Amidst the seasons of renewal, our planet flourishes with greenery, each leaf and bloom whispering its invitation to embrace the Earth’s revitalization. Therefore, it is the season for rediscovering our deep-rooted connection to the natural wonders beneath our feet through earthing.

Brigitte Mars, professor of herbal medicine at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, explains how the Earth’s magnetic energy naturally grounds our entire self. The herbalist has over six decades of experience in empowering others through nature’s wisdom. She is the author of 17 books, one of which, The Sexual Herbal, specifically talks about foot reflexology.

“Foot reflexology is honoring the foot as a map for the entire body,” Mars says. “Meaning, the different nerve endings and meridians correspond to other parts of the body.”

We have close to 72,000 nerve endings on the soles of our feet, rendering them one of the most receptive areas of the human body, she explains. These pores and sensitive spheres stimulate various parts of our body through foot reflexology, thereby aiding our nervous system, immunity and balance.

Where you place your feet to reap these benefits does not matter. Find moss, grass, sand, cold creek water or wherever you gravitate towards. The key is to “take your shoes off somewhere without traffic,” Mars encourages. “Stand there and breathe. That is all. You do not need any equipment. [Earthing] is super informal.”

Mars tells me more about the history of this ancient ritual, where people in Egypt, China and India studied and practiced the power of placing naked feet on different environments. They discovered how this ritual healed illnesses and replenished their spirit. “There are Egyptian paintings of people doing foot reflexology,” she explains.

Earthing helps us locate sensations within our body. The ground serves as a conduit, guiding us back to our inner knowing. It facilitates a deeper connection with ourselves, enabling us to heed the wisdom our intuition offers. So, take your socks off and allow your feet to reconnect to our constant, natural support system.

Originally published in Summer + Fall 2024 issue of Well.