born to farming folks in Tennessee...mom born in 1929, and shoes were a luxury. I grew up allowed to go barefoot. recall pulling sandspurs from my feet and scraping my toes on asphalt under a bicycle pedal.
Still, I like being reminded of how lovely the grass feels underfoot. Thanks to the OP for that. I don't think I need lessons in how to go barefoot, but I appreciate the reminder.

Feels good to have my opinion validated.:wave:

You might try yoga. It is done barefoot and its results are numerous and proven. There might even be a class held outdoors. Or maybe walking around in or at the pool? Many associated benefits with either of those.

I think Dr. O didn't have fire ants in his neck of the woods.

I think it's nice to have people who present new ideas for peoples' consideration, especially when there is a chance they could be helpful.

It also takes courage - it's much easier to stay silent than to put it out there, knowing how likely it is that some people will be quick to criticize.

You are right of course but we can't all agree with everything posted on this or any forum If posters have some background or a valid opinion on any idea presented than to challenge or debate issues which are not widely accepted or are new hypothesis is part and parcel of what any poster can expect.

This thread may seem like junk science to some and a plausible theory to others.

We all have our views and to disagree is what I think the OP wants to happen. He appears to enjoy debate.

What about the aforementioned fire ants and other slithery creatures????

Actually, folks with arthritis are told to wear supportive footwear and NOT go barefoot........going barefoot can lead to more joint pain, heel pain, etc. if one is prone to it.

I'm glad you will simply be walking barefoot in the grass.......on earth.

At first I thought you might be taking off on one of those trips to Mars or some other galaxy..............along with the author of that book.

Negative Ions Create Positive Vibes

For those interested in the science behind ...negative ions are abundant outdoors, especially where water splashes, simply put, and not so much indoors in the AC. Research shows improved reaction times and elevated mood. To benefit, one might go to the beach or hang out at the pool. thanks to the OP for the reminder...why we like waterfalls and pounding surf..
K

I read something about swimming pools not being a good idea for grounding.
Perhaps due to painted surfaces.

I have never read this theory before but I can tell you that I am 70 years young. I have always gone bare foot when home, both inside and outside. I hate wearing shoes. I do not have any arthritis or joint pain or any foot problems. Perhaps this is a coincidence but who knows? Also I have never had a problem being attacked by scorpions, fire ants or other varmints.

I just found this under alternative therapy.........

http://www.healthyfellow.com/wp-cont...ges/header.jpg

• Earthing and Grounding
  
  

January 21, 2010 Written by JP



A reader recently inquired about an holistic practice commonly referred to as “earthing” or “grounding”. The question was a like a portal to my past. I was first exposed to the concepts behind this therapy when I studied holistic medicine in Arizona many years ago.

In essence, grounding is, supposedly, a therapeutic process by which you connect with the earth. A popular theory behind its reputed healing power is that electrons present in the earth’s surface can be passed on to physical bodies when a person walks barefoot or sleeps on the natural ground.

An expert in the field of earthing, Dr. James L. Oschman, describes the exchange in this way, “The most reasonable hypothesis to explain the beneficial effects of earthing is that a direct earth connection enables both diurnal (daily) electrical rhythms and free electrons to flow from the earth to the body”.

Hypothesis and proposed mechanisms are helpful as far as they go. But the real question in my mind is whether there’s any serious science that supports these assertions and the many claims made by purveyors of grounding products.
http://www.healthyfellow.com/images/2010/01/lying.jpg
The first question that logically comes to mind is why an influx of electrons would have a beneficial effect in the human body. Dr. Oschman believes that direct exposure to the earth’s electrical rhythms may help promote a normalizing effect on hormone production, sleep patterns and stress levels. An interesting side note is an additional theory that “free and mobile electrons from the earth can resolve chronic inflammation by serving as natural antioxidants”. If accurate, these biochemical changes could obviously provide far reaching benefits for much of the world’s population. (1,2,3)

I was able to locate two peer review, published studies on grounding – one from January 2010 and another from October 2004. These scientific inquiries were conducted by two separate research facilities and were deemed worthy enough to be printed in a reputable medical publication, The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. The results of the following scientific trials will be the primary basis for my opinion of earthing.

A total of 28 men and women took part in the most recent study of a grounding device. Their ages ranged from 18 – 80 years old. The controlled trial used a double-blind protocol which means that both the participants and the researchers didn’t know when they were using the experimental device or the inactive/placebo device.

• The study volunteers were asked to sit on a standard reclining chair or one that was fitted with (hidden) grounding technology – which is typically made of metallic yarn.
• Measurements were taken before, during and after “treatment” that indicated changes in blood oxygenation, pulse rate, perfusion index, respiratory rate and skin conductance.

When the participants were resting on the grounded recliner chair, they exhibited a decrease in skin conductance (an indicator of stress reduction) and an increase in respiratory rate. There were also significant changes noted in blood oxygenation during grounding, shifts in perfusion index (circulation) and pulse rates. Collectively, these responses were suggestive that “Grounding could become important for relaxation, health maintenance and disease prevention”. Additional research was urged by the authors of the study. (4)

An 8 week trial from 2004 examined the effects of a grounding bed in 12 volunteers suffering from pain, sleep disturbance and stress. The bedding used in the trial was described as “using a conductive mattress pad”. Multiple saliva samples were taken at the beginning and at week 6 of the experiment testing for concentrations of cortisol, a stress hormone.

Questionnaires were also employed to determine subjective changes in pain, sleep quality and stress levels. Both daytime and nighttime cortisol levels declined significantly after sleeping on the grounded bed. A trend toward normalization of 24 hour cortisol levels was noted overall. The volunteers reported that virtually all of the pain, sleep and stress symptoms were greatly improved or eliminated by the 8 week point. It’s also interesting to note that the female participants appeared to benefit the most from this therapy. The reason why unclear at this time. (5)
http://www.healthyfellow.com/images/...s-barefoot.gif
Source: New York Magazine April 21, 2008 (link)

Right about now, some of you may be rolling your eyes in disbelief.

I do realize that earthing may seem like a rather “new agey” sort of practice. The use of a grounding bed or chair may, in fact, fall into this category.

But, in my opinion, the idea of re-connecting with the ground isn’t so far fetched. Human beings haven’t been wearing tennis shoes and sleeping on NASA tested foam bedding for all that long a period of time. These inventions are certainly useful, but they’re far from natural. I’m not suggesting that we all ditch our clothes, mattresses and sneakers and reclaim a stone age way of living.

But I think it’s important to remember that there may be some positive practices from our distant past that can be applied to the present. One example is walking barefoot when it’s practical and safe. Beyond any possible grounding effect, walking with bare feet can promote healthier feet and joints. (6,7,8)

I’m going to adopt a “wait and see” attitude about grounding products. There’s a hint of promise there as indicated by the apparently real physiological changes brought about by said products. But that’s about all that can currently be said on their behalf. The many distributor and manufacturer claims far exceed what is verifiably documented in the scientific literature. For the time being, I would feel much more comfortable recommending spending more time in contact with the ground in a natural setting – lying down or walking barefoot in the park or at the beach, etc. If this topic interests you, consider trying it out for yourself. See how non-commercial grounding makes you feel.

The worst case scenario is that you’ll probably expose yourself to more fresh air and sunshine. Fortunately, that’s not a side effect that warrants much concern.
Be well!
JP

The grass is wet in the morning and ants don't come out early in the morning. As far as slithery creatures, they will usually slither away when they see someone coming.

If it's not a good idea for those with arthritis to walk barefoot, you can sit in a lawn chair with your bare feet in the grass. Walking is not actually required.

About Mars: Earthing might not work on Mars, that would be called Maring. Anyway, the radiation on Mars would eventually kill you so what would be the point? ;)

I just found this under alternative therapy........

• Earthing and Grounding
• January 21, 2010 Written by JP

A reader recently inquired about an holistic practice commonly referred to as “earthing” or “grounding”. The question was a like a portal to my past. I was first exposed to the concepts behind this therapy when I studied holistic medicine in Arizona many years ago.

In essence, grounding is, supposedly, a therapeutic process by which you connect with the earth. A popular theory behind its reputed healing power is that electrons present in the earth’s surface can be passed on to physical bodies when a person walks barefoot or sleeps on the natural ground.

An expert in the field of earthing, Dr. James L. Oschman, describes the exchange in this way, “The most reasonable hypothesis to explain the beneficial effects of earthing is that a direct earth connection enables both diurnal (daily) electrical rhythms and free electrons to flow from the earth to the body”.

Hypothesis and proposed mechanisms are helpful as far as they go. But the real question in my mind is whether there’s any serious science that supports these assertions and the many claims made by purveyors of grounding products.
http://www.healthyfellow.com/images/2010/01/lying.jpg
The first question that logically comes to mind is why an influx of electrons would have a beneficial effect in the human body. Dr. Oschman believes that direct exposure to the earth’s electrical rhythms may help promote a normalizing effect on hormone production, sleep patterns and stress levels. An interesting side note is an additional theory that “free and mobile electrons from the earth can resolve chronic inflammation by serving as natural antioxidants”. If accurate, these biochemical changes could obviously provide far reaching benefits for much of the world’s population. (1,2,3)

I was able to locate two peer review, published studies on grounding – one from January 2010 and another from October 2004. These scientific inquiries were conducted by two separate research facilities and were deemed worthy enough to be printed in a reputable medical publication, The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. The results of the following scientific trials will be the primary basis for my opinion of earthing.


A total of 28 men and women took part in the most recent study of a grounding device. Their ages ranged from 18 – 80 years old. The controlled trial used a double-blind protocol which means that both the participants and the researchers didn’t know when they were using the experimental device or the inactive/placebo device.

• The study volunteers were asked to sit on a standard reclining chair or one that was fitted with (hidden) grounding technology – which is typically made of metallic yarn.
• Measurements were taken before, during and after “treatment” that indicated changes in blood oxygenation, pulse rate, perfusion index, respiratory rate and skin conductance.

When the participants were resting on the grounded recliner chair, they exhibited a decrease in skin conductance (an indicator of stress reduction) and an increase in respiratory rate. There were also significant changes noted in blood oxygenation during grounding, shifts in perfusion index (circulation) and pulse rates. Collectively, these responses were suggestive that “Grounding could become important for relaxation, health maintenance and disease prevention”. Additional research was urged by the authors of the study. (4)
An 8 week trial from 2004 examined the effects of a grounding bed in 12 volunteers suffering from pain, sleep disturbance and stress. The bedding used in the trial was described as “using a conductive mattress pad”. Multiple saliva samples were taken at the beginning and at week 6 of the experiment testing for concentrations of cortisol, a stress hormone.

Questionnaires were also employed to determine subjective changes in pain, sleep quality and stress levels. Both daytime and nighttime cortisol levels declined significantly after sleeping on the grounded bed. A trend toward normalization of 24 hour cortisol levels was noted overall. The volunteers reported that virtually all of the pain, sleep and stress symptoms were greatly improved or eliminated by the 8 week point. It’s also interesting to note that the female participants appeared to benefit the most from this therapy. The reason why unclear at this time. (5)
http://www.healthyfellow.com/images/...s-barefoot.gif
Source: New York Magazine April 21, 2008 (link)

Right about now, some of you may be rolling your eyes in disbelief.

I do realize that earthing may seem like a rather “new agey” sort of practice. The use of a grounding bed or chair may, in fact, fall into this category.

But, in my opinion, the idea of re-connecting with the ground isn’t so far fetched. Human beings haven’t been wearing tennis shoes and sleeping on NASA tested foam bedding for all that long a period of time. These inventions are certainly useful, but they’re far from natural. I’m not suggesting that we all ditch our clothes, mattresses and sneakers and reclaim a stone age way of living.

But I think it’s important to remember that there may be some positive practices from our distant past that can be applied to the present. One example is walking barefoot when it’s practical and safe. Beyond any possible grounding effect, walking with bare feet can promote healthier feet and joints. (6,7,8)

I’m going to adopt a “wait and see” attitude about grounding products. There’s a hint of promise there as indicated by the apparently real physiological changes brought about by said products. But that’s about all that can currently be said on their behalf. The many distributor and manufacturer claims far exceed what is verifiably documented in the scientific literature. For the time being, I would feel much more comfortable recommending spending more time in contact with the ground in a natural setting – lying down or walking barefoot in the park or at the beach, etc. If this topic interests you, consider trying it out for yourself. See how non-commercial grounding makes you feel.

The worst case scenario is that you’ll probably expose yourself to more fresh air and sunshine. Fortunately, that’s not a side effect that warrants much concern.
Be well!
JP

You know. now that you present it like that...without the ions, it makes more sense. Me too, no arthritis or joint pain or bunions or corns or foot problems. Except I am 73. Those blasted ants didn't bite me on the foot but nailed me on my hand when I was weeding. Maybe they don't like the work ethic?

I do remember the ants biting you.......I'll make sure to watch out for them.

However, I could swear, and I have an excellent memory, that when I was new to this TOTV and mentioning the stiffness of arthritis, etc. and wondering if the humidity, etc. would affect it even worse than up north, you mentioned that you were always stiff for most of the morning with your own arthritis?????????? Morning stiffness is common when one first gets out of bed and starts moving about. Everyone and their uncle have some form of arthritis.....up north here.........either R.A., O.A. or other variations. With the past 25 days of rain and dense humidity, we are feeling it even more...........when it's dry and the barometer is HIGH , we do experience relief. But glad you no longer suffer from arthritis.