Planter fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the fibrous tissue (plantar fascia) along the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis can cause intense heel pain. In Western medicine, treatments such as physical therapy, icing the area, night splints and over the counter pain relievers are the remedies suggested.

Through the lens of TICM, the bottom of the foot can be a sign connecting to several patterns of internal disharmony. Factors like poor diet, weak constitution, overstrain, and prolonged chronic disease can cause this problem.

Common TICM patterns for plantar fasciitis are as follows: Qi (vital energy) and Blood stagnation. Qi (vital energy) and Blood deficiency. Kidney deficiency.

When Qi and Blood are not flowing freely, they cannot perform their duties of nourishing the channels, bones, muscles and tendons sufficiently. This impacts the Liver and Kidney, which causes the Kidney to drain Jing, our essential essence. That's why people who experience premature aging have symptoms like weak joints, hair loss, white hair because lifestyle factors have drained their Jing prematurely.

A recent systematic review evaluating all clinical trials on acupuncture for plantar fasciitis concluded that acupuncture is an effective treatment for the condition and that the evidence is comparable to other commonly used interventions, such as stretching, night splints and dexamethasone. https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/.../acupuncture...

Treatment Acupuncture: stimulates the nervous system, opens stagnated channels and activates Blood and Qi flow. Proper nutrition: the Spleen is responsible for sending nutrients and fuelling Blood and Qi. With an improper nutrition it can't do so. The Liver and Kidney weaken as a result. Eat consistent meals of whole foods and do not skip breakfast. Use ginger powder tea to promote the circulation of Blood and Qi flow. Proper lifestyle: sleep well. Proper rest, and not burning the candle at the both ends can actually solve plantar fasciitis if that is the cause.

In the video and below is an exercise for plantar fasciitis. This movement exercises the tendons and stimulates the Kidney 1 point, which is called the Gushing Spring for this point draws out our energy. It also stimulates the Spleen, Kidney, Liver, Bladder and Gallbladder meridians.

Find a soft surface. Flex all the toes upwards and hold them there for 5 seconds. Relax the feet. Flex all the toes downwards and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 5-10 times, about 1-5 times per week. You can do both feet at the same time.

Make sure to choose shoes with good support and plenty of padding instead of ones that don’t.