Differences between barefoot and grounding

Both concepts, although different in their objectives and fundamentals, start from the common base of going barefoot.

The barefoot seeks to recover the natural use of the foot, allowing free and unrestricted movement, in contrast to conventional footwear that tends to oppress and limit its function. It is based on principles of biomechanics, neurostimulation and muscle strengthening.

Key benefits:

• Improves the sensitivity of the foot to the environment.
• Stimulates the muscles of the foot, strengthening its structure.
• It promotes a more aligned posture and more natural movement patterns.

The grounding or earthing refers to the direct contact of the foot with the surface of the Earth, in order to absorb free electrons. It is based on bioelectricity principles and is considered an energetic wellness practice.

Rationale: The Earth has a constant negative charge. Touching it directly (barefoot or through conductive materials), produces a flow of electrons to the body, which has been associated with benefits such as:

• Reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Improved sleep and reduced stress.
• Regulation of the autonomic nervous system.

Did you know that there are barefoot and grounding shoes? 

Barefoot shoes, also known as minimalist or respectful shoes, and grounding shoes are not the same, although they may sometimes share certain characteristics.

Barefoot shoes are designed to mimic the natural experience of walking barefoot, while protecting against injuries or uncomfortable surfaces.while protecting against injury or uncomfortable surfaces. Their soles are thin, flexible and completely flat (no drop), and the toe boxes are wider than those of conventional shoes, i.e. foot-shaped. This design promotes freedom of movement, sensitivity to the terrain and strengthens the feet and legs. They have no cushioning or arch support.

Grounding shoes, on the other hand, grounding shoes, on the other hand, are designed to allow electrons from the Earth to enter the body through conductive materials in the soles, such as copper, carbon, steel, silver or leather.

Although many grounding shoes also follow a barefoot design, not all do. On the contrary, many barefoot shoes on the market are not grounding. They have rubber soles that insulate rather than conduct, so they do not provide a grounding effect unless they are designed with conductive materials.

In short, Barefoot and Grounding are complementary practices that bring different benefits: one strengthens the body from a mechanical base, the other seeks to harmonize it with the natural environment from an energetic approach. Both invite us to reconnect with our most essential biology.

Link for more information: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22757749/

Bibliography

Chevalier, G., & Sinatra, S. T. (2012). Emotional stress, heart rate variability, grounding, and improved autonomic tone: clinical applications. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal, 11(3), 8-12. PubMed

Chevalier, G., Sinatra, S. T., Oschman, J. L., Sokal, K., & Sokal, P. (2012). Earthing: health implications of reconnecting the human body to the Earth's surface electrons. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012, 291541. doi:10.1155/2012/291541 PubMed.

Robbins, S. E., Gouw, G. J., & Hanna, A. M. (1988). Running-related injury prevention through barefoot adaptations. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 20(5), 479-488. doi:10.1249/00005768-198810000-00005 PubMed.