They take off their shoes and it changes everything

Their secret? A surprisingly simple practice that's good for both body and mind.

New trend or simply common sense? Earthing, or "grounding", seems to be gaining more and more followers. If you see someone walking barefoot in nature, don't judge them too quickly. Far from being crazy, this barefoot walker might just have figured it all out!

It was in the USA that the practice gained momentum in the 90s, following the release of "Grounding, The Most Important Health Discovery Of All!" by Clint Ober. The former computer specialist was convinced: walking barefoot would activate an energy exchange, allowing the release of tensions that animate us and fill us with vital and earthly energy, rich in negative ions.

The physical benefits of "earthing" also appear to be numerous: stress reduction (decrease in cortisol levels), oxygenation of tissues, connection to nature, and improved agility. By walking barefoot on sand, in the forest, or in the countryside, we engage over 70,000 nerve endings and about twenty muscles. A free foot reflexology session accessible to everyone!

Walking without shoes also more effectively activates blood circulation and improves our haemoglobin levels and oxygenation. "The metabolism is reactivated," notes Gil Amsallem in his book "Walking Barefoot, Natural Reflexology". "It's the best anti-inflammatory," he adds.

So, why hesitate? Take off your shoes, walk in the dew, 1, 2, 3, go!

(MH with Céline Massart - Photo: © FreePik)