Diagnosis using the foot is similar to that of the hand, al-

though it has some of its own specificity. The general inspection

of the foot and big toe are the two important diagnostic methods

discussed as follows:

1. General inspection of foot

This is a diagnostic method to show the functional condi-

tion of the body by observing the general appearance of the

foot. The common types of foot are mentioned as follows:

1) Normal foot:

Shape: The curvature of the dorsum of foot and tips of toes are smooth and full and the toes are soft, elastic, and regualarly arranged. The nails are shiny and transparent and the subungual tissue is bright red in color. The curve of the arch is normal and smooth. The anterior part of instep, lateral border, and heel pad are regular in shape with no abnormal thickening or atrophy. And there is no tinea infection between the toes (Fig. 4-16).

Indication: This indicates the body is health, built proportionally, and vital energy is rich.

2) Solid foot:

Shape: The foot appears thick and solid, the toes are close to each other, and the big toe deviates laterally. The toenails, arch, and plantar pad are normal (Fig. 4-17).

Fig. 4-17 Solid, separated, and drumlike foot

Indication: People with solid feet have normal body functions, are better adapted to the external environment, and can resist attacks of external pathogens. The solid foot has better softness, elasticity and motility, and is usually found in those enjoying good health and long life. ff the small joints of the foot are stiff and less mobiles, this indicates susceptibility to vascular diseases of the heart and brain, and spinal nervous system diseases, and if the instep is depressed, it indicates susceptibility to metabolic and liver diseases.

3) Separated foot:

Shape: The foot is thin and the toes are separated from each other. The nails are white with low transparency. The arch is depressed with poor elasticity and the plantar pad is wide (Fig. 4-17).

Indication: This is a type of foot usually found in people with jobs requiring constant standing. It can indicate that the physiological functions are abnormal and the internal organs are subject to attacks of pathogens. It also indicates susceptibility to respiratory, circulatory, digestive and metabolic diseases, and these diseases may be very severe and accompanied by complications.

4) Drumlike foot:

Shape: The big toe is short and narrow and the second toe is protruding. The toes deviate toward the longitudinal midline of the foot to assume a fusiform shape with a wider middle section. The nails are less transparent and the color Of subungual tissue is uneven (Fig. 4-17).

Indication: This type of foot is usually caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes causing soreness and pain in the foot, ankle joint, leg, and waist. It also may appear in those with a depressed foot arch, nervousness, schizophrenia, and kidney diseases. These people should pay attention to their emotional state and urinary system.

5) Dry and thin foot:

Shape: The foot is dry, bony and with less flesh. The nails are less shiny and the nail fold is irregular with hangnail (Fig. 4-18).

Indication: Dry and thin feet usually appear in people with fatigue, especially mental fatigue, exhaustion of vital energy, emotional disturbance, and neurasthenia. They may suffer from headache, general fatigue, sleepiness and poor physical functioning. This type of foot is common in patients with chronic and stubborn diseases.

Fig. 4-18 Dry and thin foot and foot with tilted big toe

6) Foot with tilted big toe:

Shape: The big toe is tilted dorsally with the other toes flexed plantarly. The toes are close together, and the veins on dorsum of foot are engorged. The color of subungual tissue of the nails is pale pink or an intermingled pink and white. The first metatarsophalangeal joint is more prominent and the plantar pad is thickened (Fig. 4-18).

Indication: This usually appears in people with mental fatigue or exhaustion of vital energy caused by too much sexual activity. The patient may suffer from dizziness, soreness of waist, tired eyes, impaired blood supply to the eyes, poor adjustment of ciliary muscles, and functional disturbance of the stomach and intestines.

In addition, there are also other types of foot for diagnosis of diseases, and the different types may appear simultaneously in one person. Hand diagnosis and foot diagnosis can be used in combination for the diagnosis of diseases.

2. Inspection of big toe

Inspection of the big toe can show the functional condition of the body. It is an important diagnostic method because many functional disturbances are reflected on the big toe.

In general, in people with normal liver and spleen functions, and who enjoy good health, normal body resistance and rich vital energy, have big toes that are full, plump and red in color. The nail of the big toe is transparent and of a proper thickness, the nail fold and lunar zone are regular, the subungual tissue is normal in color with no dark spots or petechiae, and the big toe is not distorted, the veins are not engorged, and the toe creases are regular.

In individuals with hallux varus (abnormal deviation of big toe to lateral side), if the transparency of the thickened nail is reduced, the lunar zone is deviated to one side, and the nail fold is irregular, this indicates the functional imbalance of the body, exhaustion of vital energy and physical strength, disturbance of digestive functions, neurasthenia, insomnia, or emotional distress.

If the big toe is dry and thin with tendons and bone exposed underneath the skin and toe pad atrophy, and if the nail is dark and dull, the lunar zone absent and the toe pad creases distorted, this indicates an apparent weakness and deficiency of the body and the patient may suffer from chronic and stubborn diseases with a poor prognosis.

If the big toe bulges abnormally and is white or yellow in color, the nail is thin and soft or abnormally thick, the distal border of the lunar zone is surrounded by a purplish red line, the plantar pad (the skin underneath metatarsophalangeal joint) is thickened, and the big toe pad shows wear and tear, this indicates an overload of nutrients in the body and an overburdened heart, liver, and spleen. This usually appears in people with hypertension, heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and fatty liver. These people should control their diet and weight and exercise to improve their health.

3. Pressing foot diagnosis:

The pressing foot diagnosis is another commonly used method. Pressure is applied to certain foot regions by the tip or corner of distal phalanx of thumb or by the knuckle of proximal interphalangeal joint of index finger to produce a sore, numb, distending, or painful sensation to determine the presence of a pathological lesion in its correspondent organ and tissue. The pressure should be applied with a proper and even force. A diagnosis can be made after repeated examination of the sensative spots. The location for the pressing diagnosis is often similar to the reactive therapeutic areas and the biological holographic points. This method is the same as the pressing hand diagnosis, and they can be used in combination.

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