“In every walk with Nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” - John Muir, Naturalist
A forest walk yields so many benefits.
Aside from the simple enjoyment of being outdoors, connecting with nature’s energy can affect our health in significant ways.
Derived from “shinrin-yoku”, the Japanese art of forest bathing, the practice was first promoted in the 1980s to counteract increasingly stressful, high-paced lifestyles. The idea behind it was to immerse oneself in the calming energy of the trees, to appreciate and make a connection with the natural beauty of the forest.
Earthing happens when our bodies come in direct contact with the Earth’s surfaces: walking barefoot in the grass or on a beach, swimming in a lake or ocean, standing or sitting on a rock. The Earth has a natural magnetic field that our bodies respond to; this exchange of energy grounds us, and influences how our bodies function in a profoundly positive way.
Most shoes are made with synthetic materials that block the flow of electrons from the Earth to our body. Laurentian Chief’s Fringed Earthing Moccasins are leather with a rubber sole, but have been fitted with a pure copper rivet through the bottom of the shoe. Copper is a highly conductive metal; when it is added to the moccasin’s outsole, energy and electrons from natural surfaces are transmitted through the rivet and absorbed by your bare foot.
1) Physical Benefits
Walking is excellent exercise on its own, and a stroll in the woods might encourage you to extend your time and go further. Our bodies were not meant to be sedentary; physical activity aids our respiration, digestion, circulation, and joint flexibility. When we add an earthing connection, we begin to see an increase in energy, reduced pain and inflammation, and lowered blood pressure. Earthing also encourages healthy cellular activity and the neutralization of free radicals for enhanced immune function.
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