Month: January 2017

The importance of good circulation

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So, how does blood circulation work?

The blood circulatory system, also known as the cardiovascular system consists the heart and all the blood vessels that run throughout the entire body. Arteries carry blood away from the heart and your veins transport it back. There are two circulatory systems that comprise of the cardiovascular system. The systemic and pulmonary systems. Systemic circulation basically transports oxygen and nutrient rich blood through our arteries to our organs, tissues (including muscles), and our cells. When it releases the vital substances to our body it takes on waste substances like carbon dioxide and lactic acid. Now that the blood is low in oxygen it is transported back to the heart. Pulmonary circulation occurs when we breathe in oxygen and it enters our bloodstream. So this is how our body works, day in and day out. The heart acts as a pump, transporting oxygenated blood to our organs, then carrying de-oxygenated blood back to our heart.

Blood Circulation

As you can imagine, a functioning circulatory system is vital.

But, what happens to the body when one has poor circulation?

Basically, poor circulations occurs when blood cannot flow freely due to blockages in the arteries.

This can lead to a host of problems, amongst them: high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, organ damage, vertigo and dizziness, muscle cramps, numbness, leg ulcers, blood clots, carpal tunnel, strokes, varicose veins

Slow blood flow also allows fatty acids to clog the heart. This cause high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol. It can also cause blood and other fluids to pool in the legs, which can lead to varicose veins, blood clots and thrombosis. It is no wonder that people with sedentary lifestyles are twice as likely to develop a cardiovascular disease as those who are more active. So what can you do to ensure good blood circulation?

Drink water!

Yes, we all know that water is good for us, but here’s why: blood contains plasma, and plasma is made primarily out of water. When you are dehydrated, blood circulation slows down because plasma gets thicker. A generous daily intake of water will maintain bloods ideal consistency as well as provide oxygen for your blood to transport to cells. Here at Chan Healing Institute Circulation Care can help with improving your circulation by as much as 30% without raising your heart rate. With better circulation, the body will be more efficient in bringing oxygen and nutrients to the cells and removes waste at the same time. Better circulation relieves pressure, inflammation, and other body fluids. Let your body have the means to care for itself by increasing your general blood circulation!

Call us for an appointment. 619-368-6777

Improving Circulation to Decrease Inflammation

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Swelling, inflammation and clotting are three of the major culprits when it comes to poor circulation, but poor circulation also increases the risk of chronic inflammation. Finding ways to decrease systemic inflammation, reduce swelling, and improve blood flow around the body are vital to maintaining excellent health throughout life. To understand how circulation affects inflammation, we first need to have a good grasp of what inflammation is and how it arises.

Why is Some Inflammation Necessary?

Whenever we are injured or under physical threat, the body responds in such a way that levels of inflammation also increase. This response in response to harmful stimuli is intended to help expel or counteract pathogens, irritants or damaged cells. Acute inflammation is typically a sign that the body is trying to heal itself and is a necessary biological process that is beneficial in the immediate aftermath of an injury.

How Chronic Inflammation Arises

However, when inflammation persists it can become problematic, shifting from a localized process to a systemic one. In fact, inflammation often begets further inflammation as it can end up damaging other tissues. Inflammation has been linked to a range of chronic disease, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even cognitive decline.

Chronic Inflammation and Chronic Disease

A predisposition to inflammation has been found in people with coronary artery disease, where the inflammatory process damages the lining of the arteries, can increase blood pressure, and can affect the viscosity of the blood.

The connection between inflammation and chronic diseases is complex, but impaired circulation is certainly a major factor in arterial damage and damage to other tissues such as in the kidneys, liver, intestines, eyes and other organs.

Why Circulation Affects Inflammation

When circulation is decreased, the body is less able to repair damaged tissues and protect tissues against further damage. The flow of blood around the body is what brings nutrients and fuel to cells and also what takes away toxins, dead cells, and other unwanted debris.

Inflammation and circulation are, therefore, intricately entwined, with elevated inflammation impairing circulation, and poor circulation creating chronic inflammation. In the case of hypertension, for example, the body is less effective at pumping blood to all its organs and tissues and has to increase the pressure and work harder to pump that blood. Treating hypertension, especially seriously elevated blood pressure, is essential, but it is also important to diagnose and treat the underlying problems with the circulatory system.

Improving Circulation to Decrease Inflammation

Improving circulation involves lowering inflammation, ensuring proper hydration, improving diet to help minimize the risk of undesirable blood clot formation, and also taking steps to protect blood vessels from damage. Natural interventions include increasing the intake of essential fatty acids that actively inhibit inflammation while improving circulatory health. Such nutrients are found in abundance in nuts, seeds, olive oil and oily fish.

It is also important to cut out alcohol and quit smoking, and to get regular exercise to improve the strength of the heart muscle and to encourage healthy blood flow and strength. Here at SmileHaven, our circulation care therapy increases your general blood flow by as much as 30% and more oxygen (29%) will be utilized in the tissues. Taking steps to improve circulation means the body is better able to mount a swift and effective defense against invading pathogens, can quickly remove diseased tissue, and can deliver essential oxygen and nutrients to fuel the growth of healthy new tissue after an injury. In this way, healthy circulation decreases the likelihood that acute inflammation will persist and end up contributing to chronic disease development.

Come and learn more about our therapy and get a free demonstration.

Learn more about Blood Flow/Circulation