Legend has it that the samurai warriors of old would chop down a piece of bamboo and walk on the rounded surface to promote strength and vigor. The strength of the sole was equated with strength of the soul, or so the story goes. The sole of the foot was viewed as the body's second heart. Aging in some circles is seen as beginning with the feet.
Takefumi is the name given to the tradition of walking on bamboo. "Take" is bamboo and "fumi" is to step upon. The takefumi tradition has been incorporated into the idea of a Stroll Path, walking on a variety of surfaces to stimulate the feet. (See "The Stroll Path," Reflexions, Vol. 13, No. 2, Summer, 1992.)
Does takefumi counteract the ever-present, downward pull of gravity? The foot is, afterall, the body's basic interface with the ground. The enormous pressures experienced by a foot in a day's time challenge the structural integrity of the foot. The foot is a sensory organ which is quite capable of meeting a variety of terrain. The repetetive sameness of the flat surface of the shoe and surface underfoot create a pattern of stress. If not interrupted, this pattern of stress can be harmful to the foot and to the rest of the body.
The body's weight puts pressure on the sole's pressure sensors. In addition, it challenges the muscles and bones of the foot. While unrelentling pressure causes the bones to become misaligned, muscles to weaken, and nerves to become irritated. This effect has been shown to have impact on other musculo-skeletal parts of the body. The body is, thus, depleted of the finite amount of energy its requires for good health.
With the simple fundamentals of takefumi, you can lift your arch while lifting your spirits. To try using takefumi, first consider the level of challenge that is appropriate for you foot. Take the bamboo (PVC pipe or any rounded surface can be substituted) and place it with the rounded side up on the floor. While standing, place one foot on the bamboo. Slowly shift your body weight onto the bamboo. Note what you feel. Does your foot feel stressed? Unpleasantly stressed or pleasantly stressed? Do you find areas of extreme sensitivity?
If you find the takefumi to be too challenging to be comfortable, consider using a bamboo piece that is not as high off the ground. Or, start out in a seated position using one foot one top of the other to exert pressure and accustom your foot to the rounded surface. Gradually build up to the standing position.
If you feel the takefumi places a reasonable stress on your foot, try stepping on the bamboo with both feet. Take note of your response and stay within your comfort zone. This is a form of exercise. Start out gradually, spending a few minutes standing on the bamboo. If you feel after effects of walking on the bamboo, i. e. soreness in the foot, lessen the challenge. Shorten the amount of time you use the bamboo or use a smaller piece. If you have an existing foot problem or medical problems such as osteoporosis, consult a medical practitioner prior to proceeding.
Note your overall response to takefumi. Others have found their responses to be (1) more overall energy, (2) deeper sleep, (3) a more relaxed foot, and (4) a feeling of strength in the muscles of the foot, legs, abdomen, and lower back.
Experiment with the bamboo. Standing in place, rock from side to side. Rhymically rocking from side to side, you can understand why the samurai warriors sought to use the practice of takefumi.
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