In our body there are about 12,000 km of blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries). Together with the heart, they make up the circulatory system. This network of vessels carries blood to every corner of the body. When blood circulation is poor, blood flow slows down or becomes blocked. This means that the cells in the body cannot get all the oxygen and nutrients they need.

When the limbs cannot get enough blood, the hands or feet may feel cold or numb. Poor circulation can dry out the skin, make the nails brittle and make the hair fall out. Some men may have trouble getting or maintaining an erection. In the case of people with diabetes, scratches or wounds tend to heal more slowly.

Nicotine is the active ingredient in cigarettes/electronic cigarettes and can injure the walls of the arteries and thicken the blood so much that it cannot pass through. If you smoke, quit. It can be hard, but there are helpful solutions in pharmacies or at the physician.

If the blood pressure is too high, it can cause arteriosclerosis, a condition that strengthens the arteries and can block blood flow. Blood pressure is checked at least once a month.

The blood is about half water. So you have to be hydrated to keep the blood moving. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day and increase the amount if you exercise or is hot outside.

Sitting for many hours is not great for circulation or the back. Prolonged sitting weakens the leg muscles and slows blood flow in the legs, which could cause the formation of a blood clot. A desk you can use while standing is a solution for better circulation.

Yoga exercises are light exercises that can increase blood flow. When you move -you bring oxygen into your cells, when you twist-you send the blood to the organs, when you sit in upside down positions-you send the blood from the bottom half of the body to the heart and brain.

When your ankles or feet swell, lift them up against a wall. This is an easy way to send blood back to the heart.

Sports means "oxygen". So when you run, ride a bike, walk and swim or do other physical exercise, more oxygen gets into your muscles. Secondarily, the blood is better pumped, the heart becomes stronger and the blood pressure decreases. Set yourself a goal to exercise, daily, at least for 30 minutes. If you choose to walk, walk fast. Squats help both to pump blood and lower blood sugar. The legs should be at the level of the shoulders and bend up to 90 degrees simultaneously with the stretching of the arms in front.

Compression stockings put a little pressure on the legs, so that the blood returns back to the heart . Seek medical advice for choosing the length and degree of pressure required

There is no downside to a balanced diet. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Stay away from saturated fat, which can be found in red meat, chicken, cheese and other products of animal origin. Watch out for too much salt. This helps maintain weight in a healthy range, but cholesterol, blood pressure and arteries are also kept under control.

Send the blood in the right direction with the help of a body brush with stiff and flat bristles. Start with your legs and brush up, using long movements. Repeat on your arms. Make circles on the belly and lower back. Dry brushing also helps eliminate dead skin. Brush every day before showering.

It's a temporary remedy, but a bath is a great way to start the circulation. Warm water causes arteries and veins to dilate, leaving more blood to pass through them. A hot tea also helps circulation.