The wisdom of Donguibogam can also be explained through modern medicine. When cold food enters the stomach, our body responds in several ways, among which the key factors are the action of the 'autonomic nervous system' and changes in the activity of 'digestive enzymes.'
First, a decline in stomach 'motility' is a prime example. The stomach performs peristalsis to mix food and move it down to the small intestine, but cold qi weakens the contractility of gastrointestinal smooth muscle. Just as a cold rubber band stiffens, the stomach’s movement becomes sluggish. This causes food to stay inside the stomach for a long time, triggering bloating, abdominal distension, and nausea.
Second, the efficiency of digestive 'enzymes' drops. Our body’s digestive enzymes (pepsin, amylase, lipase) function most actively when maintaining an optimal temperature. Gastric juice secretion is important, but if the temperature inside the stomach drops sharply, the activity of these enzymes slows down, preventing the proper breakdown of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Ultimately, undigested food descends into the intestines and burdens them, which can lead to diarrhea or abdominal pain.
Third, attention must also be paid to changes in stomach 'blood flow.' Cold stimuli constrict blood vessels around the gastrointestinal mucosa, temporarily reducing blood supply. Blood plays a crucial role in supplying nutrients and oxygen and transporting wastes, and reduced blood flow can lead to hypofunction of the gastrointestinal mucosa and a weakened protective barrier. In the long term, there is also the possibility of developing problems such as gastritis or gastric ulcer.
Finally, it also influences the 'gut-brain axis.' When the stomach receives a cold stimulus, disturbance occurs in the autonomic nervous system, increasing the sensitivity of the gastrointestinal tract, which can also lead to mental stress or anxiety. All these combined actions ultimately serve as strong evidence explaining the Donguibogam concept of 'stomach cold syndrome' through modern medicine.
