Each human foot has approximately 20 intrinsic muscles that help with movement and stability, along with extrinsic muscles that originate in the lower leg, 26 bones, including the tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges and numerous tendons, with key ones including the Achilles tendon and various tendons associated with the intrinsic muscles. Each foot also has over 100 ligaments to provide stability and support, connecting bones to one another.
These structures work together to facilitate movement and support the body’s weight.
A nice thing to do for our feet: walk barefoot as much as you can as the earth has much negative electrical charge, or even better, walk on sand. This is beneficial for numerous reasons:
Walking on sand provides a therapeutic effect on the foot. As we walk, the sand gently massages all foot muscles, toes and arches, stimulating blood and lymphatic circulation.Â
The sand’s softness and flexibility create natural resistance, which requires more effort. As we walk, we’re strengthening ankles, calves, quadriceps and glutes.
Sand is shock absorbing terrain that is gentler on our joints (knees, hips and back), which reducing risk of injury and can alleviate existing pain.
Improves balance and Proprioception (awareness of our bodies in space)- The instability of the sand challenges our balance and activates the thousands of nerves in our feet, enhancing our body’s awareness of its position and motion. We have no option but to become present!
So, hope enjoy taking your shoes off when you can, go find some nice, clean sand, or some nice dirt ground to receive the earth’s powerful energy; breathe and enjoy your feet and the present moment.
