"Your nervous system is especially sensitive in your feet," says Emily Splichal, MD, podiatrist, human movement specialist, and Ashtanga yoga instructor. "And people don't even realize that the nerves there age. The more we wear shoes, we take away that information between the feet and your brain. That's why it's important to be barefoot and stimulate your nervous system in that way."
"Your nervous system is especially sensitive in your feet. And people don't even realize that the nerves there age."She relates it to children—they're often seen bouncing around. "Their nervous system is very sharp," explains Dr. Splichal. "That's how that system is shaped—learning how to walk and stand." As you grow older, however, that's when you start wearing cushioned footwear—which she says detaches you from allowing your nerves to connect with your mind. Ultimately, that function can become a little slower.
It may sound like a wild claim, but studies actually (somewhat) back it up. Dubbed "earthing," standing on the ground barefoot is found to reduce blood viscosity (linked to cardiovascular disease) and helps with overall physiological functioning.
To reap the benefits without having to literally walk in dirt (or worse, city streets), Dr. Splichal recommends opting for minimal sneakers and thinner yoga mats—and just being shoeless on the reg.
"I encourage people to get barefoot stimulation every day," she says. "If you can do at least two physical activities a week—whether yoga, Pilates, or strength training—you'll get a prolonged intent behind your foot. Intentionally contracting your foot and doing balance poses connects to your core and is very beneficial, granted it's on a flat or stimulating surface."
Okay, great—all the more reason to kick off your shoes (and socks!) at the end of a long day.
It also helps to smile—because happiness is key to better brain function. And these brain-boosting supplements are like Adderall for multitaskers.
Comment: Go barefoot for a truly prehistoric health boost:
Grounding, a Brain Booster
Grounding may also boost your mood. In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers at the University of California - Irvine tested 40 adults to see if grounding could improve mood. Part of the group grounded for one hour; the others did not ground. The participants' moods were assessed on a special scale before and after the experiment. Those who grounded reported pleasant and positive moods, while the others had no improvement. The researchers reported their findings in the April 2015 issue of Psychological Reports.
Everybody benefits from grounding, but in different ways. The positive results can come quickly and dramatically, such as less pain and better sleep, or subtly and gradually over time. Often, people who are very ill or are saddled with various symptoms notice a dramatic difference. Someone who has radiant health and sleeps well might not feel the differences so dramatically, but connecting to the earth helps preserve and perpetuate that good health.
I sincerely regard grounding as a simple, natural form of antiaging and preventive medicine, whether the benefits are obvious or subtle. Through the simple and powerful method of grounding, we can remember our connection to nature and, in so doing, reclaim aspects of our health that need rejuvenation. Where there is Earth, there is healing.