108 Bows... Medicine if Done Well, Poison if Not

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] On the 30th, Buddha's Birthday, many people are expected to visit temples and perform 108 prostrations. The 108 prostrations have positive effects such as dieting, muscle strengthening, and reducing stress and depression.

The 108 prostrations are a flexion and extension exercise involving bending and straightening the whole body. The repetitive bowing movements develop muscles throughout the body and aid blood circulation. About 150 kcal are burned when performed for around 20 minutes, which is similar to swimming for the same duration.

However, doing it suddenly can be harmful to knee health. The repetitive process of squatting down and standing up can easily damage the meniscus.

The meniscus is a cartilage tissue located between the thigh bone and the shinbone, which absorbs shocks applied to the knee and helps the joint move smoothly. If the meniscus is damaged, the affected area gradually enlarges, and if left untreated, it is highly likely to worsen into degenerative arthritis.

Lee Ju-young, director of Changwon Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital, said, "It is important to secure muscle and joint flexibility through sufficient stretching before starting the 108 prostrations," adding, "It is also good to prepare cushions or wrist and knee protectors to prevent injuries in advance." He continued, "If you feel pain in your knees, you should stop immediately and rest."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.