If You Are Suffering from Poor Blood Circulation, Watch This Dr. Barbara O'Neill's SECRET Exercises

Johns Hopkins Medicine
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19 Video Views·Aug 15, 2024
Someone has no feeling in their feet, or they have peripheral neuropathy, or if someone continually has cold feet.
Perfect health requires perfect circulation, and perfect circulation means your feet and your hands are warm.
Today, we are diving into a topic that affects so many of us, poor circulation.
Whether you are dealing with cold hands and feet, feeling tired all the time,
or just not as active as you would like, poor circulation can damper your day-to-day life.
But don't worry, we have got you covered.
We are going to talk about some fantastic, natural ways to boost your circulation,
straight from the methods of Dr. Barbara O'Neill.
She is a legend in the natural health community,
and her techniques are not only effective, but also super easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
So, let's jump right in.
First up, Dr. O'Neill recommends high-intensity interval training, or HIIT for short.
Interval training. High intensity interval training.
As the name implies, they're intervals of high intensity,
intervals of recovery for a cycle, often of anywhere between 3 and 6.
So the high intensity can be 20 to 30 seconds.
HIIT is a form of exercise where you alternate between short bursts of intense activity
and periods of lower intensity recovery.
For example, you might cycle intensely for 30 seconds, then slow down for 90 seconds.
This back-and-forth approach is not just a workout.
It is a powerful tool that Dr. O'Neill swears by for improving circulation and overall health.
One of the major advantages of HIIT, according to Dr. O'Neill, is its efficiency.
You don't need to spend hours at the gym to see results.
Just 15 minutes of HIIT a day can deliver the cardiovascular benefits you need.
Whether it is a quick cycling session or a series of bodyweight exercises,
HIIT gets the job done quickly, making it perfect for those with busy schedules.
As you do this high intensity, your heart gets stronger and stronger.
Your breath becomes, well, your lungs start to take in your air a lot deeper.
Dr. O'Neill emphasizes that HIIT is incredibly effective for enhancing circulation.
During those intense bursts of exercise, your heart rate spikes and your blood flow increases.
This helps open up a network of capillaries throughout your body.
As a result, blood reaches even the farthest extremities,
keeping your hands and feet warm and improving overall circulation.
The good thing is that the more you incorporate HIIT into your routine, the better your results will be.
As you continue with HIIT, you will notice improvements in your cardiovascular system and lung capacity.
Your body adapts over time, reducing the recovery time between intervals and making you fitter.
HIIT strengthens your heart and lungs, making them more efficient at pumping and oxygenating your blood.
Next, let's get bouncy with rebounding.
That's right, bouncing on a mini trampoline might seem like kid stuff,
but according to Dr. O'Neill, it is a fantastic way to improve circulation.
So why is the rebounder so powerful?
Three forces come together with the rebounding, because I always want to know why.
Three forces come together. One force...
The gentle bouncing motion is easy on the joints,
making it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
So, whether young or old, this is something you can enjoy.
When you bounce, the gravitational pull forces your blood to flow more efficiently through your veins and capillaries.
This increased circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout your body,
keeping your extremities warm and invigorated.
It is like giving your circulatory system a mini workout with every bounce.
Dr. O'Neill also points out that rebounding is excellent for improving balance and coordination.
The constant small adjustments your body makes while bouncing help strengthen your core and enhance your stability.
This makes it not only a great cardiovascular workout, but also a fun way to work on your balance and coordination.
If you are worried about the impact on your joints, don't be.
Rebounding is incredibly gentle, compared to many other forms of exercise.
The trampoline absorbs much of the shock, reducing stress on your knees, hips and ankles.
This makes it an ideal choice if you are looking for a low-impact workout that still delivers fantastic results.
So, grab a mini trampoline and start bouncing your way to better health today.
Now, let's take a deep breath, literally.
In fact, when you breathe through your nose, you'll get 18% more oxygen going into your blood.
And when you've got oxygen coming into your cell, you've got 18 times more energy that that cell can give you.
This number one cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is lack of oxygen at the cellular level. That's the number one cause.
It might sound simple, but Dr. O'Neill emphasizes that how you breathe can make a substantial difference in your circulation.
Most people are accustomed to breathing through their mouths, especially when stressed or exercising.
However, Dr. O'Neill advocates for nose breathing as a key to better health.
So, what is the big deal about nose breathing?
Well, nose breathing has several benefits that mouth breathing just can't match.
When you breathe through your nose, the air is filtered and warmed, which helps regulate your blood pressure and improves oxygenation.
This process ensures that oxygen is absorbed more efficiently into your bloodstream, providing your body with the nutrients it needs to function optimally.
Dr. O'Neill explains that nose breathing helps in a steady and calm rhythm of breathing, which has a direct impact on your cardiovascular system.
By breathing deeply and slowly through your nose, you help relax your body and reduce stress, which can lower blood pressure and improve circulation.
It is a small change in your daily routine that leads to big benefits for your heart and blood flow.
Dr. O'Neill also talks about something called breath pacing.
This means syncing your breathing with what you are doing, like during a workout.
For example, when doing high-intensity interval training, H-I-A-T, breathing in sync with your exercise helps you get more oxygen and improve circulation.
It is all about making your breath work for you.
Getting into good breathing habits is easy.
Dr. O'Neill suggests practicing nose breathing throughout your day, especially during moments of stress or when you are exercising.
To get started, set aside a few minutes each day to practice this kind of breathing.
Find a comfortable spot, take a deep breath in through your nose, letting your belly rise as you fill your lungs with air.
Then, exhale slowly through your nose.
Doing this regularly can improve circulation and help you feel more centered and energized.
So when I'm presenting at Mount Isa, I say to the people, you don't even have to run here.
All you have to do is walk up those hills.
So it's whatever it takes to get your heart rate up and your breathing increased.
For those just starting out, Dr. O'Neill suggests progressive exercise.
Begin with short, manageable sessions and slowly increase the intensity and duration.
This way, you build endurance over time without overwhelming your body.
It is all about taking those baby steps towards better health.
You don't need to run a marathon on day one.
Start with a brisk walk around the block, then gradually increase your distance and speed.
As you get more comfortable, you can slowly increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.
For instance, after a week or so of walking around the block, you might extend your route a bit or pick up the pace.
The key is to progress at a pace that feels right for you, without pushing yourself too hard too soon.
It is not about making huge leaps in the beginning, but about making steady, manageable progress.
So stick with it and make exercise a regular part of your routine.
When you are just starting out with exercise, one thing you will notice is recovery time.
And I'll have my recovery time.
So what's recovery time?
Well, the research shows that the best recovery time is when you're moving a bit.
So what I would do is I'd do my stretches.
This is the time your body needs to get back to its normal state after a workout.
It is kind of like giving your body a chance to catch its breath and get everything back in order.
When you first begin, you might find that it takes a bit longer to recover.
You might be out of breath, feel a bit wiped out, or even sore for a while.
That's totally normal.
But here is the cool part.
As you keep up with your workouts and your fitness level improves, you will start to bounce back faster.
Your heart rate will return to normal more quickly, your breathing will calm down sooner, and your muscles won't feel as tired.
Your recovery time is the indicator of your fitness.
Dr. Al says in his book, P.A.C.E.
He's considered the exercise doctor. His book is a bestseller.
What does P.A.C.E. mean?
P is progressive. This is progressive.
The more you do it, the stronger you will get.
Dr. O'Neill explains that this quicker recovery time is actually a great sign of good cardiovascular fitness and efficient circulation.
So what does that mean?
Basically, the faster you recover, the better your body is at handling exercise.
It shows that your heart and lungs are doing a great job of pumping oxygen and nutrients to your muscles,
and clearing out waste products like carbon dioxide and lactic acid.
It is like your body is getting good at its job, and it can manage the demands of exercise more efficiently.
Now, let's talk about staying warm.
And I've got leggings on, and I've got woolen socks in my boots.
So if, you know, especially if you're slight and you don't have a lot of padding on,
you've got to borrow from the sheep and the feathers from the duck.
You've got to go to great lengths to make sure you're warm.
Dr. O'Neill emphasizes the importance of keeping warm for maintaining healthy circulation.
This might seem like a simple piece of advice, but it is incredibly effective,
especially in colder climates where maintaining proper blood flow can be challenging.
When it gets chilly, your body has to put in some extra effort to stay warm.
Cold weather causes your blood vessels to constrict.
This narrowing can slow down blood flow,
making it harder for your body to deliver oxygen and nutrients where they are needed.
You might end up with cold hands and feet, and in really extreme cases, you could even risk frostbite.
Dr. O'Neill emphasizes that one of the best ways to combat this
is by wearing warm clothing.
So, how do you stay warm effectively?
Start by layering up with clothes that trap heat close to your body.
Think of wearing several layers instead of just one thick piece of clothing.
For your core, a warm jacket or coat is essential.
But don't forget about your extremities.
Your hands, feet, and head lose heat the fastest.
This is where gloves, thick socks, and a snug hat or beanie come in.
Even though it might seem like a small thing,
keeping these areas covered can make a huge difference in how warm and comfortable you feel.
Now, it is not just about dressing warmly.
For circulation, start moving the body.
The lymphocyser is the most powerful.
Staying active is another big part of maintaining good circulation, especially when it is cold.
When you move around, your heart pumps blood more effectively,
which keeps your circulation strong.
If you are stuck sitting for long periods,
make sure to get up and move around regularly.
Just taking a few minutes to stretch or walk around can keep your blood flowing smoothly
and prevent you from feeling too cold.
In addition, if you are spending a lot of time outside in the cold,
try to keep your core temperature stable by staying active and taking breaks to warm up.
If you are outside for a while, it is a good idea to have a warm drink or find a cozy spot to warm up.
Keeping your core warm helps your whole body stay warmer and keeps your circulation working well.
Speaking of warmth, Dr. O'Neill also suggests a cayenne pepper compress for your feet.
Cayenne pepper is a blood stimulant and anything that stimulates blood stimulates healing.
Cayenne pepper will thin the blood, cayenne pepper will rebuild heart muscle,
cayenne pepper will strengthen the arterial walls.
Dr. O'Neill recommends using cayenne pepper mixed with olive oil
to create a powerful compress that stimulates blood flow to your feet.
Cayenne pepper is known for its warming properties and ability to promote circulation.
When applied to the skin, it dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow to the affected area.
Olive oil serves as an excellent carrier oil,
allowing the cayenne pepper to be applied smoothly and effectively while also moisturizing your skin.
I've got double layer of kitchen paper and I'm going to sprinkle it with a little bit of olive oil
and you spread it over the area because what you want to do is put enough olive oil on there
so that the cayenne pepper will stick to it and now I'm going to sprinkle cayenne pepper.
We do about half a teaspoon to a foot and then the foot goes straight on that.
To make a cayenne pepper compress, start by mixing half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder
with enough warm olive oil to create a paste.
Don't worry if it seems a bit messy, it is worth it.
Once you have your paste, apply it to a piece of cloth or gauze,
spreading it out evenly.
Make sure it is not too thick, just enough to cover the area.
Next, carefully wrap the cloth around your feet,
paying extra attention to the areas that are most affected by the cold.
It might feel a bit weird at first, but you will get used to it.
To keep the compress in place, put on a pair of socks.
This will also help to hold in the warmth and make the treatment more effective.
Now, sit back and relax for about 20-30 minutes.
During this time, you will probably feel a warming sensation.
That is the cayenne pepper doing its job.
It stimulates blood flow, helping to reduce any cold or numb feelings in your feet.
The warm olive oil also soothes and moisturizes your skin.
Once the time is up, carefully remove the cloth and wash the paste off with warm water.
You should notice that your feet feel warmer and more comfortable.
If you still feel a bit of a tingle, don't worry.
That's normal and just means the cayenne is continuing to work.
One of the best things about this remedy is that it is all natural and super easy to make
with stuff you probably already have in your kitchen.
No need for special medicines or treatments, just a simple, effective way to boost your circulation
and keep your feet feeling warm and cozy.
And don't forget about hydration.
Ladies and gentlemen, it's a not negotiable thing.
You just gotta find out how to get it in.
Have the water in the car, have the water by your bed,
have the water in the kitchen, have the water in your workplace.
Water is essential for almost every function in your body,
including maintaining healthy circulation.
When you are well hydrated, your blood stays at the right consistency
and can flow easily through your blood vessels.
On the other hand, if you don't drink enough water, your blood becomes thick,
making it harder for your heart to pump it throughout your body.
This can slow down your circulation and make you feel sluggish.
Dr. O'Neill emphasizes the importance of keeping a water bottle handy
and sipping throughout the day.
It is a simple habit that can make a big difference.
By drinking plenty of water, you keep your blood fluid and your circulation strong.
This is especially important during hot weather,
when you are more likely to lose water through sweat,
or when you are exercising, which increases your body's need for hydration.
Everyone's water needs are a bit different,
but a good rule of thumb is to aim for at least 8 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
This is often called the 8X8 rule.
However, you might need more if you are very active, live in a hot climate,
or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Lastly, strengthening exercises like weight training or bodyweight exercises
can improve overall circulation.
When you engage in strengthening exercises like weight training or bodyweight workouts,
you are not just working out your muscles.
You are also improving your circulation.
This happens because your muscles act as pumps every time they contract.
For example, when you lift a weight or do a squat,
your muscles contract and relax,
and this action helps push blood back toward your heart.
This process, known as the muscle pump action,
is crucial for maintaining good circulation.
The stronger your muscles become,
the more effectively they can perform this pumping action,
which keeps your blood flowing freely throughout your body.
Dr. O'Neill emphasizes the importance of incorporating these strengthening exercises
into your routine to maintain a healthy circulatory system.
She suggests making weight training a regular part of your workout schedule.
This does not necessarily mean hitting the gym with heavy dumbbells every day.
It can be as simple as using resistance bands or doing bodyweight exercises.
Things like push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks
are excellent examples of bodyweight exercises
that build muscle and promote better blood flow.
They are convenient, don't require fancy equipment,
and can be done anywhere, making them a great option for boosting circulation.
To get started, you don't need to jump into an intense workout routine right away.
Begin with lighter weights or simpler bodyweight exercises
and focus on proper form to prevent injury.
Gradually increase the intensity as you build strength.
Consistency is key,
so aim to include some form of strength training in your weekly routine
to reap the full benefits for your circulation and overall health.
So, there you have it.
A range of simple and effective strategies to boost your circulation
and improve your overall well-being.
From the high-energy bursts of HIIT to the playful bounce of rebounding,
and even the power of proper breathing and hydration,
these tips from Dr. Barbara O'Neill offer something for everyone.
Remember, you don't need to overhaul your life overnight.
Start with small changes, like incorporating a bit of HIIT into your routine,
or practicing nose breathing and gradually build up from there.
Keep your body warm, stay hydrated, and don't forget to have fun while you are at it.
With these easy steps, you will be on your way to feeling more energized and healthier in no time.
Share your favorite tip or any new changes you are trying in the comments below.
What is working for you? What's been the most fun?
And, if you have any questions or need more tips, do not hesitate to ask.
We are all in this together.
Thanks for joining us on this journey to better circulation.
Here is to a vibrant and active life ahead!
