Acupuncture stimulates energy pathways in the body, thus enhancing blood flow. This form of medicine has been practiced for thousands of years and has been specifically used to increase circulation for centuries. At the bedrock of this medicine are the techniques used to stimulate sympathetic responses resulting in blood vessel dilation and increased blood flow.
Poor Circulation Causes & Symptoms
A lack of blood circulation can lead to a whole host of other health issues. Our blood carries vital nutrients throughout our bodies including oxygen, nutrients absorbed from food, and even hormones, without which we would be depleted and our organs would ultimately stop functioning properly altogether.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is just one consequence of poor circulation and it is estimated that nearly 1 million Americans suffer from this each year, with more than 5% of people 70 or older diagnosed each year.
Causes of poor circulation can include excessive cholesterol in the arteries, obesity, diabetes, smoking, alcoholism, stress and poor lifestyle choices like improper diet and little to no exercise. Modern medicine treats poor circulation with prescription medication, angioplasty, stents, and in the most severe cases, amputation.
Signs of poor circulation are not limited to:
- varicose veins
- muscle cramps
- swelling/edema
- sores
- numbness and tingling
- cold or discolored hands and feet
Acupuncture to the Rescue
Acupuncture doesn’t just treat the symptoms that accompany poor circulation, but seeks to address the root cause of the problem; modifications in diet can also address certain symptom concerns.
A 2016 study looked at acupuncture and its effect on neuroregeneration in ischemic stroke. Researchers concluded that acupuncture was shown to “activate relevant brain regions and regulate multiple signaling pathways that lead to excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, neuronal death, and survival after interruption of blood supply.” This study also found that acupuncture may play a key part in stroke preventive strategy as well. Other studies have also found acupuncture to play a positive role in increasing blood flow.
If you are suffering from poor circulation, call me and set up an evaluation. A thorough health history will determine just how acupuncture can help you!
