Walking barefoot strengthens your immune system

Our foot muscles really atrophy in shoes, and the rolling movement from the heel damages our joints in the long run. Barefoot walking activates the natural movement sequence (stepping with the tip of the foot), the foot's arch becomes more stable, the muscles are trained, tendons and ligaments become more elastic, and intervertebral discs are protected from deformation.

Stimulation of reflex zones on the soles of the feet has a positive effect on the internal organs. Over 7,000 nerve endings are located in the soles of the feet. Blood pressure is better regulated, and the cardiovascular system is strengthened.

The correct rolling motion of the foot allows the calf muscles to act as a blood pump towards the heart. This relieves the blood vessels and delays the formation of varicose veins.

Walking barefoot on damp meadows or wet beaches promotes the body's own temperature regulation and thus strengthens the immune system. "Cold stimulus is life stimulus" was already the motto of Sebastian Kneipp, the founder of the famous Kneipp cure - the cold water showers.

In the case of back problems or even hip misalignments, the cause often lies with our feet. If the muscles are too weak, we unconsciously make evasive movements that can lead to physical problems. Walking barefoot generally strengthens the foundation of the body.

Diseases of the feet arise mainly in a warm and humid environment - that is, in the shoes. Walking barefoot keeps the feet dry and ensures good blood circulation, protecting the skin from fungal infection.

Various surfaces and unevenness act like a small foot massage, thereby hardening the feet by slightly thickening the fat layer under the skin. This is not to be confused with the callus, which is formed by friction and moisture. At the same time, the sense of touch of the feet is formed and thus connects us more with the earth and nature, so-called earthing.