The Science of Compression Therapy

biohackingThe Science of Compression Therapystress reductionrelaxationimproved sleep
Written By Jesse Moreng

Author: Dr. Julia Marie, NMD

How Compression Therapy works²:

Compression therapy uses consistent pressure created by air inflating the Normatec Device to apply pressure to the arms, legs or hips, depending on the device used. The Normatec segmentally compresses from the hands or legs, up to the torso to increase the flow of blood and lymph to heart.

By pumping blood from the arteries, veins and lymph systems straight to the heart, the body can efficiently recycle toxins, accumulated fluid and cellular debris to be released by the urine or stool. Massages and compression stockings or compression socks aim to achieve a similar goal, but much less efficiently³. In the context of disease, compression therapy is also highly effective in supporting diseases related to the veins and lymph system.  When your body is supported in the way it needs to be, it knows how to respond.

The picture to the right shows how the compression therapy actually assists in pumping the blood, lymph and relaxing the muscles through contractive relaxation.

Subjective benefits of compression therapy:

Although the following are not “research based”, the following subjective benefits have been consistently held as true in the Optimyze community:

  • Provides a feeling of “grounding energy”

  • Deeply relaxing

  • Alleviates headaches and physical/emotional tension in the body

  • Gets people more in tune with their bodies and less in their head

  • Stress reduction

  • Improved sleep

  • More aware of the tightness, soreness, lack of flexibility or emotions they are holding in their body

  • Supports gut related symptoms such as bloating, fullness, tension in the stomach

Scientifically Proven Benefits of compression therapy²,³

  • Increased flexibility of muscle and joints

  • improved circulation of blood and lymph to vital organs

  • improved immune system

  • improves first-stage varicose veins

  • effective for management for lymphedema

  • decreases swelling and inflammation

  • faster recovery time for muscles, joints, organs

  • recycling cellular waste efficiently for gentle yet effective detox

  • reduces muscular pain and soreness, through recycling lactic acid and inflammatory markers

How to use Normatec to get the most out of your Optimyze session:

Here’s a sneak peek into the many ways you can use Normatec at optimyze, based off what our members love to do!

Most members start their Optimyze Session with compression therapy; they choose between the legs, hips, and arms Normatec devices depending on their needs that day, or a combination of two devices. For instance, if someone just completed a workout, a few hours of work or still have sore stiff legs from a previous activity, they will start with the leg compression therapy to unwind, get the blood and lymph moving, and relax into the session.

If members have a stiff back, tight hip flexors, gut related symptoms, or feeling emotional tension in the gut from a stressful day at work, they will try out the hip compression. Finally, for sore arms, shoulders, etc people will go for the arm compression. This is a grounding, peaceful, massage-like experience that supports people as they transition out of any sort of stress to a state in which the body can heal and prepare for the rest of the Optimyze therapies such as the sauna, hot tub, and of course, the icebath! Some even end their session on compression therapy if they want to leave extra relaxed for an easier wind down at night, or they will end with an icebath to leave relaxed, yet invigorated and alert.

The beauty of Optimyze is that there is powerful science behind each therapy, but you are able to mix, match and customize each one to the needs of your body on any given day, depending on your physical, mental and emotional needs. After all, we continue to see that truly tailored and holistic healing for each individual is optimally effective, so why not start here?

Dr. Julia Marie, NMD
Licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor
Emotional Breakthrough Specialist

Disclaimer: 

All information posted is merely for education and informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional or medical advice. Please consult with your Primary Care Physician if you have any concerns or questions. Should you decide to act upon any information on this website, you do so at your own risk.

 Resources:

Jesse Moreng
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