Examining the concept of 'blood' from Donguibogam through the lens of modern medicine reveals a remarkably scientific insight. Blood, which we often view simply as fluid, goes far beyond carrying oxygen and nutrients: it is deeply involved in thermoregulation, immune responses, inflammation control, and even pain perception.
When experiencing cold hypersensitivity of hands and feet, the first thing that comes to mind is likely a 'peripheral circulatory disorder.' Indeed, when the small blood vessels at the tips of the hands and feet constrict and blood flow volume decreases, the extremities become cold. What regulates this vasoconstriction is none other than our autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is divided into sympathetic nerves and parasympathetic nerves. When sympathetic nerves become excessively stimulated due to stress or overwork, blood vessels constrict and blood pressure rises, placing the body in a state of tension as if entering combat mode. At this point, blood flow to the hands and feet decreases, making thermoregulation difficult and causing the sensation of coldness. Women, in particular, tend to have an autonomic nervous system that reacts more sensitively due to hormonal influences, which makes cold hypersensitivity of hands and feet even more common.
What about the accompanying headache? Poor blood circulation does not just mean coldness. It can also be linked to pain arising from the constriction and dilation of cerebral blood vessels, or to tension headache caused by tension in the muscles around the neck and shoulders. Furthermore, the concept of blood stasis—where blood stagnates and wastes accumulate—can be interpreted in modern medicine as similar to inflammatory substances or thrombogenesis. When blood becomes viscous or damage occurs to the vascular endothelium, blood flow resistance increases, which interferes with microvascular circulation, resulting in tissue oxygen deficiency and nutrient imbalances. This can irritate surrounding nerves, triggering headaches or other types of pain. If blood supply to the brain is compromised, hypofunction of the brain can follow, leading to fatigue and impaired concentration.
Moreover, chronic stress promotes the secretion of corticosteroids, which prolongs vasoconstriction and can worsen cold hypersensitivity of hands and feet. In addition, an autonomic nervous system imbalance manifests as systemic symptoms such as digestive hypofunction and sleep disorders, disrupting the body's overall health equilibrium. Ultimately, Donguibogam's emphasis on 'blood' can be understood as viewing not only the physical circulation of blood described in modern medicine, but also the body's complex regulatory mechanisms—including the autonomic nervous system, hormones, and the immune system—as an integrated whole. Cold hands, cold feet, and headaches are more than mere discomfort; they may be an earnest plea from your body asking for rest.
