Happy Frigg and Freya’s Day!
Discussion:
Disclaimer: The topics covered in Freya’s Chambers include serious discussions of sex, sexuality and related issues. If it isn’t your thing; you can move along, otherwise enjoy and feel free to discuss. Given the nature of some subjects be prepared for nude images as there may be some. I avoid genitalia as a general rule but is not always possible.
Introduction:
I want to make it clear hear that this article is not about research or careful study so much as opinion. I am not a dermatologist or doctor so this is not a professional article so much as a reaction to what the commonly asserted as health benefits of nudism which not only apply to physical bodily health but psychological health. I am providing three links that I looked at a part of my own research into this topic mostly because I am a practicing ‘at home’ nudist when no one is around. I am simply going to take the common top seven things people say are benefits of being nudists from a health standpoint and speak to my own experience.
Vitamin D Production:
This is probably more true for those who practice their nudism outdoors. I don’t so this is probably not something I would notice. The interesting thing as someone who suffers fro minor depression I would probably find this beneficial. The warning is of course too much a good thing as nude sunbathers can produce too much vitamin D. For myself I guess I would like to try this at some point which would mean more social nudism which I am not sure I would announce publically.
Healthy Skin:
This isn’t about the sun so much as what being clothed all the time does to our skin. The main thing is that our skin has evolved to breathe and when it can’t it develops issues. most notably the build-up of toxins in the body that we use our breathing skin to get rid of. Not to mention the irritation that clothing causes to the skin as anyone can attest to in areas we keep covered all the time. You’re probably needing to scratch it because your clothing has irritated it.
I can speak for myself in this regard since practicing the naked at home thing, the areas of my body that used to have rashes or skin irritation have decreased significantly. My psoriasis has diminished and I am not scratching as much.
Blood Circulation:
This is also called the’ no red marks’ and probably affects women more than men with all their elastic clothing items, particularly bras. For men, the main area for this is the waistline. The point is that some blood flow goes through the skin and when this is cut off it can have a negative effect on blood circulation in certain areas. This why women are encouraged when they get home to lose the bra. Nudists would probably just say lose the clothes altogether.
For me, I have no read marks about circulation around my waist anymore and probably as a side benefit, my midsection has evened out a bit. I still have some weight to lose but it isn’t as obvious because my midsection is not trapped upward by mt waistline of my clothes and belt all the time.
Body Acceptance:
There have been a few actual thoughts on this issue because psychologically speaking poor body image can be a part of “cover-up that part of your body because it is wrong to show it”. The reason is usually ‘sin’ or societal pressure. It has been said people who grow up nudist or people who have been doing it a while develop a much better body image of themselves as they can see what is actually normal, not based on models. The genitals are not ‘dirty’ to a nudist or naturist, but rather normal parts of the body that have their function. People can be seen in all stages of life and show the body actually changes and it allows one to have a more realistic view of themselves.
I now reject the idea of the naked body being anything more than a naked body. I have yet to experience social nudity. I can, however, say that being naked more often and seeing myself in the mirrors more often that way has allowed me more to focus on where my body look unhealthy as a sign to work on my health rather than how my body looks.
Self-Esteem:
One of the effects of losing low body image is a boost in self-esteem. When you realize that people quite literally come on all shapes, sizes, and colors, you begin to realize both your uniqueness and quite frankly your body’s looks matter less as far as impressing people and you focus more on your actions being reasonable and kind. Far more important than how you look.
This whole at-home nudist experience has also made me realize actions are more important than looks. Looks can be lost changed to be completely different. What matters I health and how you treat others. I know being nude while I meditate in the morning has been a revelation of sorts as far as what I really am when you strip everything away including my clothing and you know what? I am not a bad person just one that struggles with a lot of things. Nudity taught me vulnerability is OK and brings enlightenment.
Lower Risk of Infection:
The skin actually processes parts of the defense against infection and clothing actually hinders this process because it interferes with the skin’s ability to sweat to remove toxins and thus process infection. The best way to maximize this process is to not have any of your skin covered with clothes, makeup or anything else. I have actually had several nudists tell me that they have never had any skin infections or fungus as well. Nor had they ever seen any long term nudist with them. Beginners yes, old hands no.
I don’t know if I can say I observe that I am healthier and suffer from fewer virus effects or anything like that. I do know that sleeping nude which I have done since I was a kid makes me feel better. I also have to say colds and such don’t last long with me and part of that is even when I am sick, I dump clothing from time to time.
Healthy Nerves and Brain Activity:
Our skin is loaded with nerve endings and clothing shields us from feeling much of them. Pleasure, pain, wetness, dryness, all kinds of varied experiences are available in the senes of touch and our brain receives all of that as additional information it process and improves working memory in one study of barefoot versus shoes alone. Image what this would do with the whole body. Awareness is improved as people are much more aware when they are naked than clothes. Part of this might be the cultural issue of nudity, but one might theorize that this harkens back to survival instincts when our whole race was naked apes.
I know I am much more aware of my surroundings even while at home in the buff. I am far more sensitive to changes that affect my sense of touch the most and have discovered certain feelings of touch, particularly involving the movement of air and temperature, which are much more apparent to me. I know my meditation is much more effective when I am naked. The vulnerability of body and mind leads to a greater understanding of both. I would say it goes a bit toward fighting my depression as well. My nerve endings across my body are stimulated and that helps me feel better.
Conclusion:
If anything my experience with nudism at home has opened my mind up for mote possible discovery of its benefits. I wanted simply to highlight the benefits to my mind and body at this time. I am of course understandably ready to explore more of this area of my life more and see the one thing I have yet to experience, the benefits of social nudity.
Oh, one more thing. I did indeed write this post in the buff. I find writing naked at times opens up my senses a little more and makes it a little more fo a pleasant experience.
My two cents.
I remain,
The Rabyd Skald – Wandering Soul, Bard, and Philosopher. The Grey Wayfarer.
Skaal!!!
Links:
https://www.today.com/health/health-benefits-being-naked-how-stripping-down-good-you-t44911
https://www.indiatimes.com/health/healthyliving/top-7-health-benefits-of-being-naked-236343.html#7
The Grey Wayfarer 