Circulation Problems

The heart and blood vessels are collectively responsible for maintaining a continuous flow of blood through the body, known as the circulatory system.  This provides all the body tissues with a regular supply of oxygen and nutrients, and carries away carbon dioxide and other waste products.  The circulatory system consists of two main parts: the systemic circulation, which constitutes the blood supply to the entire body except the lungs; and the pulmonary circulation, which carries blood to and from the lungs where its supply of oxygen is replenished.

On its journey from the heart to the tissues, blood is forced along the arteries at thigh pressure. On the return journey through the veins back to the heart, it is at low pressure, kept moving by the muscles in the arms and legs compressing the walls of the veins and by valves in the veins preventing the blood from flowing backwards. Lack of exercise or a sedentary lifestyle may therefore be at the root of circulatory problems.

Poor circulation may also be the result of, or indeed the cause of, some disorders of the arteries or veins such as an abnormal narrowing (reducing blood flow and possibly causing tissue damage) or abnormal widening and thinning of the walls (increasing the risk of rupture).  Symptoms of poor circulation can range from Raynaud’s disease through varicose veins to chest pains and leg pains in cases of severe arteriosclerosis (thickening and loss of elasticity of the artery walls). Poor circulation is particularly prevalent in those who are overweight or who drink too much alcohol.  Heavy smokers are advised to cut down because nicotine reduces the blood circulation in the skin.

THE ORTHODOX APPROACH

Conditions associated with poor circulation such as arteriosclerosis aneurysm (thinning and ballooning of the artery wall), and thrombosis (a blood clot within an artery) are all treated by a combination of drugs to reduce high blood pressure and sometimes surgery to replace blocked sections of artery with pieces taken from healthy veins.  Some veins can be stripped altogether.  Doctors agree that not smoking, switching to low-fat diets, taking moderate exercise, and leading a less stressful lifestyle will help many people with arteriosclerosis.

THE HALE APPROACH

Poor circulation can effect any part of the body and a decision whether an orthodox opinion is required rather depends on what the symptoms are.  Any symptoms that involve arteries must be dealt with initially by a physician, since these high-pressure tubes can bleed rapidly or cause serious problems if they clog.  Capillary and venous circulation problems are less likely to cause an emergency and can therefore be treated with less aggression.

Acupuncture, homeopathy, Marma massage and herbalism are all effective treatments and herbalism are all effective treatments for circulatory problems, as are the support treatments of aromatherapy and reflexology.  These treatments “jump start” the circulation so that it functions normally.  However, to maintain good circulation in the long term it is important to look at your nutrition and exercise programs.  T’ai Chi and yoga are some of the more gentle exercises; more vigorous exercise can also be of great benefit.

ACUPUNCTURE

According to acupuncturists, poor circulation usually results from an energy blockage related to the heart meridian, so treatment would concentrate on this meridian. A course of six to eight sessions of acupuncture is recommended. More about acupuncture...

HOMEOPATHY

A common remedy for poor circulation is Hamamelis, but any number of remedies could be suitable, depending on the individual symptoms.  For varicose veins which appear during pregnancy, Pulsatilla may be recommended; for arteriosclerosis in an elderly person also suffering from high blood pressure, Baryta carb. may be suitable.  For Raynaud’s disease, Carbo veg may be appropriate when the skin is cold and mottled, or Arsenicum when there is swelling, burning, and itching. More about homeopathy...

HERBALISM

The main herb for treatment of poor circulation is capsicum, but it is very strong and is used only in small quantities, perhaps as a tincture.  Prickly ash is also good for poor peripheral circulation and ginkgo is particularly effective for impaired cerebral circulation.  (It reduces the viscosity of the blood and prevents the platelets from sticking together, so it is often used in Europe as an alternative to aspirin).  Another important herb is garlic, which can lower blood pressure and have a protective effect on the arteries.  For problems of varicose veins and varicose ulcers, horse chestnut is frequently used, but bilberry is also a good tonic for veins in general.  Witch hazel in tincture form or as a dry extract can also be helpful.   More about herbalism...

MARMA MASSAGE

This Indian deep-tissue massage is used to cleanse the cells using almond or mustard oil, which helps the blood to flow normally.  It is used in conjunction with Ayurvedic medicine and anything between 1 and 10 sessions may be required to bring the condition under control.   More about marma massage...

AYURVEDA

According to traditional Indian medicine, poor circulation or venous congestion is due to problems of Vata.  Vata is one of the three basic elements or doshas in the body and is likened to the workings of the wind, i.e. constantly on the move.  It controls the central nervous system.  The main treatment for circulation aims to improve the efficiency of Vata and various Ayurvedic preparations would be prepared according to the individual needs of the patient, with multiple decoctions required in some cases.  More about ayurveda...

SUPPORTIVE TREATMENTS

The following therapies are especially effective when combined with other treatments.

Maya Abdominal Massage

A non-invasive massage technique that specialises in treating gynaecological and digestive conditions.  It improves organ function by relieving congestion, enhancing blood supply; increasing lymphatic drainage and aiding nerve supply to the pelvic and reproductive organs. Further Details

Chi Kung

In Chinese medicine circulation includes the flow of blood in veins and arteries and the flow of chi (intrinsic) energy through the body.  Practicing exercises and correct breathing redirects the flow of chi, rights the body’s imbalance and helps with circulatory problems.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy massage using essential oils such as lemon in a base oil to stimulate the blood flow is particularly beneficial to sufferers from poor circulation and edema.  By combining the therapeutic effects of the oils, an aromatherapist is able to address the multi-faceted problems causing the condition.  A combination of angelica (a blood-cleansing oil), rosemary (generally strengthening) and juniper (good for varicose veins) is a useful massage oil or may be added to your bath.

Nutrition

Nutritionists recommend a detoxification program as the first stage of a treatment because any “garbage” in the system makes it sluggish.  They also test for allergies, as these can cause circulation problems, and look for dietary deficiencies.  Many patients need additional Vitamins A, C and E and selenium; vegetarians may lack the Omega 3 oils found in fish oil or linseed oil. A diet that was high in these nutriments would be recommended and, if necessary, supplements would be suggested.  Advice may also be given on exercise.  Seeing a nutritionist three or four times over a period of three or four months should be adequate to counter poor circulation problems, but patients should start to feel better as soon as they have begun treatment.

Remedial Yoga

Yoga therapy concentrates not only on the heart for circulation problems, the diaphragm is also very important since changing the pressure in the chest has an effect on moving the blood back to the heart from the extremities.  Moreover, circulation is improved by the movement of soft tissue (muscles), so the asanas (yoga postures) - sequences of pressure, restriction and release – are chosen to stimulate specific muscle groups.  Flexing and relaxing encourage the free movement of circulation and the benefits begin to be felt straight away.

Reflexology

Reflexology can be very successful in treating circulation problems, but is not advised for patients suffering from associated illnesses such as phlebitis or thrombosis.  The duration of treatment depends on how long the problem has been present, but is normally somewhere between three and eight treatments.

A session would begin with full treatment, covering all reflex areas on both feet, followed by extra massage of the areas relating to the heart, intestines, liver, adrenal glands and lymphatic areas.  Self-treatment is not advisable for circulation problems.

TIPS

•           Massage the stomach clockwise as soon as you wake up in the morning.  Massage the inside of the thigh, hand, and both sides of the neck with sesame oil for 2-5 minutes.

•           Eat a cooked red apple at breakfast time – it increases the oxygen level in the blood, which promotes good circulation.

•           Soak your feet in hot water for 10-20 minutes while covering your upper body with a blanket.

•           Rub the side of your (dry) body from the armpit to the hip with a towel.