We’re Radically Unearthed. (And Here’s What That Means for You.)

One of the most striking patterns I see in my clients—and in people in general—is that we’ve become radically unearthed. But what exactly does that mean?

To be grounded is to engage in conscious practices that reconnect our mind, body, and spirit with the physical world. One specific form of grounding is earthing, which generally refers to direct physical contact with the Earth’s surface. By feeling the rhythms and processes of “her” — the Earth — we recognize that we are part of nature and its cycles. In this blog post I’ll focus on earthing; I’ll cover other grounding practices in a future piece.

How We Got Here

For thousands of years, our ancestors walked barefoot, slept close to the ground, and naturally maintained contact with the Earth. But in modern life things are very different. We sleep on elevated beds. We wake and put on cushioned shoes with thick rubber soles that insulate us from the ground. We spend our days indoors—sitting at desks in insulated buildings. We commute by car or bus, again insulated from direct contact with soil or grass. When we return home, we sink into couches or stand on finished flooring.

In short, for most of our waking hours we have no direct physical contact with the Earth. We’ve essentially cut ourselves off—from the very source around us that sustained our well-being for millennia.

Why Earthing Might Matter

Here’s the idea: we are electromagnetic beings. Our planet generates electromagnetic energy as it rotates; similarly, our hearts produce fields that extend several feet from our body, and our brains generate measurable electromagnetic activity. Some researchers propose that these energies are nourished by direct contact with the Earth’s electromagnetic field. For example, one review says that when the body is in conductive contact with the Earth’s surface (“grounding” or “earthing”), measurable changes occur in white blood cell counts, cytokines, and other molecules involved in inflammation and immune response.

There are tens of thousands of nerve endings in the soles of our feet; when you touch the Earth (grass, soil, sand), proponents argue there is an immediate electromagnetic interaction that helps rejuvenate and strengthen the “energetic nature” of our bodies. It is claimed this flow can reduce inflammation—and reducing chronic inflammation is important because many diseases have roots in persistent inflammatory states.

For example: in one study grounded participants (via conductive mats or patches) reported reductions in pain, stress, and better sleep. However, it’s important to emphasize: though the research is promising, it is still early stage, with small sample sizes and other limitations.

Practical Ways to Try Earthing

The good news: it’s simple to begin. Here are some suggestions:

• Go outside barefoot. Walk on grass, sand, or soil for at least 15 minutes. If you like it, build up to 30 minutes.
• Or lie down on natural surfaces: grass, sand, or bare earth.
• Another option: get your hands involved—gardening and working deeply in soil also count.
• If you live in a “concrete jungle” (city, high-rises, limited green space), set a routine to visit a nearby park and touch or sit on the ground. Try for at least twice a week if you can’t daily.
• Before you begin, take note of how your body “feels.” Then after one or two months of regular earthing, check in again. Pay attention to subtle changes in mood, sleep, stress levels, or physical comfort.

A Few Notes of Caution & Context

• Most healthcare experts agree that being outdoors, in nature, is beneficial in many ways (fresh air, movement, stress-reduction). But the specific claims about earthing (e.g., that electrons flow from the ground into your body and neutralize free radicals) remain scientifically unproven.
• If you have foot issues (neuropathy, injuries), immune-system concerns, or are in a situation where barefoot walking outdoors could risk infections or injury, consult a healthcare professional before changing your routine.
• Earthing is complementary—it should not replace medical care or evidence-based treatment for chronic diseases.

In short: yes — taking 15 minutes to walk barefoot on the grass could be a small, pleasant step toward reconnecting with the natural world. Whether or not you believe the full spectrum of earthing claims, reconnecting with the Earth in this simple way is unlikely to hurt and might help.
If you’d like help weaving earthing or other conscious grounding practices into your weekly routine, I’m here to assist. I have many instruments that help achieve a deeply grounded state. Contact Cheri Petro at Wholeharmonichealing@gmail.com for more information.

References

1. Oschman JL, Chevalier G, Brown R. The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. J Inflamm Res. 2015;8:83–96. PubMed+1
2. “Grounding: Can Walking Barefoot on the Earth Heal You?” Healthline. Updated February 28 2025. Healthline
3. “Is Earthing Actually Good for You? Here’s What We Know.” Cleveland Clinic Live Healthy. April 19 2024. Cleveland Clinic
4. “What Is Earthing, and Does It Actually Help Your Health?” Southwest General Health Center Blog. June 17 2025. Southwest General