the arch from collapsing inward. This subtle change helps support knees, the pelvic floor and even abdominal muscles. Fields, dirt trails and beaches are ideal sites to start walking barefoot. Repeated skin-to-ground contact also coincides with grounding, or earthing, a therapy that connects a being with Earth’s electrical field. The concept is that this allows negatively charged free electrons to enter and eliminate free radicals, the positively charged particles that may cause diseases and inflam- mation. When we’re in shoes, “We’re separated [from the Earth] by an inch of rubber, which is a fantastic resistor to electricity,” the co-authors point out. Because barefoot walking stimu-
lates foot nerve endings, it’s also a form of self-reflexology, helping to lower blood pressure and anxiety while bol- stering the immune system. For all these reasons, enthusiasts conjecture that it’s wise to follow in the natural footsteps of healers past and pres- ent that have chosen to walk this way. Sandler provides special tips on getting started for some specific groups: Children: “They haven’t had their
The human foot is a
masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.
~ Leonardo da Vinci
feet weakened by wearing shoes for many years, so let them develop their own style.”
Pregnant women: Start with a
tiger walk technique (land with the heel barely off the ground, focusing on grab- bing traction with the toes) for as much stability and fullest contact with the ground as possible. Seniors: Use a walk and roll tech- nique (lift the forefoot up before gently landing heel first) to keep weight directly beneath the body’s center of gravity. “Some seniors are fearful of going bare- foot; concerned their feet are soft and sensitive. But they find that it actually helps them regain balance, coordination and body-brain connections.” A key to expanding onto terrains
like gravel and pavement while avoid- ing injury is to build up stronger plantar
skin on the bottom of the feet, because it is “600 percent stronger than skin elsewhere and can grow even thicker, up to half an inch, but only if you use it,” according to Sandler and Lee. “Go- ing about barefoot stimulates additional skin growth (layering) and pushes the moisture out of the skin (strengthening), which together, thicken the soles of your feet.”
Other basic tips to avoid injury in-
clude: go slow, build foot strength, focus on form, learn to rest, inspect feet daily for potential nicks or scratches and see a physician if in doubt about anything. “Once you’re aware of your sur- roundings and have toughened up your feet, you’ll avoid most sharp objects and be relatively shielded from the rest,” advise Sandler and Lee, who see the activity as a big step toward greater overall health awareness. “You’ll learn more about your body… what’s right and what’s not, what’s working and what can be improved.”
Randy Kambic, in Estero, FL, is a free- lance writer and editor who regularly contributes to Natural Awakenings.
natural awakenings June 2013
33
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44