While it might not work in all environments, there’s a new kind of trail dedicated to promoting health through grounding.
The Barefoot Trail, the first grounding park in the US, is now open in the city of Flagstaff, Arizona.
The park is designed to promote holistic health and well-being through grounding, also known as earthing. By walking barefoot on natural surfaces, the concept is that people can reconnect with the Earth’s natural energy, which organisers of the trail say has been shown to reduce stress, inflammation, and improve sleep.
“Grounding has been a transformative practice for me, and I am excited to bring this experience to the United States,” said Leah Williams, founder of The Barefoot Trail.
“Our park offers the unique opportunity for people to reconnect with nature, improve their health, and enjoy the beauty of Flagstaff.”
The Barefoot Trail incorporates six ‘core values.’
The first is ‘Exercise through Outdoor Recreation.’ The Barefoot Trail provides a natural, forested environment where visitors can unwind, exercise, and have fun, whether alone, with family, or in groups.
The next core value is ‘Benefits of Grounding/Earthing/Reflexology.’
The reflexology path stimulates blood flow and enhances the senses by connecting visitors directly with the natural ground. Grounding for 20 to 30 minutes daily can help restore the body’s natural electrical balance, reducing stress and inflammation, and improving sleep, the trail developers say.
The third is Environmental Education. Visitors can learn about the geological and ecological history of Coconino County, including its volcanoes, rocks, trees, and water. This educational component aims to raise awareness of and sensitivity to the delicate habitats of the Colorado Plateau.
Another core value is Outdoor Youth Development. The Barefoot Trail provides children with new and challenging outdoor experiences, the goals of which are to foster positive attitudes, behavioural changes, problem-solving skills, and leadership development. These activities cater to children of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds.
Another value the trail intends to bring is a variety of therapeutic programmes. Also known as outdoor behavioural healthcare, or wilderness therapy, these programmes use experiential education in a natural setting to facilitate healing for various emotional, developmental, and relational struggles. Nature has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, enhance immune function, and improve mood.
Finally, there is land conservation. The Barefoot Trail advocates for the protection of the natural environment by preserving the ecosystem, vegetation, and wildlife. The trail uses natural materials like stones, rock, sand, and mud to maintain the land’s natural state.
The Barefoot Trail is a nonprofit organization, and it worked closely with local businesses to create the park and organised community-building activities. The overall mission to encourage people to get outside, exercise, and have fun in nature, with the goal of ultimately fostering a healthier and happier community.
