The Circulatory System: What Goes around
This complex phenomenon needs care and attention. ‘What the eye doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t grieve over’, but this isn’t true regarding the circulatory system. It is a silent organ that, in essence, keeps us alive, and because it is something we think we cannot feel, we can be guilty of neglecting it. Remember the Scarecrow from ‘The Wizard of Oz’? Weak, floppy and without a working brain…if he had a circulatory system, he would have played a very different role in the movie.
There are over 70 organs in the human body: kidneys, skin, heart, and lungs, to name a few. The one thing they all rely on is the ability of the circulatory system to distribute blood and oxygen, without which we would not be able to survive. One of the most significant battles people face in their lives is when they come face to face with the disease. The circulatory system is integral to recovery, but prevention is better than cure. Stop for a moment and ask yourself if your daily habits are cause for concern.
Every living thing has a circulatory system, complex in its make-up but straightforward when you understand how it works. You look at a map and figure out the most cost-effective and safest way of getting to your destination; you leave one point to get to the other and can return knowing the way back. This is how the circulatory system works; the only hold-up is when it meets traffic, such as nicotine, the build-up of fatty deposits and excessive alcohol intake. All of which can be avoided if you take the best route.
Common circulatory system problems
Poor blood flow can cause a range of conditions, including DIZZINESS, VARICOSE VEINS, Raynaud’s SYNDROME, ANGINA, cramps, DIZZINESS, FROSTBITE, and CHILBLAINS. A severe circulation problem can cause HEART DISORDERS.
High blood pressure (hypertension)
This may shock you, but most people don’t know they suffer from this common problem. It is well documented for being hereditary; however, caffeine, smoking, poor diet, alcohol, and no exercise can lead to dire consequences; in some cases, when left untreated or undiagnosed, a heart attack. Why wait until it’s too late?
Angina
We all want our hearts to be full of good things. What about if the blood that keeps it working became restricted, unable to flow freely around it? Angina sets in, stopping the blood from reaching the heart muscles. An attack is inevitable and may only last for a few minutes, but the dull ache can become a pain you will not want to experience again.
Varicose veins
So, is this part and parcel of the ageing process? Think again; poor circulation means those blue lines can appear anytime. Bulging, twisted like a winding road and unsightly can be highly uncomfortable and painful. Standing for lengthy periods is the leading cause of varicose veins, resulting from poor blood circulation. Resting and putting your legs up as often as possible can make a real difference. Try not to ignore them; there is a difference between a thin blue line and, at worst, Thrombosis.
Pain
Pain is usually the first sign of any circulatory problem. The primary cause of pain is a lack of oxygen in body parts. I’m sure you’re thinking, “But we breathe oxygen”.” You are correct. As your lungs need this precious source to function, so do your muscles, limbs, and mind. An even flow that breathes fresh and clean air around the parts that need to survive for you to live is painless.
What’s Holding You Up
- What are you feeding your body? Nicotine, alcohol and fatty foods; are you at risk?
- Are you standing? How long for? We do what is necessary, but at what cost? THINK
- You feel a dull ache in your chest; why? What habits have you adopted? Are they bad habits? See a doctor.
- Keep your stress level in check! High blood pressure is silent; a check-up won’t hurt and will save you.
Investigate
Freedom is a word that makes all things possible. Obstacles, barricades, and a broken arrow can lead to a war within your battleground self. Peace can be achieved, and reconciliation can be met if you are committed to bringing about change. You are the commander, and your soldiers are the blood, oxygen, and cells that need to march together, avoiding direct contact with the enemy, which is pain and suffering.
Help Your Health
A change of lifestyle and changing bad habits of a lifetime can make a fantastic difference to you. Cut down if you drink too much coffee, stop smoking (gradually), and limit your alcohol intake to perhaps just the weekend. No one says you can’t have fun; everything should be in moderation. For some, it may mean cutting those bad boys out altogether; if that’s what it takes, then that is what you should do. Oh, and exercise! Imagine all that oxygen being pumped through the lungs and around the parts you didn’t know you could reach…breathe again, live again!
Stretching exercise to boost circulation
- Sit with your legs and arms crossed.
- Hold your knees and bend forward, slowly pressing your knees to the floor with your hands.
- Cross your arms and legs the other way and repeat the exercise.
How acupressure can improve poor circulation
Firmly massage the foot point—about 2 inches (50mm) from the angle between the big and second toe—moving the thumb in small circles for up to three minutes. Repeat six times daily.
In the same way, massage the neck points – immediately below and behind the bottom of the ear lobe – with an index finger.
Have you been medically diagnosed?
Massage therapists recommend Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapy to improve circulation, but for all serious circulation problems, you should visit your Doctor first. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) facilitates circulation by moving blood through the blocked area. This massage treatment helps the Lymphatic System function effectively and improves blood circulation.
Why is the lymphatic good for circulation?
Massage such as manual lymphatic drainage can help improve circulation and get a good rhythm of lymph flow going. The most common – and most effective – use of manual lymphatic drainage massage is to relax the body and mind and relieve strains and TENSION of daily life. It is also used to assist people with some circulation problems – those suffering from high blood pressure, headache, hyperactivity, insomnia, sinus problems, and cold hands and feet.
