We know that “the life of the flesh is in the blood.” Leviticus 17:11. “In order to have good health, we must have good blood; for the blood is the current of life. It repairs waste and nourishes the body. When supplied with the proper food elements and when cleansed and vitalized by contact with pure air, it carries life and vigor to every part of the system. The more perfect the circulation, the better will this work be accomplished.” The Ministry of Healing, 271. Because of this, we must do everything possible to produce good blood and not do anything that will hinder circulation.
Hindrances to Healthy Circulation:
- Excess fat in the diet and therefore in the blood causes the blood cells to become sticky and clump together. This interferes with the ability of the red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body and encourages them to block blood vessels, especially small vessels and capillaries that are the most affected. See Healthful Living, 67.
- Sugar also thickens the blood, clogs the system, and hinders oxygen levels. See Testimonies, vol. 2, 369, 370.
- Overeating puts a very heavy load on the stomach, robs the body of oxygen in order that the heavy load can be digested, and then further comprises oxygen levels as the heavy load of digested food enters the blood circulation. See Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 51.
- A sedentary life lessens circulation, endangering abundant health. Exercise and fresh air both stimulate the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, bringing much needed oxygen, nutrition and life to every cell in the body. See Testimonies, vol. 1, 562.
- Poorly clad extremities interfere with good circulation. “Perfect health depends upon perfect circulation. … When the extremities, which are remote from the vital organs, are not properly clad, the blood is driven to the head, causing headache or nosebleed; or there is a sense of fullness about the chest.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 531.
- Lack of trust in God and a sense of freedom from wrong. “If the mind is free and happy, under a consciousness of rightdoing and a sense of satisfaction in causing happiness to others, it will create a cheerfulness that will react upon the whole system, causing a freer circulation of the blood and a toning up of the entire body. The blessing of God is a healer, and those who are abundant in benefiting others will realize that wondrous blessing in their hearts and lives.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 60, 61.
- Anything that hinders full, pure respiration hinders circulation. This could range from lack of deep breathing, poor posture, tight clothing, inhibition or damage to the lungs from smoking, air pollution, un-hygienic surroundings, or poor ventilation in buildings. See Child Guidance, 363, 364, 425; Healthful Living, 171–173.
“Thus an insufficient supply of oxygen is received. The blood moves sluggishly. The waste, poisonous matter, which should be thrown off in the exhalations from the lungs, is retained, and the blood becomes impure. Not only the lungs, but the stomach, liver, and brain are affected. The skin becomes sallow, digestion is retarded; the heart is depressed; the brain is clouded; the thoughts are confused; gloom settles upon the spirits; the whole system becomes depressed and inactive, and peculiarly susceptible to disease.” The Ministry of Healing, 273. In order to have health, we must work with our bodies to provide, not hinder, perfect circulation.