In Donguibogam, the navel at the center of the body is described as the foundation of the human body. Just like the sturdy roots of a plant, it was seen as the central hub through which all meridians communicate and the qi of the five viscera and six bowels connects. Upward to the heart and lungs, and downward to the liver and kidneys, the vital organs of our body are all intimately linked with the navel. For this reason, it was said that by merely observing the condition of the navel, one can tell whether cold qi circulates within the body, hot qi circulates, qi is deficient, or it is in excess.
In particular, for those suffering from a cold lower abdomen, it was understood that this cold qi lingers around the navel and withers the vitality of the body from its very roots. The uterus, situated below the navel, must always be kept cozy like a warm greenhouse; when cold qi seeps in, the temperature of this greenhouse plummets. When blood that ought to flow warmly and smoothly is chilled by cold qi, it fails to circulate properly and clumps together. In Donguibogam, such clumping of blood is called blood stasis, and this blood stasis was viewed as one of the primary causes of dysmenorrhea and irregular menstruation.
When the body becomes cold, the circulation of energy slows, and metabolic waste is not easily discharged. If the uterus turns cold, menstrual blood may become clotted or dark red, pain worsens, and it can even make conception difficult. To resolve these issues, Donguibogam emphasized dispelling cold qi around the navel and infusing warmth to facilitate the smooth circulation of qi and blood. Just as a tree grows healthy only when its roots are sturdy, keeping the navel warm and healthy allows the entire body, especially the foundation of female health, to stay balanced. Keeping the navel warm is precisely where women's health begins in Donguibogam.
