7 Surprising Health Benefits Of Walking Barefoot

We are often told by our grandparents to walk barefoot on grass. It might seem clumsy but it is one of the exercises that promote holistic well-being, Walking barefoot, often referred to as “earthing” or “grounding,” offers several surprising physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Dr Pankaj Chaudhary, Senior Consultant - Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali shared a few health benefits of walking barefoot.

7 Benefits Of Walking Barefoot

Here are the health benefits of walking barefoot:

Improved Foot Strength And Flexibility

Dr Pankaj said, walking barefoot helps strengthen the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your feet. It promotes natural movement and balance, enhancing flexibility and reducing the risk of foot problems like bunions or plantar fasciitis.

Better Posture And Balance

According to Dr Pankaj, barefoot walking encourages proper posture by realigning your body. It activates stabilising muscles and improves your balance and coordination.

Enhanced Sensory Feedback

Dr Pankaj highlighted that when walking barefoot, your feet gain direct sensory input from the ground, which helps improve proprioception (your sense of body position). This can be particularly beneficial for activities like yoga (yoga poses to reduce waist fat), martial arts, or dance.

Connection With Nature (Grounding)

Dr Pankaj mentioned that walking barefoot on natural surfaces like grass, sand, or soil allows direct contact with the earth. This connection may reduce stress, increase energy levels, and promote a sense of well-being.

Reduced Inflammation

Dr Pankaj said grounding may have anti-inflammatory effects. Studies suggest that the Earth’s electrons can act as antioxidants, neutralising free radicals in the body and reducing chronic inflammation.

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Improved Circulation

Dr Pankaj highlighted that barefoot walking stimulates the nerves in your feet, encouraging better blood flow and promoting healthier circulation throughout the body.

Better Sleep

In this fast-paced world, most people struggle with proper sleep. According to Dr Pankaj, exposure to the Earth’s energy while walking barefoot may help regulate circadian rhythms, leading to improved sleep quality.

Tips For Getting Started

If walking barefoot seems clumsy and difficult to you, here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Start slowly on soft surfaces like grass or sand to let your feet adjust.
• Keep a check on your surroundings to avoid stepping on harsh objects.
• Gradually transition to harder surfaces if comfortable.

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Try walking barefoot for a few minutes for maximum benefits.

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