Circulatory Problems

TThe circulatory (vascular) problems begin when the blood flow is reduced, often because of damage or formation of blood clots (thrombus) of the arteries or veins accordingly. For example, common symptoms of arterial damage in legs include pain when walking or lying on bed, numbness or coldness, fragile toe nails and non-healed scratches or blisters. On the other hand, vein insufficiency and varicose veins may not cause severe symptoms other than an irritation. However, conditions such as “deep vein thrombosis” is characterized by pain and swelling in the area of damage, usually the calf. The thrombi* remain the major danger as they can affect the heart and lungs.

Therapeutic Approach

In such case the role of the practitioner is most often complementary, as the patient may need specialist medical care, e.g. in thrombosis or in coronary artery disease, usually provided by a specialist angiologist or/and cardiologist. If there is a diagnosis and no need of hospitalisation, the patient may be treated by the use of complementary therapeutic methods. Medical history taking, systemic and physical evaluation (auscultation, blood tests, functional tests etc.) are necessary before the clinician proceeds in the application of any therapy. This may include clinical nutrition, botanotherapy (herbs), manipulative therapy and therapeutic massage (if possible) and exercises that aim to improve the circulation.

* arterial or venous