They Broke Women’s Bones for Beauty: Foot Binding in China (Lotus Feet) | Funny Medicine Ep 111

They Broke Women’s Bones for Beauty: Foot Binding in China (Lotus Feet) | Funny Medicine Ep 111

Author: Julia Brunet and Yvette Gonzalez, D.O. September 9, 2025 Duration: 33:41

Step into one of history’s most shocking medical and cultural practices: foot binding in China. Also known as Lotus Feet, this brutal tradition started in the 10th century and crushed generations of women under the weight of “beauty standards.”

From our Patreon archives, this exclusive episode of the Funny Medicine Podcast is now available for everyone.

We break down:

• The origins of foot binding and why it became a status symbol

• The painful bone-breaking process and the lifelong health consequences

• The link between foot binding, sexuality, and power in ancient China

• How the practice persisted for centuries, despite bans in the early 20th century

• The psychological and physical toll it took on women

• How Western influence, cultural change, and female autonomy movements led to its decline

This isn’t just medical history, it’s a raw look at how culture and control over women’s bodies shaped generations. If you love shocking medical history, dark health facts, and stories you won’t believe are true, hit subscribe and join us every week for more.

🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday. Hit SUBSCRIBE and ring the bell so you never miss our next dose of weird-but-important medical facts.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.

👉 Subscribe to the channel for weekly episodes.

👉 Follow us on Instagram & Threads: @FunnyMedicinePodcast

📱 Follow us everywhere Instagram & Threads: @funnymedicinepodcast

Podcast audio: Funny Medicine Podcast on every major platform

Twitter/X: @FunnyMedPod

TikTok: @funnymedicinepodcast

🔔 Subscribe for more medical deep-dives: https://bit.ly/FunnyMedicineSubscribe

🎧 Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts: https://funnymedicinepod.link

👍 Like & Share this video if you learned something new

THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. PLEASE SEEK A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL OR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF YOU ARE SEEKING MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT.

Sources listed in video version of this episode on YouTube.

foot binding, Lotus Feet, Chinese foot binding, history of foot binding, medical history podcast, Funny Medicine Podcast, Patreon archives, women’s health history, cultural practices, bone breaking, banned traditions, shocking history facts, true medical history, women’s bodies history #FunnyMedicinePodcast #MedicalHistory #FootBinding #PatreonArchives


Ever feel like your eyes glaze over when someone starts talking about health science? That's exactly what the Funny Medicine Podcast is here to fix. Hosted by medical researcher Julia Brunet and physician Yvette Gonzalez, D.O., this show is a conversation between two friends who are deeply fascinated by how the body works and equally amused by the strange ways we try to fix it. You'll hear them unpack the latest wellness crazes with a skeptical eye, dig into odd chapters from medical history, and clarify real medical news-all while cracking each other up. Their dynamic blends Julia's research background with Dr. Yvy's clinical experience, making complex topics accessible without sacrificing the facts for the fun. Tune in for a genuinely entertaining blend of expertise and sarcasm that cuts through the jargon. This podcast proves that learning about health doesn't have to feel like a chore; it can be the most amusing part of your week. Whether you're curious about the science behind a trending superfood or the truth about a viral health claim, they provide the insightful, laugh-filled commentary you never knew you needed.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Funny Medicine Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 66: August 2024 Medical News Recap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:38
https://linktr.ee/funnymedicine Get ready for our August medical news recap! We’re exploring brain quantum entanglement, China’s AI hospitals, the antidepressant most likely to cause weight gain, and a CEO profiting whil…
Episode 65: Rabies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:42
https://linktr.ee/funnymedicine Welcome to our latest episode where we dive into the rabies realm, a virus so terrifying it makes the zombie apocalypse look like a walk in the park. We're talking about the virus that tur…
Episode 64: Pillow Face [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:25
https://linktr.ee/funnymedicine Get ready to laugh, cringe, and maybe even rethink your next beauty appointment as we plunge into the puffy world of Pillow Face—the not-so-glamorous result of overenthusiastic use of faci…
Episode 63: Stiff Person Syndrome [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:39
https://linktr.ee/funnymedicine In this episode, we're diving into the heart-wrenching yet inspiring battle of the iconic Celine Dion against the little-known condition, Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). From Celine Dion's si…
Funny Medicine Podcast Episode 62: July 2024 Medical News Recap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:15
https://linktr.ee/funnymedicine From counterfeit Ozempic warnings to the shocking discovery of metals in tampons, we cover it all this month. Whether it's TikTok becoming Gen Z's go-to doctor, dengue fever spreading like…
Funny Medicine Podcast Episode 61: Birth Control Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:15
#funnymedicinepodcast https://linktr.ee/funnymedicineWe dive headfirst into part two of our birth control series. Discover the ins and outs of Natural Family Planning, emergency contraception, and why some common birth c…
Funny Medicine Podcast Episode 60: Birth Control Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:03
https://linktr.ee/funnymedicine Join us to explore contraceptives: hormonal methods, barrier methods, IUDs, and sterilization. Don't forget, condoms are key for STI prevention! Whether for details or fun, we've got you c…
Funny Medicine Podcast Episode 59: June Medical News Recap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:36
https://linktr.ee/funnymedicine Ever imagine your sun-kissed beach trip leading to a discussion on online recording woes and annoying chairs? Well, that's just the start. Dive into our in-person, crisp video and audio! W…
Funny Medicine Podcast Episode 58: PATREON RELEASE - Space Medicine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:58
https://linktr.ee/funnymedicine Imagine being sealed in a tube and pressurized with pure oxygen—sounds like a dream or a nightmare, right? Well, in our 39th Patreon-exclusive episode, we dive into the fascinating world o…
Funny Medicine Podcast Episode 57: Debunking Medical Myths Pt. 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:48
https://linktr.ee/funnymedicine In this episode, we dive back into our series on debunking medical myths. We bust common misconceptions, including the belief that getting rained on or going outside with wet hair can make…