The technique of earthing is spreading worldwide: a barefoot walk that facilitates the flow of electrons from the ground to the body, aiding in the recovery from certain injuries or illnesses.

To walk barefoot in a natural environment, a park is not necessary, however: a parquet is enough.

This is because – here lies the reason for the success of earthing, also known as barefooting – wearing shoes, although inevitable, means at the same time not being in direct contact with the ground and adopting postures that are not entirely natural, without enjoying the psychophysical benefits that a natural surface provides.
Namely, a relaxation of the muscles throughout the body, starting from the spine and lower limbs, and the venous return of blood in the legs, thus preventing any possible swelling.

Wooden floor: nature within the home

Equally important, as taught by cultures and traditions such as the Japanese, is the hygienic aspect, as some studies estimate that at least 400 bacteria, more or less dangerous, risk being introduced into the home by wearing shoes.

Installing a parquet in some ways means bringing nature into the home. The wooden floor is a surface made of a living material, which conveys feelings of warmth and welcome. And above all, it needs, to thrive, the same conditions that ensure people’s well-being. Environments with temperatures between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius, a humidity rate between 40 and 65%.

Barefoot on parquet: natural exercise

The parquet transmits the warmth of the wood to the sole of the foot and toes, and therefore represents a form of massage or exercise that is simple and immediate, a relaxing treatment always at your disposal.

Not surprisingly, in Finland, teachers and students remove their shoes even at school, convinced not only that this promotes relaxation, but also that it aids concentration.

In domestic spaces, from walking or crawling barefoot on parquet, children gain benefits both from a postural perspective and in terms of musculoskeletal development. Moreover, if certain sports or martial arts are practiced barefoot, it is because doing so increases muscle tone and reactivity, especially in the thighs and buttocks.

The importance of treatment

Contact with the slight irregularities and grains of the wooden boards limits the possibility of issues such as flat feet arising, and to derive the best from walking on parquet for personal psychophysical well-being, finishing processes are also important. Brushing, planing, or cutting methods each offer your feet and body different sensations, in addition to protecting the planks from wear, and we at Woodco have detailed all the features in the articles of this blog dedicated to treatments, parquet care, sanding.