1. Is it true that "coldness is the root of all diseases"?
In winter, we often hear the phrase, "Cold is the root of all diseases." This is not just a superstition; both modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine clearly state that cold is a trigger for poor health.
One thing to pay particular attention to is cold feet. The feet are the furthest from the heart, and blood flow to them is likely to be stagnant. In addition, the feet have little subcutaneous fat, making it difficult for them to maintain body temperature, and they are prone to getting cold.
When your feet get cold, your body constricts your capillaries to keep body heat in, further reducing blood flow. This can lead to the following symptoms:
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Weakened immunity (more susceptible to catching colds)
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Decreased function of internal organs (cold stomach and intestines leading to constipation and loss of appetite)
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Autonomic nervous system disorders (insomnia and headaches)
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Mental instability (irritability due to cold)
You might think that your feet are just cold, but it can actually cause your entire body to lose balance .
2. The mechanism that controls body temperature from the feet
There is data that suggests that about 30% of body heat is lost through the soles of the feet, making the feet a "gateway for heat." In particular, the soles of the feet contain many vascular structures called arteriovenous anastomoses (AVAs), which open and close to regulate body temperature.
When you feel cold, this AVA closes to prevent heat from escaping from the body. However, in people with cold extremities or autonomic nervous system disorders, this adjustment does not work well and the feet become cold and cannot return to normal.
In such cases, physically keeping the feet warm and protecting them from the cold prevents excessive closure of the AVAs, making it easier to control body temperature throughout the body.
In other words, wearing the right socks doesn't just keep your feet warm; it's also an important way to keep your body's thermostat functioning properly .
3. The Complete Guide to Choosing Winter Socks
When choosing winter socks, it is important to find a balance between warmth, moisture absorption, fit, and breathability . Below are the characteristics of the most common materials:
■ Merino wool
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A high-quality wool with extremely fine and soft fibers
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Excellent moisture absorption and heat retention, comfortable and less stuffy
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Highly antibacterial and deodorizing, ideal for long-term use
■ Alpaca
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It is said that its heat retention is about 1.5 times that of wool.
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Smooth to the touch and high insulation
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A little pricey, but great for cold climates
■ Thick cotton + fleece lining
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Comfortable to the touch and affordable
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It is highly absorbent, but when it gets wet it is difficult to dry and tends to get cold.
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Great as an inner layer when worn in layers.
■ Silk (for innerwear)
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Excellent moisture absorption and release properties, gentle on the skin
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Ideal as the first layer when layering
Additionally, the following features will be even more effective:
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Graduated compression from ankle to calf
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Anti-slip grip on the sole
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**Double-layered (inner + outer)** design
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"Point insulation type" with reinforced toes only
4. Is layering effective? Or is it just a myth?
It is often said that "wearing multiple pairs of socks is effective in preventing cold," but while this is effective if done correctly , it can have the opposite effect if done incorrectly.
The right layering:
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1st layer: Silk or other breathable material (to absorb sweat)
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2nd layer: Wool or other heat-retaining material (blocks outside air)
In this way, by following the two steps of moisture absorption and insulation , you can control the humidity around your feet while trapping heat.
On the other hand, if you wear two pairs of 100% cotton socks, they will absorb sweat and trap moisture, which may actually make your feet feel colder .
Also, wearing too many layers of socks can put you at risk of restricting blood flow. It's important to find a balance between comfortable warmth and promoting blood flow .
5. Summary: Warming your feet means keeping yourself in shape
In winter, the cold weather makes us unconsciously hunched over, our breathing becomes shallow, and we get tired easily.
At times like these, reconsidering the comfort of your feet is the first step to improving your mind and body .
A single pair of socks can protect your body temperature, regulate your blood circulation, and keep you warm.
Choosing a pair that suits your body's needs, rather than just choosing based on price, may be the fastest way to keep your daily condition in order.
"The cold starts from the feet, but the warmth also starts from the feet."
This winter, why not find a partner to warmly support you every step of the way?
