Improve blood circulation
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Improving Blood Circulation: Effective Therapies and Interventions
Improving blood circulation is crucial for overall health, as it ensures that oxygen and nutrients are efficiently delivered to tissues and organs. Various therapies and interventions have been studied for their efficacy in enhancing blood flow. This article synthesizes the findings from multiple research studies on this topic.
Matrix Rhythm Therapy and Conventional Massage
Matrix Rhythm Therapy vs. Massage for Peripheral Blood Flow
Matrix rhythm therapy (MRT) and conventional massage have both been shown to improve peripheral blood circulation. In a study involving young women, both therapies increased blood velocity, artery diameter, and blood flow in the popliteal and posterior tibial arteries. However, MRT resulted in more significant increases in blood flow compared to massage, with average increases of 25.29% and 34.33% in the popliteal and posterior tibial arteries, respectively, compared to 17.84% and 16.07% for massage.
Dietary Supplements
Pyrogallol-Phloroglucinol-6,6'-Bieckol from Ecklonia cava
Dietary supplements such as Ecklonia cava extract (ECE) have been studied for their effects on blood circulation. Pyrogallol-phloroglucinol-6,6'-bieckol (PPB), a compound isolated from ECE, was found to significantly improve blood circulation in diet-induced obese and hypertensive mouse models. PPB reduced adhesion molecule expression, endothelial cell death, and excessive vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, while also lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Taoren-Honghua Herb Pair
The Taoren-Honghua (TH) herb pair, used in traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to promote blood circulation by affecting hemorheology, plasma coagulation, and platelet aggregation. In a study on rats, TH significantly decreased whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, and packed cell volume, while also prolonging thrombin time and thromboplastin time. The main components, amygdalin and hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), were responsible for these effects, often working synergistically.
Blood-Activating Drugs for Microvascular Angina
Blood-activating drugs (BADs) are widely used in China to treat microvascular angina. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that BADs significantly improved clinical symptoms, reduced the frequency of angina attacks, and enhanced endothelial function. These drugs also showed benefits in reducing the dosage of nitroglycerin required and improving exercise tolerance.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
Enhancing Vascular Endothelial Function
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been shown to enhance vascular endothelial function and peripheral blood circulation in patients with acute myocardial infarction. A single session of NMES significantly increased the reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT) index and transcutaneous oxygen pressure in the foot, indicating improved blood flow and endothelial function without causing excessive cardiovascular responses.
Yoga and Exercise
Yoga for Circulatory Health
Yoga exercises have been found to improve blood circulation by increasing heart rate, blood volume, and the formation of new capillaries. Yoga also helps in oxygenating the blood, which assists in delivering fresh nutrients to peripheral vessels and capillaries, thereby preventing circulatory ailments such as high blood pressure and coronary heart disease.
Moxibustion
Traditional Chinese Therapy
Moxibustion, a traditional Chinese therapy involving the burning of dried mugwort on specific acupoints, has been shown to dilate blood vessels and improve microcirculation. This therapy affects both superficial and deep tissues, including the brain, heart, and kidneys. The vasodilatory effects are mediated through various pathways involving neurotransmitters and endothelium-derived relaxing factors.
Conclusion
Improving blood circulation can be achieved through various therapies and interventions, including matrix rhythm therapy, dietary supplements, traditional Chinese medicine, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, yoga, and moxibustion. Each of these methods has been shown to enhance blood flow and improve vascular health, offering multiple options for individuals seeking to boost their circulatory system.
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