share with all that read and learn!! Chuck
I tried doing Tai Chi in my bare feet out on the lawn. It was lovely but I unknowingly did so ini an are where there was a lot of Chiggers which are nearly microscopic. I got a mass of bites on my legs and feet that swelled up and itched for days. I treated them with tea tree oil and coconut oil and itch cream. Chiggers are mostly harmless and do not carry disease but if you do not treat the bites and itch them a lot they can lead to a secondary infection. I have been out side a lot in my life and NEVER encountered them before. So if you go out side barefoot be aware of chiggers as well as ticks. I did some research of prevention: shower and soap fully after being outside in the woods or barefoot, and use Deet (yuk) around ankles and wrists. Now I don’t want to use Deet and seldom have as need for Personal bug sprays but now that I live here I may have to find something. Does anyone on your staff know a natural no chemical preventive solution for Chigger and Ticks. I heard that a solution of water, vinegar, vegetable oil and peppermint oil is one. I can’t imagine smelling like a peppermint salad. Got any ideas?
Itching in Michigan, Dan Pierce
Grounding can occur when we garden through our hands if we wear shoes or through both ends. As our choices affect the Earth so the Earth affects us.
From the time I was a child I have walked barefooted, with much enjoyment. I did, however, receive some serious “scolding” from my Dad for going to the barn shoeless, or riding my horse, shoeless.
My feet were so accustomed to being shoeless, that I was even capable of racing the neighbor boy down the rocky driveway, barefooted, and winning the race! I had no idea, until reading this blog, that I was helping my body be more healthy!
There is a good book about grounding called “Earthing” written by Clinton Ober. Also a documentary called “The Grounded” and the health benefits of the Earth’s free electrons that have been found to help with inflammation, chronic illness, and been studied. The premise is we have walked on earth for thousands of years without shoes, now we have become more disconnected from the Earth’s electrical benefits, from being exposed to more emfs and losing touch with the Earth’s energy stabilizing properties, from shoes which do not conduct electrons, so the body has been cut off from beneficial free electrons. They also make mats that connect to the ground on electrical outlets that work like walking on the Earth for people that are not able to access the earth. Also products to sleep on. Please read about doing to much of it if you have medical conditions, for it can be a powerful healing tool, and medications, blood thinners, and more must be monitored by your physician or healer. I hope this gives someone some hope, I have no financial benefits from the above. I just know it can help someone, but please research the mats before using them.
Being an all faith minister, I am fascinated with American Indian beliefs of being connected to “Mother Earth” and Wiccan practices honoring our connection to the Earth and nature. Even the thought of feeling gratitude for our Earth creates positivity and is healing…calming.
There is a book titled Earthing. It talks exactly about this phenomenon. They have their own website through which they sell products for grounding. Be careful you don’t go walking barefoot on grass that has been treated with chemicals and pesticides. Happy Grounding!
only problem about being barefoot was I got pinworms. So if u get an inchy bum, you can take inexpensive pills and carefully wash sheets and vacuum thoroughly. (Herbals can take months and $4 tablets do it in 4 days, as I recall.)
Good scientific reasons why going barefoot or touching the earth in some form is healthy. Check out http://www.earthinginstitute.net and http://www.earthing.com
Have loved to go barefoot all my life. But then I heard about getting parasites from walking barefoot in the grass. Any ideas how to avoid parasites?
I have read several articles in the last year talking about donating blood regularly. I have read that when people donate blood regularly it causes the body to have to produce new blood to replace the missing ‘old’ blood with new younger blood. Furthermore, it is claimed that people who do so will seldom die of heart attacks because new blood is replacing the old blood that has been circulating for years. The new blood is young & slippery compared to the usual old blood. It makes sense. I don’t know how true that is but it makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? Harkens back to the time when people used to be ‘bled’ doesn’t it?
I have been walking barefoot as much as possible for most of my life. My summers growing up were on a beach…nobody wore shoes on the beach unless the sand was scorching hot & then it was only to get your towel or chair near the water.
As for walking on the grass barefooted…yes did that too. But i never knew about the effect it had on our heart.
I am familiar with grounding by walking on the earth or hugging trees…im a seasoned hippie and loved being barefooted….we had the beach & the countryside growing up…my feet were shoeless most of the time!
Unfortunately i live near a big electrical grid which i know zaps my energy. I can feel it…its very bad for us….headaches, etc.
This article was a great reminder that i need to be aware of how important everything is on our body.
As i have gotten older I am alone almost all the time..and the people that i live with are not family. I live with an old friend & she has much negative around her all the time & she has family that constantly causes bad drama & my friend is not an honest person & it effects me greatly. I can sense all energies…its a gift & also it saddens me to know how dishonest people who say they love you are when they talk to me! But i don’t have any other choice right now. My husband up & walked out on me 15 yrs ago…i have a medical condition which limits somethings i can & can’t do. I want to get away from this negative energy but i have nowhere else to go. I wish there was a place a 64 yr old smart pretty lady could go….have any ideas?
Im looking at this as ” i was suppose to read this article & share my heart”….i believe God, our Universe sends things our way…no coincidences, right?
Thank you for reminding me how important our feet are to us! Barefooted feet! Blessings ❤️
I ran around barefoot most of the time as a child. There’s no doubt it connects us with the planet, and through the planet with all living things. My grandma wouldn’t wear rubber soles on her shoes because ‘it interfered with the electromagnetism of the earth’. I would love it if you included in your post a reference to the seminal work on this topic by Clinton Ober, Zucker and Sinatra. Earthing: the most Important Health Discovery Ever? published in 2010.
It’s the first thing I do every morning when I wake up. go down stairs open the back door stand bare foot in my garden and connect with mother !…..rain or shine, and there is something so sensuous and sexy waking on wet grass for sure x
One of my happiest memories was following my grandfather down the rows of grapes, holding the basket to catch those that he picked. Yes I was barefoot and I can still recall with great clarity how the warm, silty earth felt between my toes. When we moved to the coast we took many walks along the beach and I remember that well too.
Thank you for the inspiration of “Barefoot-ed-ness……I live in Florida,,,,Barefoot is a way of life here!
Hello I been walking bearfoof any chance I have most of my life
Mostly on the beach it always feels good not only my body gets grounded but my very soul too
My great grandmother in Poland walked bearfoot even on fields while working the plats of land for gardening
She died at 98 I have to say she was healthy to her last days
Love it, thank you! I tell my empath groups and clients this all the time:0 It’s great how science is validating our energetic common sense:)
I was one of those children who loved to go barefoot as a youngster, no, I insisted on it. Little did we know at that time there was a “Killer” heart problem running through our family. My Grandmother, mother, several uncles and a cousin have died from heart issues and there are several of us who are, as we speak , developing these same heart problems. I wonder if babies and children have an in born instinct that tells them to go barefoot to protect themselves.
I went barefoot for about 6 months in 1972 when I lived in Haight Ashbury – on the streets, in the park, everywhere. I loved it. I remember trying to explain it to people. So liberating, so wonderful. Your feet toughen up so you can navigate rough surfaces. I would run 2-3 miles through Golden Gate Park every morning with my dog. So free. I’ve never felt so well. Can you imagine?
Dear Nick, since the first time I’ve received your e-mails something capture my attention. Its my soul looking for ways of validate my truth. Thank you for the time you spent sharing your knowledge with the world. My desire is to find my path. Love, CM
Earthing.com has grounding mats for sale.
These connect you to the Earth even when you’re inside in winter. The more time you can ground, the more your bodies levels of inflammation will go down ( proven). 😘
I’ve been teased and misunderstood as weird because I hate wearing shoes and choose to only wear sandals if necessary….I tell everyone that my feet are claustrophobic (lol) but I just love the freedom and the feeling of being at one with the earth. I’m an empath and can get odd feelings in my body from others and the environment and when I walk barefoot outside it dissolves that and balances me.
Thank you Nick for this post…reinforces what I already felt was true.
Here in New Mexico, this is tough. We have a wealth of native plants with nasty stickers that carpet the ground in many places. The local native peoples developed moccasins with thick, rigid leather soles. But fortunately, leather soles can allow for grounding if your environment isn’t good for going barefoot, or if your feet are too sensitive or vulnerable (from a medical condition) to risk getting scraped, pricked, or bitten.
I am a bit astonished by the chiropractor who suggests that rolling a golf ball under the foot is dangerous. I’ve only been in practice 21 years vs. his 29, but I find that gently mobilizing joints in the foot or elsewhere (accent on “gently”) is generally safe and beneficial for laypeople to do for themselves. If something feels stuck or wrong in your foot, yes, you should seek professional help, but if you slightly wiggle the small bones in your foot, you may be able to free up the stuck place and restore function and comfort. This is especially true if you are already in treatment and just need to do maintenance. You aren’t going to hurt yourself by using a ball or roller at a reasonable, comfortable pressure. There’s no sense scaring people about something like this.
All my life I’ve walked where I could with nothing on my feet , be it rain or shine those shoes would come off ,rough ground or soft it didn’t matter I loved to walk that way i spent a lot of time gardening and felt that having my hands and feet on the ground made me feel good being at one with the earth brought calmness , i used to feel depressed when i was trapped in a building , it got me into so much trouble at school , not many people understood me my gran would say you will get pains in your bones , not so !!!
Greetings Nick
Read your good article about the healing magic in the Earth. As the co-author of the Earthing book, this is a subject that is very dear to my heart, and I am always looking for solid information related to the grounding habits of past cultures. Did they use contact with the Earth as a healing method? Since they were typically barefoot in a routine way, or walked with conductive footwear made from animal skins, it is very difficult to find any specific knowledge about what was known about the Earth’s healing energy and if it was utilized by shamans and healers. In the second edition of the Earthing book, in the appendix, I have gathered some good anecdotes, but nothing really going back far in time. Do you have a copy of the book? If not, I am happy to send you one…just provide your address.
I wore my First Shoes At Age 13 When I Joined High School.Where I Grew Up No One Had Shoes.We Went To Fetch Water From The River. We Fetched Firewood From The Forest. We Went To The Shamba Or Farm To Dig, Work , Harvest Shoeless. We Carried All Produce On Our Heads To Sell Them On Market Days: Wednesdays & Saturdays, Also Shoeless. This Was My World. No Apologies.
I plan to walk barefoot in my back yard. I.am from Panama City Fl. I always.liked.walking.on the beach. Since I not close.to a.beach now, I am going to walk on grass barefoot. Thank you so much for this.and all your other helpful info
Audrey Wentlandl
Like many of those that have commented, I’ve been bare-footed much of my life – on the beach, in parks, and of course my back-yard. I haven’t tried hiking bare-foot yet, as one person commented. Brave soul! As a doctoral student researching the healing power of nature, this was a great find for me. I was able to locate the article too, thank you, for inclusion in my dissertation! Finally, science is catching up to what so many of us already knew. Thanks for posting this Nick!
This is really something, just yesterday I was in a school field where I walk on the sidewalk as I was finishing my walk a thought came to my mind to walk a lap in the grass so I took off my shoes and sock off and walk in the grass it was like calling me and then a patch of dirt came up as I walk and my mind said walk in the dirt and I did after leaving the dirt I continue to walk another lap in the grass and I did. I can’t say that I felt anything different but it is strange that I turn on the the computer and find this ad about walking in the grass and connecting with nature for healing. I’m loving this. Peace
great vision and suggestions.
Growing up in So-Cal, I pretty well lived barefoot, such a delight from the “good, sturdy” schoolshoes gladly shed soon as school was over with. Later on while living in the east coast training to become a licensed massage therapist, we learned to remove negative energy from what was termed “black holes” i.e. the few people/clients who just suck the energy out of you or are so negative that their negativity radiates into you. We were instructed to lie flat upon the earth, arms outstretched, to regain healthy energy balance, and if we could, to visit ocean shorelines or mountains where the ions would re-balance our personal energy levels. Lying on the ground was always exhilarating, even as a child just for fun. Now to learn that going barefoot has internal benefits–that is just so awesome!
Here in Florida, as well as other states and countries with no months with freezing temperatures, parasites from creature feces live in the dirt and we have to protect ourselves from accidentally picking up hookworm through our soles or palms. The beaches in the am are the safest places.
I love this! I grew up in the farming area of New Jersey and we always walked out of the house barefoot in the summer. I thought it was ridiculous when people would worry about wearing shoes with the right “support”. I thought that my foot was designed for walking and didn’t need support. I suspected that was just marketing from shoe companies. When I lived in an apartment in the suburbs, I was out on my stoop watering my flowers and I was barefoot. My neighbor asked if I grew up in the country and I said that I had and how did he know. He said it was because I walk outside barefoot. I just naturally walked outside barefoot and thought that everyone did. Turns out that they should!
Yes, Darcie! Barefoot is our natural state, we were designed to without shoes or with limited foot coverings. You got it, perhaps folks shall follow your lead 🙂
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Many Blessings,
Jason
The Sacred Science Team
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Hi
I loved this article, it reminded me of my holiday in Australia two years ago in late February it was raining as we were about to cross the harbour bridge in Sydney, I had a floaty dress on and a sun hat the rain was warm, I took off my sandals and walk the length of it barefoot it felt so good, the rain stopped half way across and the sun came out followed by a rainbow, it was a magical moment I will never forget.
What a wonderful memory! Thank you, Janet!
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Hooray for going barefoot! Once the weather gets warm I kick off my shoes and walk barefooted anywhere I’m allowed. In the summer I keep a pair of shoes in the car because I often leave the house without shoes and wind up shoeless in a store or restaurant where shoes are required…back to the car I go! Nice to learn that my kookiness is helping to keep me healthy. Thanks, Nick, for the info.
Awesome, Carol! Reads like you are a barefoot enthusiast. Keep up the kookiness 🙂
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Hi Nick-
Thank you for the article. I have been trying to walk barefoot as much as possible, lately. About two years ago, I spent 9 months in New Zealand, where it is quite natural for people to go without shoes. There are no signs there, like in the U.S., which require shirts and shoes to enter shops and businesses. And, the people and the culture are much more sane, kind and down to earth. Thank you for all your efforts in returning humanity to its roots. Best of everything to you and your extended family 🙂
Hi Rayne,
Thanks for your thoughtful message! What a shift in cultures and perspectives!
In many “developed” countries, the tendency is to disconnect from nature but as beings of the expression of nature, we crave to connect with that energy. Keep planting your feet on the earth and looking to the heavens 🙂
Here to help, so let us know if you need anything else. We appreciate you being a part of the community!
Many Blessings,
Jason
The Sacred Science Team
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Why can’t I access your web page for free as indicated? Is there something I’m not doing correctly?
I wanted to see the section on diabetes
Hi Deryl,
Thanks for connecting! Which page are you referring to? You mat search our site for “Diabetes,” however, we do not offer a specific section on this topic at this moment.
Many Blessings,
J
In answer to Maria’s email. I was also brought up on a farm and used to stand in fresh cowpats. We did crazy things as kids. NOW I live in a city where it’s not nice even to walk along the streets because you find dog pooh.
However, I live not far from the beach so, that sea salt water is so cleansing. Thanks goodness
Walking barefoot on Mother Earth’s skin and body, is indeed soothing and comforting. This morning I approached a tree, its trunk and bark wide. Thick moss adorns it, and small little plants have their home on it too. A world within a world, I immediately felt connected to the universal vastness in all of life. Thank you for the article!
Yes! Yes! Yes! As a naturopathic physician for 20 years and a relentless bare-footer, I absolutely agree that this basic way of being and existing reflects a strong innate instinct towards health and vitality. Connection to the Earth brings health. From my point of view, reconnection of humanity to the Earth is the only way forward. Thank you, Nick, and Sacred Science. Continue your great work.
I would so love to go barefoot..however, we live in the Midwest which is induated with chiggers. I swell up horribly when bitten by these. Our parks are all sprayed, so can’t walk there. I so miss going barefoot! Any helpful thoughts??
Yes, walking on the grass in my large backyard felt wonderful! But that was years ago, before lyme ticks became so prevalent in this part of Maine and in so many other areas nationwide. Now? I wouldn’t advise it.
Walking barefoot is second nature to many New Zealanders. In fact when I was a child it was the norm to go to school barefooted..
A web site called http://www.earthing.com has more info on this subject matter with pictures on the difference in the red blood cells before and after walking bare foot. Good website for more info plus they offer products for what they call earthing and bring it into your home and how.
No I’m not a sales rep or make a commission from this, just sharing info and happy to share!
Love this! I was told about this many years ago by my massage therapist. I do it very often!
works for me thanks
I think this is a wonderful idea and want to start practicing it asap –
unfortunately I can’t practice it around where I live because everything here is sprayed with Round-Up.
I’m wondering if anyone knows a website that could point the way toward safer places to walk barefoot? That’s what I’ll be searching for too.
I truly believe we all need to walk barefoot to keep our feet healthy. I used to do this but over time and wearing shoes I have noticed my aches are falling so now it is so painful to walk barefoot. Shoes are not an option at times but is there any way to strengthen your arches to be able to go barefoot for longer times.
Would love to do this, however what does one do when one has to wear orthotics? I had my first stress fracture last year (left foot) and I have been told to never walk anywhere without the proper support. Sigh.
I’m 70 years old and have been barefoot all of my life, with the exception of requirements for work or social activities. I believe that my medical history validates your theories…
A Quechua song of the high Andes goes…
I walk without shoes in the mountains,
My bare feet touch the mountain,
The mountain takes pleasure in knowing my body.
The Earth is as aware of us as we are of her, when walking barefoot we heal her too, it is a two-way blessing.
Thank you for this great information. It’s been many years since I once walked shoeless as a child when I would go to visit my grandmother in WV. I must give it a try again soon as an adult. Thanks for the reminders of its potential benefits.
I grew up in Hawaii. Our culture has a strong belief in being barefoot. While we do wear shoes outside for safety, most of us prefer to be in our bare feet. If someone comes into our homes with shoes on, it is in poor taste and an insult.
I know I am happiest when I feel the earth beneath me, the sand (or mud or water) between my toes. There is no other feeling quite as invigorating yet calming in its own way.
There was a drama about a korean female physician who advised the emperor to take his shoes off and walk barefoot regularly for better circulation. This story was based on facts taken place in ancient Korea around the Chosun Dynasty 500 years ago. It is called ‘Jewel in the Palace’ if you are interested in watching (spoken in korean, subbed in some languages).
I was just wondering if anybody has heard of the ” Barefoot doctor”.
One of his books from 1998 was called Urban Warrior..
It is a handbook and a spiritual survival guide… He had another book but forgot the name…sorry.
Namaste
Carly
How does a person know where to walk barefoot that hasn’t been sprayed with some toxic weed killer or something? It’s hard to think of anywhere in the world where that hasn’t happened and beach sand is no different, since there’s God knows what in the ocean water these days. Does walking on a cement driveway count?! I’m serious about this, I’d really like to know answers. I just suffered a stroke about a month ago and am looking for ways to do simple things for my health. My DH and I thought we were living a very healthy life but apparently my brain didn’t think so.
Hi Nick
Thank you for your labour of love to mankind !
Thank you For freely sharing wellness of people through your posts,emails & Video clips. Your reward will not only be here on earth but also in heaven !
I am a mathematician/accountant who grew up in the farm and love nature so much.
I am a Nigerian & I reside in Lagos.
I have almost half of the herbs you mentioned in my backyard garden but don’t even realize it & did not plant them either.
A herbalist says: “ Early in the year around you, God gives you ALL herbs you need for your wellness in that year “ That is your wonderful creator !
Thanks for your wonderful efforts. Keep it up !
You have encouraged me to study Herbalism !
I loved the first epic. Will all episodes be available for purchase?
Will Remedy: Ancient Medicine for Modern Illness be available for purchase?
There is a great movie on Gaia TV. It’s called “Heal for free”. A must see if you want to heal yourself through grounding.
Provoni te flini ne nje ambjent ku rrine delet dhe nuk do te kini reomatizem
I’m 62 years old and people tease me relentlessly about being a hippie because I rarely wear shoes OR socks and walk in the grass, sand, earth barefoot a lot. They think my feet are filthy because they’re worried about dog urine in the ground….my response…”that’s what soap and water are for”…..
I never feel more alive, healthier, connected to everything and rooted in the earth than when I’m barefoot and in nature…
I have a book called Earthing by Ober, Sinatra, Zucker that talks extensively about doing this. I try to sit outside and read when the weather is good and plant my feet on the ground to reconnect to that energy. It’s a very helpful book and I highly recommend it. I see it was also mentioned in another comment.
I used to be called the barefoot countessa in my community. I walked everywhere barefooted – not just on sand or grass but on pavements. When I am in East Timor I walk barefooted and my adopted family run after me with saddles – I have to explain to people, of whom many are still barefooted, why I Iike walking barefooted. The countessa bit is because of my Italian decent.
I love your blog, recipes and information etc.
Thanks Lidia
When my sisters and I were small our mother would have us run around the house barefooted in the first snow of the year and yes, she accompanied us. I continued the practice with my own children and at 61 I still do it. So, I have been a barefoot girl for a long time.
Dear Nick Polizzi, I just want to thank you with the deepest gratitude for all your offerings. Thank you for the gift of your book, The Sacred Science. I am enjoying it. I always look forward to what comes to my email in box from you. I thank you for all the continued inspiration the writings bring, the education and illumination that result. I am just saying THANK YOU!!!
I grew up in Southern California, so going barefoot was just natural. No matter where I lived I was barefoot as long as the weather would allow. For the frigid times Uggs were my boot of choice. My only issue is that I just came down with Plantar Fasciitis …. my Chiropractor says that one of the issues that causes Plantar Fasciitis is walking barefoot. Who knew that besides stubbing your toe, stepping on a stone or cutting your foot there would be something so painful because of going barefoot. But that lil girl in me can’t wait to be walking barefoot.
I love practising tai chi barefoot outside. What a wonderful feeling to connect to the world through nature. I feel my entire body being energized and filled with peace. What a wonderful way to being empowered and more connected. In these times of alienation, and the quick fix what better way to be in tune with the way our ancestors lived in harmony with the world!
I love your emails, I really look forward to them. Thank you for you research and wisdom sharing at a time when we humans seem to have lost that connection to the sacred and Earth medicine.
I was fortunate enough to do some work with a shamanic mentor and she explained how the elephants follow the Earth’s magnetic laylines and energy grids when they migrate.
Whenever I walk in the wild places (in England), we often have tracks which have man-made surfaces and I never feel ‘charged’ if I take these. I find myself stepping I to the grass or dirt, and feel totally different immediately.
It is the same with water, and I was told again. By a clairvoyant that I should stand in the sea (many years ago) and it would energise me.
Having read a it more about his I now understand the relationship with the elements.
I bet you already know his work, but if not Masaru Emoto studies on water as a living being are amazing. Though he was not the first in his findings.
Blessings to you, you enrich my day my friend,
Victoria.
From Ludlow
England
The only time I wear shoes is when I go out shopping or in the winter when I havr to shovel snow. The soles of my feet are like shoe leather. A few years back, I was hiking trails in the Tetons with friends barefoot & people were freaking out that I wasn’t wearing shoes. I sometimes even walk out barefoot on cleared cement in the middle of winter talking to friends as they leave my house & they’re all uptight that I better get inside or “I’ll catch a cold”.
It’s a little too cold for that here! (Southern Ontario) But I hope that will change very soon. I love going barefoot 🙂
Definitely agree! I’ve been going barefoot since I was a teenager – people are still amazed I an walk on gravel as if it was grass. On the other hand, my feet have got considerably wider….! I lose my shoes all the time. I can’t remember if I brought them with me so I don’t remember to take them home – are they in my car? When did I last have them? I finally began keeping a pair of sandals in my car so when I got to the store I didn’t have to back home because I forgot my shoes.
Yes on your comments on radio waves……Walking on wet but firm sand can support my back muscles but walking in sand that’s just been washed over by waves is too soft and puts too much stress on my knees.
and i live by the ocean and just walked on the beach in NH…yes we have a13 mile beach and the sun is high overhead…
I have heart failure and I’m native n have been wanting to do just this just go to a park n walk on the earth I have heart failure and I want to strengthn my core as well I just can not walk well right now this information is all inspiring thank u for sharing
Every morning, I go to the fitness park to walk barefoot on hard concret and soft grass. I enjoy myself by walking barefoot because it is a good hobby and so awesome to leave behind my sneakers and socks at home and to walk barefoot in nature.
Yesterday, I’d sent a text about walking barefoot at the fitness park on hard concert and soft grass. What I meant to say was I also do walking barefoot meditation walking. Seniors
say to me, young man, why are you barefoot? I’d simply saw to him, I am doing barefoot meditation walking and I’d enjoyed doing walking barefoot meditation walking. It is cool and awesome to be barefoot. Namaste which means:I’d bow down to you. The lite in me sees the lite in you. Namaste.
Every morning, go to the fitness park to walk barefoot in nature. I walk barefoot on concert and on soft grass. I also do meditation barefoot walking. I really enjoy walking barefoot in nature. Namaste.
This morning I desided to walk barefoot to my barefoot yoga class. When I got to my yoga class, she said to me, you walk barefoot to the yoga class? I said that I left my sneakers and Sox at home so I can walk barefoot to my yoga class and walk barefoot back home. The senior said to me, good for you. Namaste.
I feel this particular blog is so personal to me. I was suggested to do this by my husband, friends and then later researching the topic. I got very sick earlier this year with multiple issues. I began doing grounding and I felt an instant improvement in my inflammation, sleep, mental health and overall self. I do it for about 20-30 mins and it just feels so relaxing
Thanks walking in nature has beel a help for me to relax. I have been considering walking shoeless, now I will try it
It is so much more than mere sensation. Grounding, is a proven science! It enables our positively charged toxic bodies to discharge and become negatively charged once more. I freely help mainly women to overcome every form of cancer, naturally; without drugs or poisonous medication. To do so I enable them to decontaminate every cell in their body, often for the first time since they were a small child, or even still in their mother’s womb. I have a 100per cent success rate, unlike our Rockefeller, heinous cancer industry that has not in over 100 years enabled one single human to self-heal of any disease. Those that have survived, have done so, despite their so-called treatment!
Thanks. Good. Also it gives Acupressure effect also.
I’m just curious if walking barefoot indoors is helpful in the same way? Our floors are made of wood and stone and some area rugs. My podiatrist once told me we all walk with shoes on too often.
Great article. I am going to start a daily walk without shoes. It only makes sense, and so good to hear all the positive comments. Thanks for sharing.
Your team, family and you all are blessings to humanity, you are teaching us the ancient wisdom, instilling hope, faith and trust in humanity, May Divine continue to inspire your team ,family and Nick Polizzi as future unfolds.I wish Iè amm financially in a strong place to support your complimentary work in health matters.
I recently wrote an article about this as I was researching natural ways to decrease stress. “3 Ways to Reduce Stress Naturally and Relieve Anxiety”https://www.lifeisbetterwithtea.com/3-ways-to-reduce-stress-naturally/
When we make direct physical contact with the earth’s surface, such as walking barefoot on the beach, our bodies receive a charge of energy, making us feel better. Since all matter has energy, the earth emits its own energy field too.
The earth’s natural magnetic field has about 7.8 Hz, known as the Schumann resonance. Notice this is within the same frequency range as alpha brain waves – the calming brain waves. So in a relaxed state, the human brain has the same frequency as the earth.
When we are close to nature, our energy fields align with the earth’s energy field, providing a healthful balance. That’s why it feels so good to spend time in nature.
It’s fascinating to learn how much the earth and nature provide for us every single day.
I grew up plowing barefooted. I was one of the last 2 or three barefoot plowboys in my area, Didn’t know what I had until later in life. It was a healthy time for me.
If you are trying it out, be aware that you have to get used to it until you get the bottom of your feet toughened up. – Unless you just walk on sand or soft grass…