The feet are often called the roots of our body and our second heart. When your feet, which support your entire body weight and move tirelessly all day long, are in pain, it is by no means something to take lightly. In Donguibogam, foot pain is not viewed merely as an isolated problem in the feet, but as a sign that the balance of the whole body has been disrupted.
The original text explains that foot pain arises from the four qi of wind, cold, dampness, and heat, or occurs because one fell down, injuring the muscles and blood vessels and meridians, which caused blood stasis to form. At first glance, this might seem unrelated to modern footwear, but looking more closely reveals a very close connection to high heels that constrict our feet.
First, wind refers to pain that moves from place to place like the wind. The narrow toe box of high heels compresses the toes and nerves, causing tingling, numb neuralgia. This closely mirrors the nature of wind, where pain shifts unpredictably.
Cold refers to pain and numbness caused by cold qi. High-heeled shoes place uneven pressure on the foot and hinder blood circulation, which can make the feet cold. When the feet grow cold, the circulation of qi and blood is impeded, easily producing dull pain and aching coldness.
Dampness represents a sticky, heavy qi that causes pain accompanied by swelling and heaviness. Wearing high heels for long periods concentrates pressure on specific areas of the foot, predisposing them to edema and leaving them feeling heavy and swollen. This reflects the manifestation of pain from dampness.
Finally, heat refers to a burning pain linked to inflammation. Friction with tight shoes produces blisters and calluses, and toe deformities trigger joint inflammation. These symptoms mirror the typical presentation of heat, which is red and hot.
Furthermore, the description that one fell down, injuring the muscles and blood vessels and meridians, causing blood stasis to form refers not only to major physical trauma, but also to microtrauma and chronic stress caused by footwear like high heels that place constant strain on the feet. Repeated stress causes inflammation in the muscles and ligaments, generating blood stasis that becomes a source of chronic pain.
Donguibogam viewed the feet not merely as tools for walking, but as vital regions where the meridians of the five viscera and six bowels begin and end. Only when the feet are healthy can the circulation of qi and blood throughout the entire body flow smoothly and the internal organs remain at ease. This does not mean you must give up pretty shoes altogether. Rather, Donguibogam gently reminds us of the wisdom of listening to the signals our feet send and seeking beauty within comfort. Remember that taking care of your feet is the first step in taking care of yourself.
