Mass 'Foot Slapping' in Taipei Park Goes Viral, Netizens Say 'You'll Understand When You're Older'

A video of people in Taipei's Daan Forest Park collectively slapping the soles of their feet has gone viral, with many netizens commenting, 'You'll understand when you're older.' The footage, shared recently on Threads, shows several individuals sitting on park benches and rhythmically patting the bottoms of their feet. The phenomenon extends further into the park, with two people in white shirts seen doing the same in the distance. The peculiar sight has garnered over a million views and sparked a lively discussion online. Comments ranged from humorous observations like 'Foot percussion concert' and 'Are your feet itchy?' to more reflective ones such as 'There are many rich people there; I wouldn't be surprised if they all stood on their heads, rich people are willful' and 'I used to not understand why elderly people stretch in the park, but now I pass by and want to go in and stretch too, I get it.' Some users connected the action to traditional Chinese health practices, with one comment noting, 'Elders always say slapping the soles of the feet is good for health,' referencing the popular belief that stimulating the 'Yongquan' acupoint on the sole can prevent over a hundred diseases. In response, Dr. Tseng Chien-yun, a physician at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Tainan Municipal Hospital, explained that acupoint stimulation can indeed aid in qi and blood circulation and serve as a daily health maintenance method. She noted that the Yongquan acupoint is related to kidney qi and the urinary and reproductive systems in TCM, and moderate stimulation can help boost energy and strengthen the body. However, she cautioned that claims of preventing all illnesses are exaggerated and that medical attention should be sought for any health concerns. Dr. Tseng also advised that while generally safe, individuals with broken skin or redness on their feet should avoid excessive stimulation of the affected areas. She recommended starting with about 10 slaps per set and gradually increasing the count based on one's physical condition.