By Sylvain Herruel, Vitalist Naturopath, Medical-Psychological Assistant and Sports Instructor
When you ask people what their feet are for, the vast majority answer: "To walk." However, feet are much more important than simply walking; we'll explore this together.
Foot reflexology
The arch of the foot is full of nerve endings (7200 nerve endings directly connected to the brain) and that is why many disciplines such as foot reflexology or certain massages give it so much importance.
Each nerve ending will stimulate an organ and allow for good energy circulation in the body.
The ground, with all its roughness and different textures, will provide massage and nerve stimulation with every step. And what's more, it's free.
Proprioception
Proprioception is the body's ability to move in space and recognize its spatial position while being able to self-adjust autonomously thanks to a whole network of muscles, ligaments, tendons that contain sensory receptors.
This is what allows you, in particular, to recover when you almost fall or when you manage to grab an object just before it falls.
Walking barefoot helps to stimulate and train these receptors and therefore increases our proprioceptive capacity.
Electromagnetic connection and charging
Being constantly immersed in an electric field (from phones, computers, Wi-Fi, cables, and other electrical devices) disrupts our body's electromagnetic balance. These devices "steal" negative electrons from us, making our bodies increasingly "positive," which isn't necessarily good for our health.
Let's take an example from nature: when a cloud is too positively charged, it will try to rebalance itself by seeking out negative electrons. The ground, being a reservoir of negative electrons, will allow the cloud to recharge by creating an electric arc that we call "lightning".
Your body will do the same, as it constantly strives to maintain balance (in all areas). So, when it becomes too "positive," it will create small electrical arcs, like the ones you might feel when you touch a person or a car door, but this isn't always enough. Your shoes are made of insulating material and will prevent the electrical transmission your body needs (which is why no animal wears shoes).
To make it easier for him and help him regain his balance, there is nothing better than walking barefoot for a few minutes in nature (your garden is sufficient, but not your tiled floor as it is isolated from the natural ground).
Relaxation and well-being
Walking barefoot connects us to nature, to our senses, to our bodies and our environment. This connection links us to the present moment and calms our nervous system and mental agitation.
We are more able to feel connected (feet on the ground and head in the sky) and to become aware of our place in this world.
Conclusion
This natural and free practice has a lot to offer you and I highly recommend it.
In order to fully enjoy the benefits of walking barefoot, anywhere and at any time, you can equip yourself with minimalist/barefoot shoes that do not hinder the natural movements of the foot while maintaining that pleasant sensation of being barefoot.
Whether it's 5 minutes a day or you decide to stop buying shoes (or only buy minimalist shoes), you will always find benefits on a physical, mental or spiritual level.
All that's left is for you to enjoy yourself :)
Sylvain Herruel,
Vitalist Naturopath, Medical-Psychological Assistant, and Sports Instructor. More information at www.naturopathe44.com - located in Gétigné.