How to Improve Circulation in Hands

Cold hands or tingling sensation in hands indicates poor blood circulation. Diabetes, obesity, heart diseases, frostbite, under-active thyroid, pinched nerve, sitting or sleeping in an awkward position that compresses the arm veins and blood vessels, nutritional deficiencies, tumors along the nerves, occurrence of diseases like multiple sclerosis, Raynaud's syndrome, kidney problem, lung disease, etc., can lead to poor blood circulation.

If you are thinking about how to bring back the sensation in your hands, then finding out the exact cause of poor circulation can help determine the treatment. With prompt and correct treatment, blood circulation in hands can be improved.

Excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeine or drug abuse, an injury to hands are some other common causes of poor circulation in hands. Even excessive stress can cause muscle spasms in neck and shoulder leading to obstruction in the blood flow towards hands. Inflammation due to carpal tunnel syndrome (injury that occurs due to repetitive actions involving the fingers and wrist), formation of blood clots are also common causes of impaired blood circulation.

• Cold hands or fingertips
• Swollen arm or hand
• Pain in the arms/hands
• Tired and aching hands
• Migraine and headaches
• Brittle finger-nails
• White fingers and nails
• Blue fingers or fingertips: Cyanosis, a condition due to lack of oxygen

• Tingling sensation or numbness in hands
• Dizziness on getting up quickly
• Cramps in the hand
• Loss of sensation in hands
• A blood clot in the blood vessels in hands due to deep vein thrombosis
• Signs of nutritional deficiency such as extreme weakness, weight loss, etc.

Detection of exact cause of poor circulation can help plan the correct treatment. Following are some of the tips to improve the circulation.

• Consumption of herbs like gingko biloba helps improve blood circulation. But the dosage should be determined under the guidance of a health care provider.

• A healthy and balanced diet that consists of all the essential nutrients in correct proportions helps eliminate the causes of poor circulation of blood.
• A low cholesterol diet promotes unobstructed blood flow. High cholesterol in diet leads to accumulation of plaque in the arteries and hardening of arteries, leading to affected blood circulation.

• Dehydration can result in various health complications. Drinking plenty of water and healthy liquids like milk, shakes, juices, soups, etc., improves the circulation of blood.
• Wearing loose and comfortable clothes with loose or free sleeves is recommended if you are experiencing tingling sensation in hands.

• Vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene help enhance blood circulation.
• Avoid exposure to extreme cold, as it affects the circulation of blood seriously. Handling of cold objects should also be avoided. (You can use a tong to pick ice cubes)

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and drugs that lead to constriction of blood vessels.
• If you are overweight, try to reduce your weight with the help of weight loss diets and exercise.

• Increased intake of pumpkin, pumpkin seeds, garlic, watermelon, etc., is also very helpful. Some foods prevent plaque formation, some hinder blood coagulation and are responsible for thinning of blood that improves blood circulation.

• Regular consumption of herbal teas works great for poor circulation. Addition of small quantity of elderflower, lime blossom, ginger and yarrow to the tea can enhance its effect.

• Massage with olive or mustard oil can bring back the sensation in hands. You may use diluted essential oils such as lavender, jojoba and rosemary for massage.

• One should perform moderate but regular exercises. Those who have problems in blood circulation should perform certain arms and hands exercises as suggested by the doctor and the physical trainer. Aerobic and cardiovascular exercises are also helpful.

• Keeping yourself active helps keep the body warm and improves blood circulation. So performing simple exercises like walking, taking stairs instead of elevators, gentle stretching, yoga exercises, even breathing exercises like 'pranayama' are some of the good ways to get the blood racing.

• Wear warm clothes and keep your hands covered. Protect your hands from extreme cold.
• If you need to sit in one position throughout the day, get up and stroll around. Change your position when sitting or standing, take more breaks and stay active. Keep stretching your hands and fingers throughout the day at regular intervals.

• In case of damaged nerve or injury to the hand, provide sufficient rest to the injured part. Physical therapy can help improve circulation in that part of the hand.

• It is essential to keep a good posture throughout the day and also while sleeping. Properly aligned spine helps prevent muscle tension that can lead to improper circulation of blood.

• Most people do not know about chiropractic adjustments and alignments but they can naturally increase blood circulation in hands and arms.
• Apply balms, lotions or medicines as suggested by your health care provider on the affected hand. They can help solve the problem.

It is essential to consult your doctor to rule out a serious medical condition. Neglecting the symptoms may worsen the problem.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.