Circulation for optimal health

What is Circulation

Circulation is the movement, distribution, and removal of all the nutrients and wastes in the body. Circulation is one of the most fundamentally important aspects of health and needs to be assessed and supported accordingly. Circulation does not just refer to the cardiovascular system but also refers to the lymphatic system, our organs of detoxification, the energetic system of Qi, and our mental-emotional health. When circulation of any of these tangible or intangible substances is inhibited systemic effects will evolve.

The importance of good circulation cannot be overstated. Many conditions and symptoms like headaches, tinnitus, chronic pain, fatigue, cold extremities, dry skin, and unwanted weight gain can be caused or worsened by poor circulation. If you are suffering from symptoms of poor circulation I strongly suggest you have your circulatory system evaluated by a naturopathic physician.

The Importance of Circulation - The River of Life

To illustrate the importance of good circulation imagine a beautiful and healthy river flowing through the mountains from the snowmelt and glacier runoff. This river is full of nutrients and minerals swept down from the rocks of the mountains. It is full of fish, small mammals, and other aquatic life. Its banks are teaming with lush vegetation. The water is pure and clean because the current moves the waste downstream to the ocean. Now imagine a few years of drought combined with the receding of the glacier. Also, imagine the river becomes blocked with some large trees and debris. What will happen to this once healthy river? It will turn into a stagnant pool of water, a swamp. This is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests. The natural species who used to thrive will move out while other species who can survive in this environment will move in. The waste created by the new critters will no longer be carried downstream to the ocean. And the lush vegetation that lined the entire river will dry up and cease to exist.

When circulation in the body is inadequate similar negative consequences occur. Nutrients no longer arrive at all of the tissues and cells of the body in optimal amounts. Metabolic wastes, toxins, and by-products no longer get swept away from the tissues and cells and get taken to the organs of elimination. The major filtering organs of the body like the liver, kidneys, lungs, and spleen no longer get optimal blood supply and are unable to cleanse the blood optimally.

If you are interested in learning more about cardiovascular health or would like to schedule a consultation please visit my website at www.drbrentbarlownd.com or call the clinic at 250-448-5610.

In next week’s column we will investigate the signs of poor circulation.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.