CIRCULATION
what Goes around; comes around!
Hydraulics and Herbs: Part 2
“Conjunction Junction; What’s your function?”
I use to love to sing that song with my kids while we watched Electric Company.
Of course, that song reflected the use of the apostrophe in grammatical construction-
not the anatomical conjunction that we will discuss here today.
Hydraulics is the constant need to equalize pressure. Hydraulics depends on pressure gradients: Up and down; positive and negative; in and out; hot and cold; dry and wet; fast and slow; acid and base. Constant regulation of pressure keeps our bodies in homeostasis or equilibrium. When the pressure flows are blocked, stagnated or unregulated; illness and dis-ease develops. Our body’s “conjunction junction” is our circulatory system. From our arteries and veins, to our arterioles and venules, to our capillary beds and our tissue cells- pressure reigns. Pressure controls the smooth flow of blood from our heart to our periphery (finger and toe tips) - and back again. Pressure controls the exchange of CO2 and Oxygen in the capillary beds and the exchange of potassium and sodium across the cell membranes.
In this article, we will discuss the anatomy of the circulatory system and how it works for us. We will also talk about herbs and life styles that can help our circulation function at its best.
We can envision the circulatory system as a transit system in a city- with side routes, detours, and hubs of activity. The circulatory system is a loop- it goes around and comes around. Along the way, pressures affect its transit times. Routes going away from the heart are called arteries; routes coming toward the heart are called veins. Except for a few instances, arteries carry fresh oxygenated blood; and veins carry blood in need of oxygenation. Let’s take a trip.
Zap! We are in a very tiny submarine- no bigger than the period at the end of this sentence. “Fantastic Voyage”- remember that movie? We find our tiny ship in the right atrium- the chamber of the heart receiving blood from the vena cava- the great veins of the body. Muscular walls surround us as we are suspended in the blood in this chamber of the heart. This blood is devoid of oxygen – bluish red. [When we view our veins, we observe that they seem blue. The blood in the veins is returning to the heart to be oxygenated. When blood is oxygenated- as in the arteries- it is bright red.] Suddenly, the muscular walls contract around us, and we are shunted into the right ventricle of the heart, then “pulsed” or pumped by the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. Returning from the lungs we are deposited into the left atrium of the heart, surrounded by freshly oxygenated “red” blood. As the heart contracts on its next pulse, we are shunted to the left ventricle- the most powerful (muscular) of the four heart chambers. On the next pulse, we are propelled into the great artery- the aorta- for our long journey to the cells. As the aorta arches up, around, and down along the heart, arteries branch off to supply the head- the carotid arteries; shoulders- the subclavian arteries; and arms- the axillary and brachial arteries. With great force, our little sub careens around the aortic arch and down into the lower body surrounded by lush red blood.
We pass by the junction of the renal arteries (which supply the kidneys) and the junction of the mesenteric artery (that supplies the gut) just below the diaphragm; and come to the inverted “Y” division of the aorta into the iliac arteries- (which supply the pelvis) and descend into the leg. As we travel down into the leg we are pulsed through the femoral artery in the thigh. Our tiny sub reaches the foot through the tibial artery in the lower leg and the dorsalis pedis artery in the arch of the foot. Here, we are pulsed through arterioles (small arteries) that become tiny capillaries that are one cell layer thick. At the cell level the capillary beds are awash with interstitial fluids. The capillary network –sort of like a fishnet- surrounds each tissue cell. Within this capillary network, hydraulic pressures exchange electrolytes like sodium and potassium, oxygen and CO2; and waste materials and lipids from cell metabolism. Traveling through this network, we see hydraulic pressures at work. Fresh oxygen from the artery is exchanged here for CO2 from the cell; waste materials are “sumped” into lymph vessels and electrolytes are picked up for delivery to the kidneys and lungs. Our journey continues as we are picked up by a tiny venule- the smallest of veins. By now we have lost our momentum and are beginning to work against gravity. We are surrounded by “blue” blood that is filled with CO2 and waste material. With each pulse of the heart, we rise toward the heart like a climber rises up a rope holding onto knots. The “knots” we utilize are valves in the vein walls. As we are pushed passively up toward the heart, the valves hold us from falling back. Within the foot, the venules expand into the great saphenous vein of the lower leg. We are pushed from behind by the pressure of the blood within the arteries behind us. Up we go, through the femoral vein of the thigh- to the ileac vein in the pelvis. Here, the ileac veins from the legs join (again an inverted “Y”) to form the inferior vena cava- the great vein of the body. Riding up the inferior vena cava; we pass the renal vein (on its way from the kidney carrying electrolytes that regulate acid/base balance) and the mesenteric vein (draining the gut) - and find our tiny sub moving up the length of the body to the junction of both vena cavas. The superior vena cava drains the head (jugular veins) neck (subclavian vein) and shoulders (basilic vein, cephalic vein, and axillary vein); and the inferior vena cava- our ride- drains the body. We have traveled the “circulation route” and find our tiny sub once more deposited in the right atrium of the heart. Whew!
What a ride – and all in the space of one minute for a normal person!
It may help us to know the difference between the anatomy of the arteries and the anatomy of the veins. [In our body diagram, Arteries are shown on the right side of the body- veins on the left. This is to illustrate oxygenated and unoxgenated blood. In our bodies, the veins and arteries overlap each other- as well as the lymph system that we talked about last time.] Arteries are embedded deeply within muscles and viscera. Pulse points are places in the body that arteries come near the surface and become easier to “feel.” Veins are more superficially located; you can visualize them near the surface. Both arterial and venal walls have three layers. [See diagram] The outer layers (tunica adventitia) are composed of connective tissue as well as collagen and elastin. This layer keeps the vessels elastic allowing them to stretch and come back- preventing overexpansion due to pressures exerted on the walls by the pulse. In veins, the adventitious layer is thicker. In arteries and veins, the central layer (tunica media) is a layer of smooth muscle which rebounds with the pulse of the heart, and increases the pressure of it. However, in arteries the central layer is much thicker and helps reverberate to the pressure of the heart’s pulse- moving blood along. Veins contain one-way valves along their length, preventing the back flow of blood during contractions of the heart muscle. (Weak valves prolapse- that is to say they sag and loose tone. Vericosities and hemorrhoids are examples of lost vein tone.) Valves are necessary to venous return because propulsion of blood back to the heart comes from left over force of the artery. The inner layer (tunica intima) coated with smooth endothelium - is smooth, slick, and elastic. The wet slickness of this layer allows blood to pass through without stopping. Blood vessels do not propel blood along- however arteries (more so than veins) can contract the muscle layer- regulating their inner diameter and changing the rate of blood flow downstream. We can see this happen during sudden temperature change; or with the “fight or flight” reaction in an emergency when blood flow to the periphery is constricted to allow more blood to flow to vital organs. Remember, when arteries are chronically constricted; peripheral blood pressure is chronically increased and the condition of high blood pressure results.
We will also learn that this peripheral condition, if unchecked,
can cause strain on the heart because the heart works harder to complete each pulse.
External circulation is affected by pressures. Hot expands the vessels; cold contracts them. Damp causes stagnation and backflow; Dryness dehydrates and can lead to “thick blood” which flows slower. Gravity pulls against venous flow that returns to the heart. Weak venous tone causes valve failure within the veins; poor venous return causes the heart to pump harder and faster to raise the blood to the lungs for oxygenation and refreshment.
Internal circulation- that at the cellular level- is also affected by pressures. Just as we saw when we crossed over the capillary bed in our tiny submarine, pressure gradients within the interstitial fluids facilitated exchanges of gases, electrolytes, and nutrition for waste. Interstitial fluid provides the immediate microenvironment that allows for movement of ions, proteins and nutrients across the cell barrier. Injury to tissues causes release of chemical mediators -injured cells, histamine, prostaglandins, and phagocytes- into the extracellular/ interstitial fluids. These mediators cause vasodilatation which increases blood flow to the area. Outward signs of “congestion” are signaled by the redness and heat of inflammation. Within this congestion, capillaries become more permeable to pressure gradients by increased fluid content. This allows healing chemicals, cells, clotting factors, and antibodies to flow freely to and from the injury.
The following Western Medical conditions of the circulatory system that affect the way the heart can propel the blood to the cells includes conditions affecting the layers of the arteries and veins, such as:
ARTERIOsclerosis (what we know as “hardening of the arteries)
ATHEROsclerosis (deposits of lipids within the walls of the vessels which causes narrowing of the vessel opening- tends to target the aorta, the arteries leading to the brain, the lower legs, and the kidneys.)
Conditions of the walls, themselves:
Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease (decreased diameter of peripheral arteries
caused by deposits, constriction, or inflammation)
Peripheral Vascular Disease (inflammation, clots, or loss of valve tone in the veins.)
Keeping vessels supple and their lumens (openings) smooth is a major component in preventing vascular disease. Blood clotting prevents excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. During injury, platelets and blood proteins cover the injury by forming a clot to protect the site. Most of the time, your body dissolves the clot after the injury heals. Sometimes clots form inside vessels without injury and do not dissolve. Clots can form within arteries or veins. Arterial clots restrict flow of oxygenated blood to the tissues. Arterial clots are usually associated with atherosclerosis- narrowing of the vessel by deposits within the vessel walls. These clots are formed when the arterial pulse is continually forced through the narrowing of an atherosclerotic (deposit filled) vessel wall. The high pressure can cause the plaque deposit to rupture. Chemicals released during this rupture can cause a clotting situation that can lead to a stroke in the brain, or a heart attack. When a clot blocks the blood supply to a vital organ, oxygen and nutrients are deprived and the organ can have lasting damage due to deprivation. Clot formation can also occur when inner vessel walls are not smooth. Platelets sense injury or roughness and cling to the area to heal it. As more platelets come along, they cling to the area as well. A cascade of chemical reactions can occur that seals off the vessel.
Clots can also occur in veins. Because of the vein’s low pressure, clot formation is not as rapid; however, in time it can restrict the return of blood to the heart, cause pain and swelling as the blood backs up behind the clot. Deep vein thrombosis forms in a major vein of the leg or other large vein. Clots like this can detach, travel to the heart and lungs and become lodged preventing blood flow. This can become life threatening.
As we age, we lose collagen and elastin in the internal layers of the skin
and our vessels become more prominent- more easily damaged.
Inflammation is a major cause of aging. As a matter of fact, David Winston -[ADAPTOGENS Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief] talks about “Inflamm-aging,” the fact that as we age inflammatory levels increase.
Microscopic vasculitis – that which is not obviously apparent, is occurring at a younger age than first thought. We may think that Circulatory conditions are the result of aging;
however, what if aging is the result of Circulatory conditions?
If you know that vascular conditions are a part of your family history; you are looking at your own future. If you are twenty years old, and your grandfather has “hardening of the arteries,” you probably have the beginning of that condition too. “It’s all in the family.” Looking at your family, you can assess how aging will affect you. If you take steps now to keep your vessels clear, you can head off life threatening vascular/circulatory conditions. Lifestyle adjustments can go a long way to change what could be your future. Don’t wait to be diagnosed.
start now to work preventative measures into your life.
HELPFUL HERBS
Herbalists do not write prescriptions for “conditions;” they make recommendations based on your particular body and tissue type. Just as each person is not a carbon copy of his friends; everyone who is 50 years old coming to a consult with vascular symptoms may not need the same intervention. Recommendations will depend on your particular body and tissue type. Family history will play a roll, as well. Because each person is so individual, I recommend that you see a qualified herbalist who can determine what herbs will best help your particular conditions. Often, your herbalist can recommend an herbal formula constituted especially for you.
The following herbs are often recommended to keep vessels supple and the intima (innermost layer) clear:
Cardiotonics have a beneficial action on the blood vessels but contain no cardiac glycosides.
Can facilitate changes in both cardiac pattern and volume.
Garlic, Hawthorn, Linden flower, Cramp bark, Yarrow, Ginkgo, American ginseng, Amla, Ashwagandha, Asian ginseng, Astragalus, Cordyceps, Eluthero, Jiaogulan, Reishi, Maral root, Rhodiola, Schisandra, and Motherwort.
Vascular Tonics: Nourish and tone tissues of arteries and veins.
Hawthorn, Linden flower, Ginkgo, Yarrow, Horse Chestnut,
White Oak bark, Prickly ash, Lycium and Angelica.
Hypotensives: Lower elevated blood pressure.
Hawthorn, Linden flower, Yarrow, Cramp bark, Valerian, Astragalus, Cordyceps,
Holy basil, Jiaogulan, Reishi, Schisandra, and Skullcap.
Diuretics: Reduce fluid build-up within tissues; overcome decreased renal blood flow accompanying hypertension.
Yarrow, Hawthorn, Linden flower.
Circulatory Stimulants: Increase peripheral circulation.
Prickly ash, Ginkgo, Ginger.
Nervines: Help with accompanying nervous tension and anxiety. Most nervines have an antispasmodic effect.
Linden flower, Cramp bark, Lemon balm.
Antispasmodics: Ease peripheral resistance by relaxing tunica media (muscular layer) of the vessels.
Cramp bark, Hawthorn, Linden flower, Ginkgo.
Peripheral Vasodilators: Lessen resistance within the peripheral vessels,
increasing total system volume and lowering vascular pressures.
Ginkgo, Yarrow, Garlic.
Cholesterol Reducing: Reduces serum cholesterol [and triglycerides].
Garlic, Guggul, Capsaisin (Cayenne), Fenugreek, Caraway, Ligustrum, Meniran, American ginseng, Amla, Asian ginseng,Cordyceps, Eluthero, He shou wu, Holy basil, Jiaogulan, Licorice,
Lycium, Reishi, Maral root, Rhodiola, and Shilajit.
Anti-Platelet: Inhibits unnecessary clotting within vessels.
Garlic, Reishi.
Anti-Inflammatory: Horse chestnut, Amla, Ashwagandha, Asian ginseng, Cordyceps, Eluthero, Guduchi, Holy basil, Jiaogulan, Licorice, Reishi, Rhodiola, Schisandra, and Shilajit.
Keeping your vessels healthy means that you are constantly conditioning yourself by utilizing healthy lifestyle choices: avoid alcohol, tobacco and caffeine; incorporate stress relieving techniques; move your body- get up and get out!; eat food your body appreciates and can utilize for best health; use supplements that add to your cardiovascular future.
LIFE STYLES Don’t wait until you have been diagnosed with Cardiovascular disease. Look over the following habits, and change what you can now. You don’t have to become debilitated as you age. Act now.
WEIGHT: Reducing your weight can be a big part of your healthy future.
Sometimes hypertension can be controlled by weight loss, alone.
RELAXATION: We are a nation of chemically digitalized robots. We take chemical medications for everything.
Just because someone writes you a prescription, does not mean that the chemical will be good for YOU.
Do you know how to relax? Do you incorporate relaxation and “down time” into your everyday?
You may suffer from chronic anxiety. Anxiety is engendered from within.
Controlling your response to anxiety is crucial.
What are your triggers?
This seems simplistic, however each time you react to anxiety, your vasculature tenses, blood pressures fall or rise,
and full oxygenation of the blood is forestalled.
Anxiety is not only emotional, but also physical.
Remember: Body, Mind and Spirit. Chronic anxiety crushes the spirit.
Provide visual proof to yourself:
Sit down and write a list of your anxiety triggers. Sometimes you can reprogram your response to triggers by utilizing exercise, self-hypnosis, massage, meditation, supportive relationships, or pre-learned relaxation techniques.
You cannot always change what is happening with family or your surroundings but you CAN change your responses. The secret to change is to practice beforehand- don’t wait until the next episode.
Find your special “anxiety escape” and practice.
EXERCISE: Enjoy movement. “Get up and get out.”
Find an aerobic movement that you enjoy and try to do it daily.
TOBACCO use, whether by smoking or dipping is harmful to the cardiovascular system.
Direct links to high blood pressure and “stiffening of the arterial walls” have been proven by medical studies.
Trends have increased for dipping since “non-smoking” rules have taken effect. Kids think it’s neat to dip.
“My dad does it; I want to be like him. My grandpa always dipped.”
Scientifically speaking, “nicotine is lethal to all animal life; it is commonly used as a horticultural insecticide.
Tobacco use is often the cause for stroke, blood vessel disease, and sudden cardiac death.
Smoking is also the most important factor for atherosclerosis of the arteries in the legs.”
Young children exposed to parental smoke have more incidents of lung and ear infections.
Secondary smoke has a negative effect on their blood vessels, as well.
Want to lessen your cardiovascular stressors? Stop using tobacco in any form!
ALCOHOL consumption- in small amounts- has been shown to benefit the cardiovascular system
due to its dilatory effect on the vessels. So, one drink per day could be healthy for you.
However, alcohol abuse contributes to heart disease. More than three drinks per day – on any day- can raise blood pressure. Binge drinking (sporadic heavy drinking-even though you abstain between “binges”) can lead to stroke.
DIET AND SUPPLEMENTATION
WATER: Drink at least two pints per day.
SALT: Sodium in the Western diet is about 15 times that needed by our bodies.
Salt causes water retention, which raises the pressures of the blood. Eating foods that you cook can control the amount of salt you ingest.
Eliminate processed pre-packaged foods and cook for yourself.
Veggies taste so much better.
POTASSIUM: and Sodium are constantly moving toward balance in the body.
Raising potassium lowers sodium.
Eating potassium rich foods like bananas, dried apricots, orange juice and potatoes
keeps potassium within normal range.
CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM: Supplementation affects the tone of the vascular walls
inviting relaxation and a hypotensive effect.
Foods high in Calcium are Dark green leafy veggies, Low fat Milk – fortified coconut, soy, almond milks; Lowfat cheeses, especially mozzarella; Almonds, and Okra.
We are told that we are a magnesium starved nation.
Foods high in magnesium are squash and pumpkin seeds; sesame seeds, brazil nuts (four of these a day will take care of your Mg. requirements) almonds, cashews, pine nuts, peanuts, pecans, and walnuts.
SUGAR: Concentrations of sugar in the blood raises sodium levels.
Remember, where salt is- so is the water.
Water retention raises blood pressure.
Sugar also affects the hormonal stress response generated by the adrenal cortex.
One of these effects is production of the hormone cortisol which causes fat deposits in the abdomen.
Excess tummy fat is a cardiovascular stressor.
CAFFEINE: Contained in tea, coffee, cola, and “5 hour Booster” drinks, caffeine stimulates the vessels.
To relax tension in your vessels; limit consumption.
FATS: Excessive consumption of saturated (meat) fats has a direct correlation to hypertension.
Consuming more polyunsaturated than saturated fats helps normalize blood pressure.
Cutting meat from your diet- starting with on day per week significantly reduces effects of aging on blood vessels.
MEAT: If you are hypertensive, eliminate meat from your diet –
especially red meat. Be kind to your blood vessels.
In conclusion, I hope you see that the circulation, which goes around and comes around, touches every part of you.
It nourishes, cleans, oxygenates, and provides energy from your head to your toes.
You feel the benefits of your circulation all the time.
If it malfunctions, you can feel it all over your body.
I usually provide a list of herbs for you to see that there is help for you with these conditions.
You may not understand how to use the herbs I name- That’s OK. I want you to seek help with this.
The difference between Western Medicalism and Western Herbalism is that your physician treats your “conditions;” your Herbalist treats you.
Find a good Herbalist and let them formulate a treatment plan especially for YOU.
You are specific and special.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
ADAPTOGENS Herbs for Strength and Stamina
David Winston and Steven Maimes
MEDICAL HERBALISM THE SCIENCE AND PRACTICE OF HERBAL MEDICINE
David Hoffmann
“Conjunction Junction; What’s your function?”
I use to love to sing that song with my kids while we watched Electric Company.
Of course, that song reflected the use of the apostrophe in grammatical construction-
not the anatomical conjunction that we will discuss here today.
Hydraulics is the constant need to equalize pressure. Hydraulics depends on pressure gradients: Up and down; positive and negative; in and out; hot and cold; dry and wet; fast and slow; acid and base. Constant regulation of pressure keeps our bodies in homeostasis or equilibrium. When the pressure flows are blocked, stagnated or unregulated; illness and dis-ease develops. Our body’s “conjunction junction” is our circulatory system. From our arteries and veins, to our arterioles and venules, to our capillary beds and our tissue cells- pressure reigns. Pressure controls the smooth flow of blood from our heart to our periphery (finger and toe tips) - and back again. Pressure controls the exchange of CO2 and Oxygen in the capillary beds and the exchange of potassium and sodium across the cell membranes.
In this article, we will discuss the anatomy of the circulatory system and how it works for us. We will also talk about herbs and life styles that can help our circulation function at its best.
We can envision the circulatory system as a transit system in a city- with side routes, detours, and hubs of activity. The circulatory system is a loop- it goes around and comes around. Along the way, pressures affect its transit times. Routes going away from the heart are called arteries; routes coming toward the heart are called veins. Except for a few instances, arteries carry fresh oxygenated blood; and veins carry blood in need of oxygenation. Let’s take a trip.
Zap! We are in a very tiny submarine- no bigger than the period at the end of this sentence. “Fantastic Voyage”- remember that movie? We find our tiny ship in the right atrium- the chamber of the heart receiving blood from the vena cava- the great veins of the body. Muscular walls surround us as we are suspended in the blood in this chamber of the heart. This blood is devoid of oxygen – bluish red. [When we view our veins, we observe that they seem blue. The blood in the veins is returning to the heart to be oxygenated. When blood is oxygenated- as in the arteries- it is bright red.] Suddenly, the muscular walls contract around us, and we are shunted into the right ventricle of the heart, then “pulsed” or pumped by the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. Returning from the lungs we are deposited into the left atrium of the heart, surrounded by freshly oxygenated “red” blood. As the heart contracts on its next pulse, we are shunted to the left ventricle- the most powerful (muscular) of the four heart chambers. On the next pulse, we are propelled into the great artery- the aorta- for our long journey to the cells. As the aorta arches up, around, and down along the heart, arteries branch off to supply the head- the carotid arteries; shoulders- the subclavian arteries; and arms- the axillary and brachial arteries. With great force, our little sub careens around the aortic arch and down into the lower body surrounded by lush red blood.
We pass by the junction of the renal arteries (which supply the kidneys) and the junction of the mesenteric artery (that supplies the gut) just below the diaphragm; and come to the inverted “Y” division of the aorta into the iliac arteries- (which supply the pelvis) and descend into the leg. As we travel down into the leg we are pulsed through the femoral artery in the thigh. Our tiny sub reaches the foot through the tibial artery in the lower leg and the dorsalis pedis artery in the arch of the foot. Here, we are pulsed through arterioles (small arteries) that become tiny capillaries that are one cell layer thick. At the cell level the capillary beds are awash with interstitial fluids. The capillary network –sort of like a fishnet- surrounds each tissue cell. Within this capillary network, hydraulic pressures exchange electrolytes like sodium and potassium, oxygen and CO2; and waste materials and lipids from cell metabolism. Traveling through this network, we see hydraulic pressures at work. Fresh oxygen from the artery is exchanged here for CO2 from the cell; waste materials are “sumped” into lymph vessels and electrolytes are picked up for delivery to the kidneys and lungs. Our journey continues as we are picked up by a tiny venule- the smallest of veins. By now we have lost our momentum and are beginning to work against gravity. We are surrounded by “blue” blood that is filled with CO2 and waste material. With each pulse of the heart, we rise toward the heart like a climber rises up a rope holding onto knots. The “knots” we utilize are valves in the vein walls. As we are pushed passively up toward the heart, the valves hold us from falling back. Within the foot, the venules expand into the great saphenous vein of the lower leg. We are pushed from behind by the pressure of the blood within the arteries behind us. Up we go, through the femoral vein of the thigh- to the ileac vein in the pelvis. Here, the ileac veins from the legs join (again an inverted “Y”) to form the inferior vena cava- the great vein of the body. Riding up the inferior vena cava; we pass the renal vein (on its way from the kidney carrying electrolytes that regulate acid/base balance) and the mesenteric vein (draining the gut) - and find our tiny sub moving up the length of the body to the junction of both vena cavas. The superior vena cava drains the head (jugular veins) neck (subclavian vein) and shoulders (basilic vein, cephalic vein, and axillary vein); and the inferior vena cava- our ride- drains the body. We have traveled the “circulation route” and find our tiny sub once more deposited in the right atrium of the heart. Whew!
What a ride – and all in the space of one minute for a normal person!
It may help us to know the difference between the anatomy of the arteries and the anatomy of the veins. [In our body diagram, Arteries are shown on the right side of the body- veins on the left. This is to illustrate oxygenated and unoxgenated blood. In our bodies, the veins and arteries overlap each other- as well as the lymph system that we talked about last time.] Arteries are embedded deeply within muscles and viscera. Pulse points are places in the body that arteries come near the surface and become easier to “feel.” Veins are more superficially located; you can visualize them near the surface. Both arterial and venal walls have three layers. [See diagram] The outer layers (tunica adventitia) are composed of connective tissue as well as collagen and elastin. This layer keeps the vessels elastic allowing them to stretch and come back- preventing overexpansion due to pressures exerted on the walls by the pulse. In veins, the adventitious layer is thicker. In arteries and veins, the central layer (tunica media) is a layer of smooth muscle which rebounds with the pulse of the heart, and increases the pressure of it. However, in arteries the central layer is much thicker and helps reverberate to the pressure of the heart’s pulse- moving blood along. Veins contain one-way valves along their length, preventing the back flow of blood during contractions of the heart muscle. (Weak valves prolapse- that is to say they sag and loose tone. Vericosities and hemorrhoids are examples of lost vein tone.) Valves are necessary to venous return because propulsion of blood back to the heart comes from left over force of the artery. The inner layer (tunica intima) coated with smooth endothelium - is smooth, slick, and elastic. The wet slickness of this layer allows blood to pass through without stopping. Blood vessels do not propel blood along- however arteries (more so than veins) can contract the muscle layer- regulating their inner diameter and changing the rate of blood flow downstream. We can see this happen during sudden temperature change; or with the “fight or flight” reaction in an emergency when blood flow to the periphery is constricted to allow more blood to flow to vital organs. Remember, when arteries are chronically constricted; peripheral blood pressure is chronically increased and the condition of high blood pressure results.
We will also learn that this peripheral condition, if unchecked,
can cause strain on the heart because the heart works harder to complete each pulse.
External circulation is affected by pressures. Hot expands the vessels; cold contracts them. Damp causes stagnation and backflow; Dryness dehydrates and can lead to “thick blood” which flows slower. Gravity pulls against venous flow that returns to the heart. Weak venous tone causes valve failure within the veins; poor venous return causes the heart to pump harder and faster to raise the blood to the lungs for oxygenation and refreshment.
Internal circulation- that at the cellular level- is also affected by pressures. Just as we saw when we crossed over the capillary bed in our tiny submarine, pressure gradients within the interstitial fluids facilitated exchanges of gases, electrolytes, and nutrition for waste. Interstitial fluid provides the immediate microenvironment that allows for movement of ions, proteins and nutrients across the cell barrier. Injury to tissues causes release of chemical mediators -injured cells, histamine, prostaglandins, and phagocytes- into the extracellular/ interstitial fluids. These mediators cause vasodilatation which increases blood flow to the area. Outward signs of “congestion” are signaled by the redness and heat of inflammation. Within this congestion, capillaries become more permeable to pressure gradients by increased fluid content. This allows healing chemicals, cells, clotting factors, and antibodies to flow freely to and from the injury.
The following Western Medical conditions of the circulatory system that affect the way the heart can propel the blood to the cells includes conditions affecting the layers of the arteries and veins, such as:
ARTERIOsclerosis (what we know as “hardening of the arteries)
ATHEROsclerosis (deposits of lipids within the walls of the vessels which causes narrowing of the vessel opening- tends to target the aorta, the arteries leading to the brain, the lower legs, and the kidneys.)
Conditions of the walls, themselves:
Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease (decreased diameter of peripheral arteries
caused by deposits, constriction, or inflammation)
Peripheral Vascular Disease (inflammation, clots, or loss of valve tone in the veins.)
Keeping vessels supple and their lumens (openings) smooth is a major component in preventing vascular disease. Blood clotting prevents excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. During injury, platelets and blood proteins cover the injury by forming a clot to protect the site. Most of the time, your body dissolves the clot after the injury heals. Sometimes clots form inside vessels without injury and do not dissolve. Clots can form within arteries or veins. Arterial clots restrict flow of oxygenated blood to the tissues. Arterial clots are usually associated with atherosclerosis- narrowing of the vessel by deposits within the vessel walls. These clots are formed when the arterial pulse is continually forced through the narrowing of an atherosclerotic (deposit filled) vessel wall. The high pressure can cause the plaque deposit to rupture. Chemicals released during this rupture can cause a clotting situation that can lead to a stroke in the brain, or a heart attack. When a clot blocks the blood supply to a vital organ, oxygen and nutrients are deprived and the organ can have lasting damage due to deprivation. Clot formation can also occur when inner vessel walls are not smooth. Platelets sense injury or roughness and cling to the area to heal it. As more platelets come along, they cling to the area as well. A cascade of chemical reactions can occur that seals off the vessel.
Clots can also occur in veins. Because of the vein’s low pressure, clot formation is not as rapid; however, in time it can restrict the return of blood to the heart, cause pain and swelling as the blood backs up behind the clot. Deep vein thrombosis forms in a major vein of the leg or other large vein. Clots like this can detach, travel to the heart and lungs and become lodged preventing blood flow. This can become life threatening.
As we age, we lose collagen and elastin in the internal layers of the skin
and our vessels become more prominent- more easily damaged.
Inflammation is a major cause of aging. As a matter of fact, David Winston -[ADAPTOGENS Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief] talks about “Inflamm-aging,” the fact that as we age inflammatory levels increase.
Microscopic vasculitis – that which is not obviously apparent, is occurring at a younger age than first thought. We may think that Circulatory conditions are the result of aging;
however, what if aging is the result of Circulatory conditions?
If you know that vascular conditions are a part of your family history; you are looking at your own future. If you are twenty years old, and your grandfather has “hardening of the arteries,” you probably have the beginning of that condition too. “It’s all in the family.” Looking at your family, you can assess how aging will affect you. If you take steps now to keep your vessels clear, you can head off life threatening vascular/circulatory conditions. Lifestyle adjustments can go a long way to change what could be your future. Don’t wait to be diagnosed.
start now to work preventative measures into your life.
HELPFUL HERBS
Herbalists do not write prescriptions for “conditions;” they make recommendations based on your particular body and tissue type. Just as each person is not a carbon copy of his friends; everyone who is 50 years old coming to a consult with vascular symptoms may not need the same intervention. Recommendations will depend on your particular body and tissue type. Family history will play a roll, as well. Because each person is so individual, I recommend that you see a qualified herbalist who can determine what herbs will best help your particular conditions. Often, your herbalist can recommend an herbal formula constituted especially for you.
The following herbs are often recommended to keep vessels supple and the intima (innermost layer) clear:
Cardiotonics have a beneficial action on the blood vessels but contain no cardiac glycosides.
Can facilitate changes in both cardiac pattern and volume.
Garlic, Hawthorn, Linden flower, Cramp bark, Yarrow, Ginkgo, American ginseng, Amla, Ashwagandha, Asian ginseng, Astragalus, Cordyceps, Eluthero, Jiaogulan, Reishi, Maral root, Rhodiola, Schisandra, and Motherwort.
Vascular Tonics: Nourish and tone tissues of arteries and veins.
Hawthorn, Linden flower, Ginkgo, Yarrow, Horse Chestnut,
White Oak bark, Prickly ash, Lycium and Angelica.
Hypotensives: Lower elevated blood pressure.
Hawthorn, Linden flower, Yarrow, Cramp bark, Valerian, Astragalus, Cordyceps,
Holy basil, Jiaogulan, Reishi, Schisandra, and Skullcap.
Diuretics: Reduce fluid build-up within tissues; overcome decreased renal blood flow accompanying hypertension.
Yarrow, Hawthorn, Linden flower.
Circulatory Stimulants: Increase peripheral circulation.
Prickly ash, Ginkgo, Ginger.
Nervines: Help with accompanying nervous tension and anxiety. Most nervines have an antispasmodic effect.
Linden flower, Cramp bark, Lemon balm.
Antispasmodics: Ease peripheral resistance by relaxing tunica media (muscular layer) of the vessels.
Cramp bark, Hawthorn, Linden flower, Ginkgo.
Peripheral Vasodilators: Lessen resistance within the peripheral vessels,
increasing total system volume and lowering vascular pressures.
Ginkgo, Yarrow, Garlic.
Cholesterol Reducing: Reduces serum cholesterol [and triglycerides].
Garlic, Guggul, Capsaisin (Cayenne), Fenugreek, Caraway, Ligustrum, Meniran, American ginseng, Amla, Asian ginseng,Cordyceps, Eluthero, He shou wu, Holy basil, Jiaogulan, Licorice,
Lycium, Reishi, Maral root, Rhodiola, and Shilajit.
Anti-Platelet: Inhibits unnecessary clotting within vessels.
Garlic, Reishi.
Anti-Inflammatory: Horse chestnut, Amla, Ashwagandha, Asian ginseng, Cordyceps, Eluthero, Guduchi, Holy basil, Jiaogulan, Licorice, Reishi, Rhodiola, Schisandra, and Shilajit.
Keeping your vessels healthy means that you are constantly conditioning yourself by utilizing healthy lifestyle choices: avoid alcohol, tobacco and caffeine; incorporate stress relieving techniques; move your body- get up and get out!; eat food your body appreciates and can utilize for best health; use supplements that add to your cardiovascular future.
LIFE STYLES Don’t wait until you have been diagnosed with Cardiovascular disease. Look over the following habits, and change what you can now. You don’t have to become debilitated as you age. Act now.
WEIGHT: Reducing your weight can be a big part of your healthy future.
Sometimes hypertension can be controlled by weight loss, alone.
RELAXATION: We are a nation of chemically digitalized robots. We take chemical medications for everything.
Just because someone writes you a prescription, does not mean that the chemical will be good for YOU.
Do you know how to relax? Do you incorporate relaxation and “down time” into your everyday?
You may suffer from chronic anxiety. Anxiety is engendered from within.
Controlling your response to anxiety is crucial.
What are your triggers?
This seems simplistic, however each time you react to anxiety, your vasculature tenses, blood pressures fall or rise,
and full oxygenation of the blood is forestalled.
Anxiety is not only emotional, but also physical.
Remember: Body, Mind and Spirit. Chronic anxiety crushes the spirit.
Provide visual proof to yourself:
Sit down and write a list of your anxiety triggers. Sometimes you can reprogram your response to triggers by utilizing exercise, self-hypnosis, massage, meditation, supportive relationships, or pre-learned relaxation techniques.
You cannot always change what is happening with family or your surroundings but you CAN change your responses. The secret to change is to practice beforehand- don’t wait until the next episode.
Find your special “anxiety escape” and practice.
EXERCISE: Enjoy movement. “Get up and get out.”
Find an aerobic movement that you enjoy and try to do it daily.
TOBACCO use, whether by smoking or dipping is harmful to the cardiovascular system.
Direct links to high blood pressure and “stiffening of the arterial walls” have been proven by medical studies.
Trends have increased for dipping since “non-smoking” rules have taken effect. Kids think it’s neat to dip.
“My dad does it; I want to be like him. My grandpa always dipped.”
Scientifically speaking, “nicotine is lethal to all animal life; it is commonly used as a horticultural insecticide.
Tobacco use is often the cause for stroke, blood vessel disease, and sudden cardiac death.
Smoking is also the most important factor for atherosclerosis of the arteries in the legs.”
Young children exposed to parental smoke have more incidents of lung and ear infections.
Secondary smoke has a negative effect on their blood vessels, as well.
Want to lessen your cardiovascular stressors? Stop using tobacco in any form!
ALCOHOL consumption- in small amounts- has been shown to benefit the cardiovascular system
due to its dilatory effect on the vessels. So, one drink per day could be healthy for you.
However, alcohol abuse contributes to heart disease. More than three drinks per day – on any day- can raise blood pressure. Binge drinking (sporadic heavy drinking-even though you abstain between “binges”) can lead to stroke.
DIET AND SUPPLEMENTATION
WATER: Drink at least two pints per day.
SALT: Sodium in the Western diet is about 15 times that needed by our bodies.
Salt causes water retention, which raises the pressures of the blood. Eating foods that you cook can control the amount of salt you ingest.
Eliminate processed pre-packaged foods and cook for yourself.
Veggies taste so much better.
POTASSIUM: and Sodium are constantly moving toward balance in the body.
Raising potassium lowers sodium.
Eating potassium rich foods like bananas, dried apricots, orange juice and potatoes
keeps potassium within normal range.
CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM: Supplementation affects the tone of the vascular walls
inviting relaxation and a hypotensive effect.
Foods high in Calcium are Dark green leafy veggies, Low fat Milk – fortified coconut, soy, almond milks; Lowfat cheeses, especially mozzarella; Almonds, and Okra.
We are told that we are a magnesium starved nation.
Foods high in magnesium are squash and pumpkin seeds; sesame seeds, brazil nuts (four of these a day will take care of your Mg. requirements) almonds, cashews, pine nuts, peanuts, pecans, and walnuts.
SUGAR: Concentrations of sugar in the blood raises sodium levels.
Remember, where salt is- so is the water.
Water retention raises blood pressure.
Sugar also affects the hormonal stress response generated by the adrenal cortex.
One of these effects is production of the hormone cortisol which causes fat deposits in the abdomen.
Excess tummy fat is a cardiovascular stressor.
CAFFEINE: Contained in tea, coffee, cola, and “5 hour Booster” drinks, caffeine stimulates the vessels.
To relax tension in your vessels; limit consumption.
FATS: Excessive consumption of saturated (meat) fats has a direct correlation to hypertension.
Consuming more polyunsaturated than saturated fats helps normalize blood pressure.
Cutting meat from your diet- starting with on day per week significantly reduces effects of aging on blood vessels.
MEAT: If you are hypertensive, eliminate meat from your diet –
especially red meat. Be kind to your blood vessels.
In conclusion, I hope you see that the circulation, which goes around and comes around, touches every part of you.
It nourishes, cleans, oxygenates, and provides energy from your head to your toes.
You feel the benefits of your circulation all the time.
If it malfunctions, you can feel it all over your body.
I usually provide a list of herbs for you to see that there is help for you with these conditions.
You may not understand how to use the herbs I name- That’s OK. I want you to seek help with this.
The difference between Western Medicalism and Western Herbalism is that your physician treats your “conditions;” your Herbalist treats you.
Find a good Herbalist and let them formulate a treatment plan especially for YOU.
You are specific and special.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
ADAPTOGENS Herbs for Strength and Stamina
David Winston and Steven Maimes
MEDICAL HERBALISM THE SCIENCE AND PRACTICE OF HERBAL MEDICINE
David Hoffmann