100 steps

Improve your digestion, sleep better and more!

When I was training in China, a common practice was the evening stroll after dinner. Around 6pm, the cities (I was in Shanghai and Chengdu) would come alive with people in their pyjamas, wandering. I find it to be the most adorable pastime! Our teacher explained that it is called “100 steps” and the concept is that taking a small walk after meals aids the digestion tremendously. After dinner is the most important time to take your little walk to ensure good digestion and a great sleep.

You may have seen a woman recently on social media who goes for “fart walks”. She and her husband proudly toot down the street following their evening meal every night. I personally like calling it “100 steps” rather than “fart walks” but I suppose she’s simply recounting her own experience of digestive movement!

Acupuncture works via a “channel” system which is a communication system based in fascial or connective tissue planes. The channels related to the initial stages of digestion (stomach, pancreas and gallbladder) run through the torso and down the legs to the first, second and fourth toe. Walking stimulates these fascial planes which, in turn, connect to the organs themselves and aid the proper release of bile, the smooth churning of digestive enzymes and insulin release as necessary.

“100 steps” in the evening is a delightful practice. It is not meant to be strenuous in the least and can be a nice way to connect with a partner, friends, kids or the dog or everyone! Often we chat with the neighbours, practice plant or bird identification and enjoy those moments before sunset. In fact our teacher also told us that walking towards the sunrise in the morning and towards the sunset in the evening was also extremely good for the pineal gland, an endocrine gland in the thalamus responsible for the health of our circadian rhythm.

And folks, it doesn’t need to be exactly 100 steps! Just a little walk. Pyjamas optional.

Thanks for reading,

Erin