Are your hands and or feet always cold, despite the fact that we live here in the tropics? It is one thing to have cold extremities in the chilly winter months, but here in Florida having your feet and hands cold isn't normal or healthy.

Lack of circulation is always the cause for missing warmth in any area of the body, but the question becomes, why is this happening and how do you correct it?

When cold your body automatically takes blood from the extremities and limbs so that it can keep the most important part of your body warm - your core. This is where all of your internal organs are housed.

While dressing warmer or in layers to start your day, peeling off as you go while the temperature rises can help, addressing the issue from the inside out is the most effective, practical and more permanent solution.

Here are some ideas to warm you:

1. Chiropractic - Getting adjusted and putting your body back in alignment allows nerves and blood vessels the most direct and open pathways so that they can flow easily and naturally with no abnormal blockages.

2. In traditional Chinese medicine it was considered essential to eat warming foods to boost the immune system. Ginger, Cayenne, Curries, and Garlic added to food are a great way to warm up.

3. Hawthorn - This is one of the most effective herbal tonics for circulation. It is also used to help regulate blood pressure.  160mg three times a day for the standard extract is recommended.

4. Ginkgo Biloba is useful for stimulating the outer edge circulation helping cold hands and feet. Hawthorn and ginkgo may be combined to take as a tea or tincture blend but check with an herbalist if you are already on any medication. Try 120 to 160 mg of standardized extract three times a day.

5. Essential oils - Juniper, ginger, eucalyptus, clove, and oregano are all warming and stimulating to the circulation and will also help boost immunity.  Add a few drops of each to a vegetable base oil and massage into the skin to create feelings of warmth and to relieve aches and pains.

6. Exercise can improve your circulation by helping smaller blood vessels develop, which can bypass any blockages. Consider also reducing or avoiding caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, soft drinks, painkillers, etc.) because it constricts blood vessels.

7. Likewise a regular dry, or if you have access to one far infrared sauna can help warm you up while removing toxins that can contribute to poor circulation. When you can, practice some form of stress control like biofeedback or meditation. Reflexology, massage therapy, shiatsu, physiotherapy, and different forms of chiropractic and acupuncture could all be helpful.

8. Do you smoke? Smoking constricts blood vessels - those who quit have better circulation return.

9. Reynaud’s disease - Cold hands and feet can sometimes be indicative of Reynaud’s disease. Reynaud’s is an inherited autoimmune condition affecting between 3% to 20% of the adult population. It can develop at any age and affects mostly women. Your chiropractor can also help you diagnose or rule this out.

10. Breathe for warmth - The Buteyko method of breathing is a simple breathing exercise which can help improve circulation within 2-3 minutes. How to: Sit in a chair, spine straight and relax your entire body. Start by taking a smaller (about 10% less) breath than normal. As you exhale relax all your muscles, especially those in the upper chest and other breathing muscles. Take another (smaller) breath and again completely relax. Repeat for 2-3 minutes and your hands and feet should warm.

11. Acupuncture with Moksha - adding to traditional acupuncture moksha (a lit incense like stick) is placed near the end of the needle. Heat is transferred through the needle into the meridian of the body specified. It can help to warm the areas and free up stuck energy allowing circulation to return and flow.

If you have cold hands and or feet don't just live with it, give us a call at Nutrition Specialists of Florida | Chiropractor Bonita Springs - Dr. Gary Gendron. 239-947-1177 or visit us online by going to www.chiropractorbonitasprings.com