In Step with Nature

Hippocrates was a Greek physician who lived from approximately 460 - 375 BC. He believed all forms of illness had a natural cause and in many cases a natural cure. He is widely considered to be the “father of medicine.” I wonder if Hippocrates would consider our growing disconnect from the natural world to be one of those small, daily sins? I suspect he would. Even something as basic as the shoes we wear can separate us from the healing powers of nature.

Every system in our anatomy runs on signals from the brain, as part of our natural electromagnetic field. The Earth also has an electromagnetic field, and continuing scientific research has shown that direct, conductive contact between the human body and the surface of the Earth initiates countless health benefits. Our bodies thrive on and are stabilized by the Earth’s electrons. When we wear shoes made with synthetic materials, like vinyl with rubber or polyurethane soles, we lose our most fundamental connection with nature: walking barefoot on the ground.

In 2015, a group of accomplished doctors published a study on the effects of grounding, and noted: “Dominant lifestyle factors such as insulating footwear... separate most humans from direct skin connection with the Earth’s surface. Our modern lifestyle has taken the body and the immune system by surprise by suddenly depriving it of its primordial electron source.” (PMID: 25848315, James L. Oschman, Gaétan Chevalier, Richard Brown, 2015) Genuine leather shoes, like traditional moccasins with natural leather soles are a way to reclaim our relationship with the planet and make a healthy, grounded connection.

Bastien’s authentic Indigenous moccasins are made with velvety-soft moose hide and contain zero man-made components or materials. Crafted in the custom of time-honored artisanship, they are designed as durable “barefoot” shoes to keep in step with nature. Available in both Men’s and Women’s sizes, these soft-soled ankle mocs are hand-stitched, with a fringed cuff, and adjustable rawhide laces. The thick, oil-tanned chromoexcel leather outsole is tough enough for walking outside on grass, soil, or sandy surfaces — anywhere you might practice grounding. Oschman, Chevalier, and Brown reported that: “Electrons from the Earth may in fact be the best antioxidants, with zero negative secondary effects, because our body evolved to use them over eons of physical contact with the ground.” Their studies into grounding and the human body reveal what they termed “intriguing effects on physiology and health” that include: accelerated healing, relief from pain and chronic inflammation, improved sleep, and enhanced immune response. Walking in all-leather moccasins enables the Earth’s energy to be naturally absorbed through the feet without the obstruction of synthetic outsoles. This allows for a free-flow of electrons between the human body and nature, and the healthy synthesis of our electromagnetic fields.

In their study, Oschman, Chevalier, and Brown concluded that grounding and earthing are “a simple, natural, and accessible health strategy... warranting the serious attention of clinicians and researchers.” And if we circle back to Hippocrates again, this aligns perfectly with his sage and timeless advice: “If you are in a bad mood, go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood, go for a walk.” Earthing in Bastien’s moose hide fringed moccasins is just a step away, and can be ordered online from our Healthy & Grounded website for quick and convenient delivery.

Available in Women’s sizes 4-10.
https://www.gethealthyandgrounded.com/products/women-moosehide-ankle-moccasins

Available in Men’s sizes 7-14.
https://www.gethealthyandgrounded.com/products/mens-moosehide-ankle-moccasins

Bastien Industries is an Indigenous-owned company whose authentic moccasins are handcrafted on the Huron-Wendat Reserve in Wendake, Quebec, Canada. Please Note:

The study quoted in this article is: “The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases,” PMID: 25848315, Authors, James L. Oschman, Gaétan Chevalier, Richard Brown It may be found in its entirety here:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4378297/