Qi stagnation mentioned in Donguibogam can be explained in modern medicine as hypoperistalsis and neurological imbalance. The gut is not merely a digestive organ; it possesses its own neural network called the enteric nervous system, which is why it is often referred to as the second brain. This enteric nervous system connects directly to the brain, continuously exchanging information across the gut-brain axis.
Chronic lack of exercise goes beyond weakening muscles; it disrupts the balance of this crucial gut-brain axis. When physical movement is lacking, blood circulation in the intestines slows down, and the activity of the autonomic nervous system, especially the parasympathetic nerve that drives the gut, also decreases. The parasympathetic nerve governs rest and digest functions, but prolonged sitting prevents this mechanism from working properly. Consequently, the contraction and relaxation of the intestinal muscles become irregular, prolonging the transit time of food through the intestines, causing excessive water reabsorption, and leading to classic chronic constipation with hard stool.
Furthermore, it negatively affects the gut microbiota environment. A healthy gut microbiota produces beneficial substances like short-chain fatty acids and promotes intestinal motility, but low activity can reduce the diversity of beneficial bacteria. Additionally, about 90 percent of serotonin, known as the happiness hormone, is produced in the gut; when intestinal motility declines, serotonin synthesis can also be impaired, potentially leading to mental concerns such as low mood. Rather than viewing this simply as an issue of passing stool, it should be recognized as a sign that systemic bodily balance is being disrupted, making it essential to restore gut-brain axis health through active lifestyle changes. Listening to these small signals from the body is essential.
