Taught by a TCM Pharmacist: Bunions aren't just caused by shoes. The surprising connection between children's meridians and overeating

Introduction

I received this question during a TikTok live session.

"Why do children get bunions?"

When we think of bunions, we often imagine high heels or narrow shoes as the cause. However, for children, shoes are not the only cause. From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), "meridian blockages" within the body are deeply involved.

Conclusion

A child's bunion is one of the results of meridian blockages.

Simply changing shoes will not provide a fundamental solution. It is important to remove the meridian blockages.

Reason

What are meridians?

In TCM, there are pathways in the body called "meridians." These are the routes through which Qi and blood flow.

Meridians are often compared to train tracks. Qi is the train, and blood, which carries nutrients and moisture, is the cargo. If the tracks are blocked, the train stops and the cargo cannot be delivered. The body is the same; when meridians are blocked, Qi and blood cannot reach the extremities.

Meridians make a U-turn at the hands and feet within the body. Because of this, they are structured to be easily blocked at the tips of the hands and feet.

Children are prone to meridian blockages

Children's meridians are still immature. Compared to adults, their flow of Qi and blood is more prone to blockages.

A meridian that easily becomes blocked when overeating passes near the base of the big toe, where bunions often appear. If you feed a child beyond their digestive capacity, this meridian is put under stress, and the flow of Qi and blood stagnates.

As a result, the bone of the big toe may be pushed outward, causing a deformity that looks like a bunion.

From a Western medical perspective, a child's foot bones are still soft and easily influenced by external forces and internal pressure. It is conceivable that localized blood flow disturbances caused by meridian blockages affect bone deformation.

There are two countermeasures

Do not overfeed, and use massage.

If meals exceeding digestive capacity continue, the meridians are put under stress. Since a child's stomach is small, it is important to be mindful of eating until only 80% full.

Gently massaging the area around your child's big toe during bath time can help clear meridian blockages and promote the smooth flow of Qi and blood.

Also, wearing shoes that are too large can lead to "floating toes," where the big toe does not touch the ground. Floating toes can easily cause meridian blockages, which may lead to bunions. Please take a look at your child's feet to see if their big toes are firmly touching the ground.

Medicinal Recipes

May Medicinal Recipe: Orange and Goji Berry Agar Jelly

This dish is filling, helps prevent overeating, nourishes the blood, and regulates the flow of Qi. It is a dessert that children will also enjoy.

Ingredients (for 4 servings)

• 2 oranges (juice and pulp)

• 4g agar powder

• 300ml water

• 1 tablespoon goji berries

• 1-2 tablespoons honey (to taste)

Instructions

1. Lightly rinse the goji berries with water and soak them in a small amount of water for about 10 minutes to rehydrate.

2. Add water and agar powder to a pot and mix well while heating over medium heat. Once it boils, simmer on low heat for 2 minutes to dissolve.

3. Turn off the heat, add the orange juice, and adjust the sweetness with honey.

4. Pour into bowls and sprinkle with the rehydrated goji berries and orange pulp.

5. Once it has cooled to room temperature, place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour to set.

Medicinal Points

• Agar: Rich in dietary fiber, it is filling and helps prevent overeating. It also works to help the body eliminate excess waste.

• Orange: An ingredient that regulates the flow of Qi and aids digestion. Its refreshing acidity helps reset the appetite.

• Goji berries: Replenish blood and support the functions of the eyes and liver. They are a representative medicinal food ingredient that is easy for both children and adults to incorporate into their daily lives.

Summary

• Children's bunions are not caused by shoes alone. Blockages in the meridians can lead to deformation around the big toe.

• Overeating puts a strain on the meridians. It is important to be mindful of portion sizes that match a child's digestive capacity.

• Shoes that are too large can lead to floating toes. Please check if your child's big toe is firmly touching the ground.

It is not the illness that is scary, but the lack of knowledge. Please catch the signs your child's body is giving early and help them stay balanced through diet and massage.

Course Information

The TCM Medicinal Cooking Introductory Course 6-month program will start on the second Monday of September 2026.

This is an introductory course that even beginners can take with peace of mind. You will spend 6 months thoroughly learning the basics of medicinal cooking that are easy to incorporate into your daily meals.

• Format: Zoom and archive viewing

• Time: 20:00–21:00

• Tuition: 54,000 yen

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