Stretches that Help Poor Circulation

If your arms and legs fall asleep at night or during the day it may be the result of bad circulation. There are
many medications and natural remedies that relieve poor circulation and it's a good idea to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

As with any condition that affects our health, however, there is always a measure of effort on our part to manage and treat it. Poor circulation is no exception.

If you're in need of a way to relieve poor circulation try these five simple stretches.

1. Lie on your back with your arms stretched above your head and your legs straight. While you're lying in this position begin to reach as far above your head as you can comfortably manage and stretch your legs as if you're hands and feet are being pulled in opposite directions.

Once you've stretched as far as you can, hold that position for three seconds and then relax. Repeat three more times. This stretch helps to get the blood flowing throughout your entire body and is an excellent way to relieve bad circulation.

2. Continue lying down for this stretch. This time keep your legs straight and together, but stretch out your arms on both sides as if you are about to give someone a big hug. While keeping your left arm straight and back flat, lift your right arm across your chest and touch the inside of your elbow on your left arm. Hold this position for three seconds, then relax and do the same with the left arm. Repeat this stretch for both arms, three times. This is a great way to help poor circulation in your arms.

3. Now, keep your legs straight and together but sit upright. With your arms in front of you, slowly bend forward as if touching your toes. You do not have to actually touch your toes, just stretch as far as you can. Once you've reached your limit, hold your hands on your legs or feet in that position for three seconds. Relax and repeat the stretch three more times.

This is another stretch that involves the full body and will get your blood flowing. It primarily targets the legs, as you can feel when doing the stretch, and is an excellent way to relieve poor circulation in the legs.

4. The next two stretches are very simple and only require you to use your feet and ankles. For the first one, either lie down or continue sitting upright with your legs straight and together, toes pointing upward at the ceiling. Slowly tip your toes forward, away from your body as far as you can. Once you've reached your stretching limit, hold your feet in this position for three seconds, then relax and repeat three additional times.

Bad circulation is often most noticeable in the feet and legs. This stretch will help poor circulation in this area.

5. For this last stretch, stay in the same position with your toes pointed up towards the ceiling. This time instead of stretching your toes away from you, slowly tip your feet backwards, towards your body, as if you are trying to touch your toes to your shins. After stretching them as far as you can, hold the position for three seconds, release for three, and repeat the stretch three more times.

This is another great stretch that will help poor circulation in the legs and feet. You can alternate between this stretch and the one described in number four to get the most relief from poor circulation.

These stretches are quick, easy, and effective. Try doing them every day in the morning and at night before going to bed for the best results. They can, however, be done whenever needed. If there is any reason to believe that doing these stretches could cause injury, you should consult your doctor before attempting them.

Poor circulation can be extremely uncomfortable and is often caused by lack of mobility. Being active and getting plenty of cardio and eating a healthy diet is the best way to help poor circulation. Still, if increased mobility isn't an option for you, or you simply would like another way to relieve poor circulation, these stretches can help.