Poor hand and foot circulation can be simply a nuisance or a sign of something serious. Your circulatory system's job is to move blood throughout your body, which provides energy and oxygen for cell survival and removes waste products and toxins. If you suffer from poor circulation for a prolonged period of time, see your physician right away to rule out any life-threatening conditions.
Causes
A common reason for reduced circulation in the extremities in cold weather is vessel constriction, vasocontriction. Your body's response is to keep vital organs warm by constricting the blood vessels nearest the skin to prevent heat loss. Sitting for prolonged periods of time, as in an airplane, with your legs crossed can also restrict blood flow to the legs and feet. Health conditions such as arterial blockages due to plaque buildup, atherosclerosis and blood clots can also reduce or stop circulation. These conditions require assistance from your physician as they can be life-threatening.
Exercising
According to the American Heart Association, regular exercise can increase circulation throughout your body and help treat and prevent high cholesterol, which can cause arterial blockages. If your circulation is poor due to sitting or laying for long periods of time, simply doing hand and feet stretches can help increase blood flow to those areas. Practicing yoga postures and breathing can also help to improve circulation. You can tailor yoga to fit disabilities making it a good exercise choice especially for those who are unable to do other more strenuous routines.
Herbs
Ginger, ginseng and cinnamon are herbs traditionally used in Asian medical practices to increase circulation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, poor circulation is due to a yang deficiency in the heart. Ginger and ginseng are prescribed by practitioners as they believe those herbs can improve qi, or energy flow and increase heart warmth. Western herbalists, including Michael Tierra, suggest taking ginger or cayenne as a tea to help increase circulation throughout the body, or made into a poultice and applied to the areas of concern to bring warmth and blood flow. Ginger, ginseng, cinnamon and cayenne are generally considered safe, but always consult your doctor before taking any herb or supplement as they may interfere with any medications you are taking or cause allergic reactions.
References
- Harvard Medical School: Conditions: Cold fingers, cold toes? Could be Raynaud's
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: What is Atherosclerosis
- American Heart Association: Physical Activity
- Yoga Alliance: Top 10 Reasons to Try Yoga
- Vitality, Toronto's Monthly Wellness Journal: Traditional Chinese Medicine for Cardiovascular Health
