Good circulation is important as it carries oxygen and nutrients around the body. It also helps reduce symptoms such as pain, aching, swelling and heaviness in the legs and feet.
However, circulation boosters which use electrical stimulation may be harmful if you have diabetes or are pregnant or fitted with a pacemaker. Adding more movement to your day and elevating your legs is the best way to improve circulation.
What is a circulation booster?
A circulation booster is a device that helps to increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the feet and legs. It works by using drug-free technologies to stimulate the muscles of the foot and calf, encouraging them to tighten and relax. By promoting healthy blood flow, it can help to alleviate symptoms of poor circulation such as pain and swelling, as well as feelings of heaviness, tingling or numbness.
The most common circulation boosters on the market are circular devices about the size of a frisbee that have two pads for the feet to rest upon. They use electrical muscle stimulation to make the muscles contract and relax, causing the flow of blood to be improved. These are often advertised on morning TV shows and infomercials and come with a range of celebrity endorsements.
Another type of circulation booster is a compression pump circulation machine that has sleeves that are placed over the legs, similar to a blood pressure machine. The sleeves alternately tighten and loosen to stimulate the circulation in the legs. This device is more commonly used in hospitals and is not suitable for home use.
While circulation boosters may help to alleviate the symptoms of poor circulation, they are not adequate on their own to improve or prevent vein disease. A combination of diet and lifestyle changes is the best way to promote healthy blood flow and prevent future complications such as spider veins or varicose veins.
How do circulation boosters work?
Circulation boosters are small devices that use electric muscle stimulation to mimic the pumping action of physical activity. They are used to help encourage blood flow through the feet and legs, thereby promoting circulation in the whole body. These devices can be particularly useful for people who are unable to engage in regular exercise due to illness or limited mobility.
How to improve your circulation at home
If you are suffering from poor circulation, it is important that you take steps to improve it as soon as possible. This will help to prevent complications like varicose veins and help you to feel healthier overall. Poor circulation can lead to a range of symptoms including pain, stiffness, heaviness or tingling in the legs and feet. It can also cause discomfort when you are walking or sitting down for long periods of time.
Boosting your circulation at home can be easy with a little bit of effort and some new habits. Some of the best ways to improve your circulation are by:
By regularly stretching, you can encourage blood flow throughout the body. Try to do this on a daily basis. If you sit for long periods of time at work or at home, try to get up and move around for at least 10 minutes every hour. Alternatively, you can try to sit with your legs slightly apart or elevated while you are sitting.
Are circulation boosters effective?
There are plenty of circulation boosters on the market that make cautious claims about boosting your blood flow. However, the best way to improve your circulation is to start moving your body more. Circulation boosters are useful for people who have limited mobility and cannot walk, but even people with full mobility can ramp up their circulation simply by stretching their legs and ankles. Stretching elongates muscles and tendons, which helps blood move more freely through blood vessels. It also increases your heart rate, pushing blood through the body faster.
Another great way to boost your circulation is by drinking lots of water and tea. Both black and green tea contain antioxidants, which help to enlarge blood vessels and promote healthy blood flow. In addition, consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is a great way to increase your circulation.
As much as circulation boosters can be helpful for preventing future vein issues like varicose and spider veins, they cannot replace healthy eating and lifestyle habits. In order to get the most out of your circulation, you should use them alongside other health-boosting practices and seek professional treatment if your veins become problematic. The REVITIVE Medic Circulation Booster is the flagship product in the new REVITIVE range and a 2016 Red Dot Design Award winner. Team and Actegy worked together to create the device, which aims to help improve blood circulation in the feet and legs and encourage users to manage their condition and prevent leg health deterioration.
Are circulation boosters safe?
Circulation boosters are devices that stimulate the muscles in your feet and legs. They claim to improve blood flow and relieve pain. They are often promoted on morning TV shows and in infomercials with celebrity endorsements, however, they do not have the backing of clinical evidence. There are also some risks associated with circulation boosters. They may increase your blood pressure, which is dangerous if you have high blood pressure or heart disease. They may also cause soreness and cramping in your muscles. Some of the devices use electrical stimulation, which can cause nerve damage and increase your risk of developing blood clots.
It is important to remember that the best way to boost your circulation is through physical activity, including walking and flexing and pointing your toes. These activities will not only help to prevent future vein problems such as varicose and spider veins but also reduce the symptoms of existing vein disease.
There are a number of natural ways to help with circulation in the feet and legs such as putting your feet up when you are sitting for long periods of time and using compression socks. A healthy diet and lifestyle can also help with circulation. For example, reducing salt intake and increasing the amount of fibre you eat can both reduce the build-up of fats that can lead to blocked circulation.