As a partner to the cardiovascular system, the body’s circulatory system works to help the body fight off illness, maintain body temperature, and monitor the body’s chemical balance so all its systems remain stable and healthy. The circulatory system is designed to send blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body. When there is a reduction of blood flow to any given body part, we experience poor circulation, usually in the arms and legs.
Poor circulation, not a disease itself, it a symptom of other health conditions. So, to improve poor circulation it is necessary to treat the underlying cause of the symptom. While there are several known causes of poor circulation, some of the more common ones are obesity, diabetes, different heart conditions, and arterial issues.
The more common signs of poor circulation are:
- Tingling/Numbness in limbs
- Throbbing/Stinging pain in limbs
- Joint or muscle cramps
- Loss of energy
- Memory loss or inability to focus
- Cold hands and feet
- Swelling in hands or feet
- Thinning or loss of hair
- Slowed healing of wounds
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Varicose veins
- Digestive problems
Treating poor circulation depends on the contributing illness. Your medical provider will probably start by looking at the arteries and veins for answers.
Why Is Good Circulation Important?
The circulatory system is made up of four main parts:
- The Heart, by consistently pumping, keeps the circulatory system working
- The Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to where it needs to go
- The Veins carry deoxygenated blood to the heart and passes through the lungs to receive oxygen
- Blood is the means by which nearly everything within the body (hormones, nutrients, oxygen, antibodies, and other essential matters) are transported to keep it healthy
When the circulatory system is functioning properly, the body is better able to maintain optimal health. Good circulation ensures that blood and oxygen consistently flow throughout the body, helping every organ to do its best. Proper circulation helps wounds heal faster, boosts immunity, keeps the brain sharp, keeps the heart healthy, and even helps with having a healthy complexion.
Because poor circulation is usually an indicator of other health conditions, it is best to report your symptoms sooner than later. Not receiving treatment could result in developing life-threatening conditions such as blood clots, infected skin ulcers, and sometimes amputation.
Some Natural Ways To Improve Poor Circulation
- Increase cardio exercises such as running, biking or walking. Don’t forget to make time to stretch before and after exercising.
- Quit smoking. Smoking can inhibit blood flow, destroy blood vessel walls, and cause plaque to accumulate in the veins.
- Drink black or green tea because antioxidants help to increase the width of the blood vessels, making is easier for the body to pump blood.
- If you have anemia, take iron supplements, or eat an iron-rich diet. Iron helps the red blood cells to circulate oxygen throughout your body.
- Dry brush your body. Before a shower or bath, use a soft-bristle brush to gently brush your skin in long, upward strokes to stimulate blood flow.
- Manage stress through lifestyle changes that may include meditation or mindfulness practices.
- Include more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet by eating fish like mackerel, salmon, or sardines two to three times per week.
- Wear compression socks and elevate your legs. Elevating your legs will help move blood to the upper body. Compression socks put pressure on your feet to help blood vessels push blood through the body up to your heart.
Desert Oasis Clinic Is Here To Help!
The appropriate treatment for your poor circulation concerns would depend on the underlying health cause. A consultation appointment is needed to determine the best course of treatment. Some of the services at Desert Oasis Clinic that can help with the symptom of poor circulation are:
- Far Infrared Therapy (FIR)
- Kinesio Taping
- Lymphatic Stimulation
- P-Shot® and Shockwave Therapy
- Trigger Point (TP) Injections
Desert Oasis Clinic can help you achieve and maintain your health by using the latest natural and holistic treatments. Please call today at (702) 310-9350 to speak to our friendly staff and schedule an appointment.