Going barefoot cures depression – according to Gwyneth Paltrow's Earthing Goop guide

After gifting the world a guide to anal sex, Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle site Goop is offering some questionable mental health advice.

The blog, which has previously been criticised for telling women to steam their vagina and that those underwired bras pose cancer risks, has introduced readers to Earthing – which is basically another way of saying 'walking barefoot' – as a method of curing depression.

"Several people in our community (including GP) swear by earthing—also called grounding—for everything from inflammation and arthritis to insomnia and depression," the opening paragraph states.

The post entitled, Earthing: How Walking Barefoot Could Cure Your Insomnia & More, goes on note that there's a "scientific angle" to the practice which has been given the seal of approval by the Hollywood actor herself.

"Earthing therapy rests on the intuitive assumption that connecting to the energy of the planet is healthy for our souls and bodies," the post reads.

But those keen to jump on the earthing band wagon will need to make sure that there is some grass between their toes to ensure optimal impact. "Walking barefoot in your home, where minimally conductive or nonconductive materials like concrete foundations and hardwood floors insulate us from the earth's electric potential, will not have the same effect," earthing movement leader Clint Ober says.

Describing the connection between pain relief and emotional wellbeing, he adds: "If you have pain, you're going to be emotionally stressed. If you reduce inflammation, the pain stops, you feel better, and the energy comes back. There have also been studies that indicate that grounding improves mood, reduces stress and has a calming effect."

However, readers might want to resist the urge to throw away their shoes. Like other mental health conditions, depression should be treated as a serious physical condition. Those suffering are advised to seek medication or professional help.