What Happens to a 55-Year-Old Aunt’s Body After Persistently Standing on Her Toes Every Day for a Year?

“Don’t be fooled by how I can jump and run now; a year ago, I was bedridden due to illness,” 55-year-old Aunt Li proudly exclaimed to her peers, attributing the positive changes in her body to consistently standing on her toes.

A year prior, Aunt Li had spent several months bedridden due to illness. Even after recovering, she remained frail, gasping for breath after just a few steps, with noticeably weak legs.

Upon learning about Aunt Li’s condition, friends who danced together in the square suggested that she try standing on her toes to help alleviate leg weakness. She diligently practiced toe standing every morning and evening. After nearly a year of persistence, her physical condition significantly improved. Now, she can run and jump, even appearing younger than her peers.

Intrigued by Aunt Li’s transformation, she began recommending this method of wellness, prompting the question: Does standing on toes really have so many benefits?

1. What Changes Occur in the Body When Standing on Toes for 10 Minutes Every Day?

Toe standing has a history of over 800 years in China, with ancient texts recording its benefits. The action stimulates the corresponding meridians in the feet, playing a role in promoting health and preventing illness.

Dr. Liu Jianbo, Chief Physician of the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Department at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, explains that the feet are often referred to as the “second heart” as they house half of the body’s meridians, with a particularly close relationship with the kidney meridian. For seniors, toe standing can help protect the internal organs.

Consistent toe standing for middle-aged and elderly individuals may yield four benefits:

• Muscle Strengthening: Despite the small range of motion, toe standing engages multiple muscles in the lower leg, such as the soleus muscle, gastrocnemius, and foot muscles. This practice contributes to muscle strengthening.
• Heart Protection: During toe standing, contraction of the muscles in the lower leg creates pressure, squeezing venous blood flow in the legs, facilitating blood return. This is beneficial for reducing blood stasis, thereby protecting heart health.
• Improved Lower Limb Blood Circulation: Toe standing accelerates blood circulation in the lower limbs, promoting warmth and enhancing overall blood circulation. This has positive effects on preventing conditions like varicose veins and thrombosis.
• Tonifying Kidney Qi: The relationship between the foot meridians and the kidney meridian is significant. Regular toe standing stimulates the Kidney’s three Yin meridians, promoting the upward flow of Qi and blood, serving to nourish the kidneys and harmonize Qi and blood.

2. Besides Standing, These Two Moments are Ideal for Toe Standing:

While the benefits of toe standing are evident, it’s crucial to maintain the correct posture. Here’s how:

• Standing Toe Raises: Stand naturally with arms hanging by your sides and legs slightly apart. Lift your heels as high as possible, hold for about 2 seconds, and then lower. Repeat for 1 to 5 minutes. The soles of your feet should feel slightly warm. This exercise can be done twice a day, in the morning and evening.

Additionally, toe standing can be incorporated in these two moments:

• Sitting Toe Raises: Sit with knees at hip level and lift the toes or hook them upwards. Perform 30 to 50 raises at a time, optionally adding weight with two water bottles on the legs.
• Lying Down Toe Raises: While lying down, straighten and bring together both legs. Lift and lower the toes 20 to 30 times.

It’s important to note the following when toe standing:

1. Duration: Keep each session to around 10 minutes.
2. Footwear: Wear comfortable, soft-soled shoes to avoid injuring the feet.
3. Post-Exercise: After toe standing, stretch and relax the legs to prevent fatigue.
4. Special Cases: Individuals with conditions like osteoporosis, the elderly, pregnant women, etc., should avoid toe standing without professional advice.

3. Five Abnormalities in the Legs Indicating Aging and How to Counteract Them:

The legs, as the foundation of the body, exhibit various signs of aging. When certain abnormalities manifest, they may signal the onset of aging, and timely exercise is crucial.

1. Reduced Leg Muscle Mass:
   The shrinking of muscles in the lower legs and feet can lead to joint pain, back pain, and hinder normal blood circulation. Counteract this by engaging in activities that strengthen leg muscles.
2. Coolness in One Leg:
   The sensation of one leg feeling cooler than the other, especially during warm weather, may indicate poor blood circulation. This can be addressed through exercises that promote blood flow.
3. Hip and Knee Joint Pain:
   Joints tend to become more fragile with age, leading to discomfort and pain, especially in the hips and knees. Regular exercises, including toe standing, can help alleviate joint pain.
4. Slower Walking Speed:
   After the age of 40, many individuals notice a significant decrease in agility and walking speed. Exercises targeting leg strength and flexibility can counteract this effect.
5. Numbness in the Legs:
   Persistent leg numbness, after ruling out physiological factors, may be associated with conditions like lumbar disc herniation, cerebral vascular disease, or peripheral neuritis. Seeking medical attention is advised.

In conclusion, maintaining the health of the lower limbs is crucial, and toe standing can be a beneficial addition to daily routines. It is advisable to consult with healthcare professionals before starting any new exercise regimen, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions.