Shoeless Feet May Boost Health
By Tom Herrin
Not everything we do for our health is according to a textbook. In other words, what we think of as being a set formula may be superseded by something very different and a little off-the-wall. In this same light, it has been suggested that something that may support better health is to spend more time walking barefoot. Some of us do it often, but the real benefit may be from doing so outdoors for a period of time. There are apparently several good reasons why it is good for us. We will consider a few with the findings from some studies.
Walking Barefoot May Reduce Pain and Inflammation
In one study, people were placed in a situation that simulated sleeping on the ground. These were individuals who were experiencing some pain, stress, and sleeping issues. It is believed that contact with the ground may sort of cleanse the body of some things that cause us problems. After eight weeks of sleeping on this facsimile of the ground, all of the participants reported less pain and better sleep. it poses an interesting line of thought.
Bare Feet and Heart Trouble
Another study found that there may be some real good support for the heart by walking barefoot. It is well known that many of us have increasingly more difficulties with our cardiovascular system as we age. Our blood tends to be thicker and more likely to have poor circulation. Some think that walking barefoot may help to increase the surface charge of red blood cells which may, in turn, decrease their clumping and allow the blood to flow more smoothly. This would, of course, decrease the pressure on the heart and blood vessels.
Walking Barefoot May Mean Fewer Headaches
Another somewhat unique study was conducted on individuals who had participated in exercise and had soreness as a result. The thought was that they may be suffering from something that caused them to have tense muscles from working all day. It may be that excess radiation taken in may cause this soreness as well as contribute to migraines. It is also believed that earthing, by contacting the ground with bare feet, may help to reduce this radiation. If this is a solution to migraines and other soreness, it may do much more. With the low cost of trying it, what do we have to lose?
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Carmel, Ind.