In this week’s blog I’m going to channel my inner hippie; that part of us that deep down longs to be outside, closer to nature, breathing fresh air. Granted, some may have to work a little harder than others to hear that voice, but trust me, it’s there. Nature has a healing aspect to it that is often overlooked or ignored in our fast paced society. When was the last time you were in a natural landscape so amazing you could do nothing but stare in amazement? Or how often have you heard someone say “Pictures don’t do it justice”. It’s just something you have to experience in person.

The earth has an energy that evokes not only emotional responses but physiological ones as well. Current research attributes this to the electromagnetic field that surrounds the earth. It is this field, which coincidentally has the same frequency that our brains operate and thrive on, 7.83 hertz, known as the Schumann Resonance. This electric field is what syncs our biological clock, eliminates free radicals (which cause chronic inflammation), and protects us from the sea of electromagnetic (EM) pollution that surrounds us.

The problem is that most people wear thick rubber soled shoes that essentially insulate them from this connection with the earth. By being in contact with the ground you are plugging into that innate force within the earth and grounding yourself to the harmful electric fields surrounding you. For the past 20 years, people have marketed various products (stones, crystals, high tech gadgets) that will help ground us from the EM pollution that is part of our lives now. Even NASA understands the importance of the EM field given off by the earth as it now places a resonator on all shuttles that emits a signal at 7.83 Hz to help prevent the extremely stressful effects astronauts experienced when separated from earth. In fact, according to the NIH, “The Schumann Resonance provides a brain frequency range matching electcromagnetic signal, providing the synchronization needed for intelligence.”

So you see, by going barefoot and reconnecting with nature you are not only doing your feet and legs a service by strengthening and using them how they were intended, you are keeping your entire body and brain healthy and functioning fully. Keep this in mind as the weather turns and we get back outside. Spend some time barefoot and watch the improvement!

Dr. J