A well-functioning circulatory system is crucial for vitality and optimal health. It does not help that modern life prompts us to develop poor eating habits (such as overeating, or choosing processed foods for the sake of convenience), exposes us to immense daily stress, and brings about sedentary lifestyles. Every cell within our bodies requires nutrients and oxygen in order to function, and so a compromised circulatory system can cause a lot of problems. Often the signs of poor circulation emerge as fatigue, concentration problems, headaches, dizziness, unhealthy-looking skin, impaired wound healing, and cold hands and feet.
First of all, do not smoke. Of course, it is easier said than done, but I know of plenty of people who have been able to quit, whether it was through the usage of the patch or through the cold turkey technique. Whichever mode you use, make sure to at least recognize that in addition to the host of problems that smoking causes, it constricts blood vessels and impairs circulation, so if you are concerned with your own circulatory problems, then the best thing you can do today is to quit smoking.
It is sometimes held by naturopaths that poor circulation may be due to a potassium and/or calcium deficiency. A mixture of one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (look for the organic, unprocessed kind such as Bragg’s, especially since the commercial brands lack in potassium due to the processing) and a tablespoon of honey in warm water is great for replenishing the body with lost minerals. It also provides a nice boost in energy. In addition, it is said that a stalk of celery assists in lowering blood pressure by releasing the constricted linings of blood vessels, allowing for the blood to flow more freely throughout the body.
Exercise as often as you can. Aerobic exercise, as we all know, keeps the blood moving. Often when people go through a period of bed-rest, they encounter circulatory problems afterwards. That is because this period of inactivity has taught the circulatory system to become sluggish. Stay active, and you will train your system to stay in motion. In addition, when you take a break during the day, lie down and elevate your feet. Having your feet above heart level is great for getting your circulation going.
Cayenne pepper is an excellent remedy for stimulating circulation, as well as being an antiseptic and a digestive enhancer. What it does is it strengthens the heart and helps the blood flow more aptly throughout your body. In extreme conditions, such as during heart attacks, people have been administered cayenne tinctures and have been revived almost instantly. If your hands and feet are unbearably cold, try sprinkling cayenne pepper in your socks and gloves. I have heard that hunters sometimes use this remedy.
Gingko Biloba has been known to advance general circulation, and also to boost memory. The two are linked in that proper circulation (particularly blood flow to the brain and throughout it) is necessary in order to have smooth brain functioning. I especially love to drink ginger tea to warm up my body, and when you put ginger in the bath, you will find that your body is warm and relaxed for many hours afterwards.
Finally, I find hot and cold showers to be effective for getting my blood going. I alternate cold and hot water, and each cycle awakens my body because it is working hard to adjust to the new temperature. These are often hard to do (especially the cold showers) but with time, I promise you will get used to them. Your circulatory system, however, will continue to work hard to acclimatize to the new conditions. Before you take a shower, I recommend dry brushing, which involves taking a natural bristle brush and gliding it from your ankles to your thighs, your belly to your chest, and your wrists to your shoulders (in short, always brush towards your heart). This is a great way to supplement your showers and you will find it very restorative.
