Many types of ‘circulation problems’ can be relieved by acupuncture. Poor circulation and cold hands and feet, for instance due to Raynaud's Disease (J Intern Med.1997 Feb;241(2):119-24) or Buerger's Disease (IJPMR 2009 20(2) 64-66) may be relieved. I have had some success with treating chronic venous leg ulcers, as have others (Acupunct Med 2003;21:150-152 doi:10.1136/aim.21.4.150), and Jorge Vas in Spain is now carrying out a formal trial (http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/8/29).

 

Acupuncture and nNEAP have been shown to be of value in the treatment of high blood pressure, angina and strokes (Acupuncture in Medicine (1993) May:11 (1) 29-31, Acupuncture in Medicine (1995) 13 (2) 81-83).  Myofascial trigger points in the muscles of the chest wall may mimic the pain of angina and these can be relievd by gentle manipulative approaches or by trigger point needling. 

 

In my experience the pain and aching of varicose veins can usually be helped but  Acupuncture does not seem to improve the look of  the varicosities.

 

'Restless legs syndrome' is often thought to be caused by poor circulation, but it may also be interpreted as a musculo-skeletal problem (a problem lying in the lower back).  It usually responds well to a specific type of very gentle manipulation. 75% of patients will be at least 75% better within 3 treatments. If this doesn't work then acupuncture often helps, since many sufferers also have 'trigger points' in the muscles of the thighs. Please read the extensive section on this restless legs syndrome.