WHAT IT IS Dancing across burning coals
WHY YOU WON’T DO IT Because it’s not good for the soles
Firewalking is an ancient rite, practised in India at least by 1200 BC. There are long traditions throughout Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands, usually associated with religious or coming-of-age ceremonies. Heating fuel to very high temperatures and then walking across it does not sound like a sensible pastime – but if you approach this challenge in the right way, you can emerge entirely unscathed.
According to many of its practitioners, firewalking proves the concept of ‘mind over matter’, where an individual uses their mental and psychological capacities to overcome physical impediments. But in fact, despite appearances, science is firmly on the side of the firewalker. If you are tempted to give it a go, contact an organized group who will ensure you are fully prepared and at the least risk possible of injury. You will be encouraged to relax your mind and relieve your body of any tension before embarking upon your walk. You may be led in deep breathing exercises and asked to meditate. Regardless of whether you believe in any faith-based aspects of these routines, ensuring that you are well and truly relaxed will only increase your chances of success.
The coals upon which you walk are likely to be around 550°C (1,020°F) – more than enough to burn your soles to a cinder over a typical walk of 3–4 metres (10–13 ft), you might think. However, heat is transferred in this case by conduction from one medium to another – and efficient conduction relies on each material being a good conductor of heat. This is where nature lends the firewalker a helping hand: coal that has been burning for a long time develops a lightweight structure that is not brilliantly suited to conduction. In addition, a substantial coating of ash forms and acts as insulation.
Similarly, your feet are not the best conductors, so to avoid burning, the trick is simply to make sure that your feet and the coals are not in contact long enough to establish efficient conduction. This is why firewalkers tend to adopt a brisk stride. But do not be tempted to run – your increased momentum will force your feet deep down into the coals, putting them at greater risk.
Before you start your walk, be sure that the bed of coals has been checked for any foreign objects that might act as good conductors, such as metal items, and as soon as you’ve finished, dip your toes in cold water and give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.