🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Walking through the streets of Harbin, one sees countless signs advertising “foot therapy.” Information from various salons claims foot therapy can cure gastric diseases, kidney disorders, cholecystitis, hepatitis B, and lumbar disc herniation—these medical claims make many people excited. But is foot therapy truly magical, capable of curing all ailments?
Professor Rong Jingnan, director of the Physical Therapy Department at the First Affiliated Clinical College of Harbin Medical University, explains that foot reflexology is a precious heritage of traditional Chinese medicine. Classical medical texts state: “Just as trees depend on roots, so do humans rely on feet. When trees die, roots dry first; when people age, feet deteriorate first.” Folk wisdom says: “All diseases arise from cold, and cold starts from the feet.” “The feet are the second heart.” Foot reflexology is a universally suitable self-care method, but it is not equivalent to medical treatment. The latter involves extensive medical knowledge that non-medical personnel cannot master in a short time.
Professor Rong points out that many non-medical institutions today claim to offer “traditional Chinese medicine” services, but most are unlicensed and employ staff without systematic training. They struggle to correctly apply TCM tuina techniques, and serious cases may even cause harm to consumers. Recently, the Ministry of Health and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine jointly issued the “Notice on Certain Issues Concerning Management of Activities Related to TCM Tuina and Massage,” clearly stating that non-medical institutions may conduct health-preserving tuina and massage activities, but must not perform medical treatments. They cannot use the term “foot therapy”; instead, they may use “foot bath,” and must not advertise curative effects.
Professor Rong notes that the feet bear the entire body’s weight and endure extra loads during activities like lifting and carrying—making them the heaviest burdened parts of the body. People often know that excessive strain and poor ventilation lead to foot infections and diseases like athlete’s foot, fungal nail, and tinea pedis, but rarely realize the deep connection between the feet and the body’s internal organs. Therefore, the best way to achieve health is to start with “foot care.” Foot health practices in China have a long history, dating back to the *Huangdi Neijing* (Inner Canon), which contains detailed records of foot meridians and foot massage. For thousands of years, this simple and safe method has been beloved by people. With medical advances, researchers discovered reflex zones on the feet corresponding to various organs—these zones can predict systemic diseases.
Today, foot reflexology has become a popular daily health trend, forming a substantial industry. Since the feet are at the lowest point of the body, they suffer from poor peripheral circulation and blood stagnation. Maintaining good foot circulation is therefore crucial for ensuring normal systemic blood flow. Foot reflexology is an ideal method to promote foot circulation. Additionally, it strengthens the foundation of vital energy, unblocks meridians, and regulates the nervous system. By applying pressure to the foot surface, it activates the body’s regulatory functions, stimulates cellular potential in organs, and boosts immunity.
Professor Rong emphasizes that according to the Ministry of Health and the State Administration of TCM, any treatment aimed at curing diseases, based on diagnosis, and carried out using TCM theories and standards—such as tuina, massage, cupping—is considered medical activity. Such activities must be conducted in medical institutions by licensed healthcare professionals. Non-medical institutions must not perform them. This warns people: if you fall ill, do not blindly trust advertisements. Especially avoid believing terms like “TCM,” “medical,” “treatment,” or disease names used by non-medical institutions during tuina, massage, or gua sha activities—because foot reflexology absolutely does not equal medical treatment.