Increasing Circulation — The Boost You Need
Having healthy skin, a fit body, strong teeth and bright eyes are all things you can see. They are the hallmarks of good health and a good lifestyle. But what about the things running below the surface? Have you experienced any heaviness in the legs or feet, any pelvic pain or discomfort, or the presence of ulcers? You may be one of the millions of Americans dealing with some form of poor circulation.
Let’s explore some of the symptoms and causes of poor circulation; a disorder you may not be able to see right away. And then, once you’re armed with the knowledge of your condition, we can explore some natural remedies and lifestyle changes that could help address the issue.
Here are symptoms that could be related to poor circulation:
- Swollen veins and arteries (varicose or "spider" veins)
- Heavy sensation in legs and feet.
- Different coloring of the skin
- Swelling in the lower extremities
- “Weeping” skin or skin that splits open
- Restless legs syndrome, or similar feeling in feet
- Cold, blue or numb fingers in above freezing temperatures
- Blue color of the lips or eyelids
If you have experienced any of these symptoms, a variety of factors could be at play. Always consult a physician first. Some circulation problems could be the result of diabetes or arterial blocking, which is very serious and requires serious medical attention, medication and lifestyle changes.
Other reasons for reduced blood flow could involve smoking, sedentary lifestyle or overindulgence in alcohol. For these less severe root causes, and any other causes after the proper medical consultation, why not try some natural remedies and lifestyle changes to get the blood flowing properly again.
- Drinking More Water
Drinking enough water is one of the easiest ways to improve circulation. Water is the life force that carries nutrients from food as well as oxygen to our cell. It also assists in normalizing blood pressure and helps the digestive system flow.
The best measure is to invest in a great water bottle, especially one with a time marker, and to keep it with you all day.
- Moxibustion
This ancient craft uses the smoke of different herbs to induce blood flow and warm painful areas of the body. The most common herb for use in moxibustion is known as mugwort. The smoke can be applied directly or indirectly.
Moxibustion is usually offered in conjunction with acupuncture and Chinese medicine. These practices usually involve an understanding of Qi, a concept related to energy in the body. You can inquire at a local acupuncturist if this could be a helpful method for you.
- Massage
The pressure and manipulation that your body undergoes during massage can do wonders to boost your blood flow. Depending on your health you can look for a variety of techniques to experiment with. There is Swedish massage, Thai massage and deep tissue massage to name a few. Make sure you disclose any past surgeries or present conditions like pregnancy before you choose your style.
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