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! 

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Healthy blood circulation is a vital component of life for human beings. Without proper blood flow, life would cease to exist. Blood isn’t the only thing that’s important, it’s what the blood is carrying that makes circulation so important. Blood carries fresh oxygen, hormones and nutrients that we absorb from our food. Without these components, the organs and tissues of the body become depleted, weakened and eventually stop functioning. Any blockages in the veins and arteries can deprive the brain and the rest of the body from the needed oxygen, which can then lead to a plethora of other medical issues.

A Blood Flow Overview

Poor circulation is a problem that affects thousands of people around the world, and  decreased circulation is frequently referred to as a silent killer. Many people assume that blood circulation issues aren’t a worry that needs to be prioritized until it’s too late and gets overlooked for years. Poor blood flow can cause pain, numbness, tingling, cold hands/feet and even heart rhythm irregularities.

Another complication of poor circulation is the possibility of blood clots. Blood clots can be very dangerous. They can dislodge and travel to the heart, lungs or brain and block major blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack or a stroke.

There are many causes of poor circulation including excessive cholesterol buildup in the arteries, obesity, diabetes, poor lifestyle choices, improper diet, smoking, alcoholism, pinched nerves, bacterial and viral infections and even excessive stress. The symptoms of poor circulation include weakness of the limbs, loss of sensation, extreme sensitivity, tingling, numbness, burning sensation and pain. If circulation issues are left untreated, it can eventually lead to the tissues turning black and dying, which is then a case for amputation.

Modern medicine treats poor circulation using prescription medications, angioplasty, surgical placement of stents and even amputation. All of these treatments can have serious side effects and any time surgery is done, there will be down time for recovery that may be extensive. But there are alternatives too.

TCM and Circulation

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient medical system that has been around for thousands of years. TCM uses modalities like acupuncture, acupressure and herbal formulations to treat the effects of poor circulation, while actually addressing the root cause too.

Acupuncture in particular is great for increasing blood circulation because the use of acupuncture needles stimulate nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a key regulator of localized circulation. Therefore, the more nitric oxide, the greater the blood flow and circulation to the tissues.

Acupuncture treatments have also been shown to stimulate the release of compounds like leukotrienes and antihistamines that both dilate the blood vessels, while also reducing swelling of tissues. This leads to increases in blood flow to the areas of the body deprived of oxygenated blood.

Another element of TCM is the use of herbs and herbal formulations. Foods, such as garlic, ginger, turmeric and cayenne pepper can be very beneficial for those suffering from poor circulation. However, we advise that adding these herbs needs to be discussed with a physician if you are already taking blood thinners for a circulatory problem.

Poor circulation can be painful and can even be deadly in some cases, but it doesn’t have to be. Ask me to find out how TCM and acupuncture can help you with your circulation problems.

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