Circulatory systems occur in all living things, from earth worms to mammals. As humans, our complex system of blood vessels is attached to the blood-pumping heart, which is responsible for keeping the blood flowing in the right directions. We all know we need air to breathe, and that's because every cell in our bodies need that oxygen, too. The circulatory system is the responsible party; oxygen travels through the blood stream via the arteries, delivered to all of the organs, tissues, and cells by way of vessels and capillaries, and then the deoxygenated blood goes back to the heart, through the veins, to grab some more. Some people, though, have poor circulation, which means that either the blood isn't delivering enough oxygen to some extremities, or it isn't getting there at all.

Causes of poor circulation range widely, but one of the main reasons is that there is an obstruction that just won't let the oxygen through. Think about this: have you ever woken from a deep slumber and realized your hand has been under your head? As you come back to consciousness, the numbness in your hand gives way to tingling, like pins and needles. This is because the pressure you had on your hand prevented the blood from getting to your fingers. As the pressure lets up and the blood flows freely once more, a sensation of tingling occurs; this is the blood finally getting back in. For some people, there fingers, toes, even their legs, always have this problem.

Poor circulation usually happens in the elderly, and can mostly be attributed to hardened arteries that supply blood to the legs. For these people, there are oral medications that can help break up the cholesterol clogs on the artery walls and restore blood flow. Other people, diabetics in particular, tend to always have cold feet and hands. This is because the circulatory system, in its delivery of blood, is also what makes sure the temperature stays constant. And when the blood does not get the whole way to where it has to go, the pinkish color of healthy, blood rich skin gives way to a blue tinge. This is a sure sign of poor circulation. For those people who have continuously bluish colored lips, fingertips, and toes, it means that poor circulation is probably the result of the heart not being strong enough to pump the blood hard enough.

Poor circulation, as with any health issue, should be investigated by your personal doctor. Don't neglect your health or put off this much-needed visit.

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